Europe should lead by example by treating migrants and asylum seekers humanely and fairly and not betray respect for human rights, a principle that defined its identity, Nils Muižnieks, the Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights, said today.

Writing on his Facebook wall, Mr Muižnieks said:

“While the EU and African states were holding the Valletta Summit on Migration, European countries have adopted very worrying migration control measures which do not leave much room for optimism.

“Germany recently toughened its stance on migration and resumed the application of the Dublin Regulation to Syrian asylum seekers. This is a regrettable step because it could expose Syrians in need of protection, mostly children and women, to inadequate reception conditions and inefficient asylum procedures.

“Moreover, fences and border controls are becoming more and more widespread. After Hungary, Slovenia too has erected a razor-wire fence and a number of other countries, including Austria, Germany and Sweden, are reintroducing border controls and restrictions to free movement, a fundamental principle of the EU.

There is no doubt that managing migration is not an easy task, but EU member states must not use this difficulty as an excuse to trample on the obligation to protect those who flee war and persecution. To this end, EU countries have to understand that beggar-thy-neighbour migration policies, as well as an excessive focus on security over human rights, would be a mistake of historic proportions.

“The talks in Valletta should bring about a new era of improved migration policies, not the retreat of the EU into an imagined fortress.

“The temptation to outsource border controls to third countries with dubious human rights records should be resisted and replaced by cooperation agreements tied to the effective respect of human rights by its partners. Legal avenues for immigration and asylum should also be increased, as well as the means allocated to search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea.

“Europe should lead by example by treating migrants and asylum seekers humanely and fairly. Respecting human rights for all is a principle that defines our identity: the EU and its member states should not betray it,” Mr Muižnieks said.