More than 160 civil society organisations from across the EU have challenged heads of government to live up to their statements about human dignity by creating "sustainable, long-term migration policies".

The joint appeal brings together NGOs from across the civil society spectrum and comes weeks before the EU celebrates the 60th anniversary since the European project began with the signing of the Treaty of Rome. 

"Instead of countering the rise of xenophobic populists, Europe’s response has too often been to copy their recipes," the appeal chastises. 

"To this day, European nations are unwilling to respond in line with their obligations under international and European law, defaulting to responses that keep people far away and out of sight." 

The NGOs called on member states to prevent migration management concerns "from being hijacked and used to derail the European project," warning that if EU nations failed to do so, "countries around the globe will follow suit".

EU states could not push back refugees and leave others stranded while simultaneously expecting "countries like Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon" to host millions of refugees, they said. 

The NGOs urged governments to work together to: 

• expand safe and regular pathways to Europe 
• increase resettlement spaces 
• improve access to family reunification schemes and worker mobility.

"Strength doesn't mean turning away those most in need. Strength is about showing a way forward that upholds values," they said, adding that "only a Europe that defends the rights of everyone, without exception, is a Europe we can be proud of".