19/06/2023 Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons
On the eve of World Refugee Day (20 June 2023), Theodoros Rousopoulos (Greece, EPP/CD), Chair of the PACE Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons, has made the following statement:
"Speaking at the Council of Europe’s fourth Summit, PACE President Tiny Kox underlined the importance of implementing its decisions. This implies the need to continue protecting victims and to respect the rights of migrants and refugees, as stated in the Reykjavik Declaration.
To give hope to refugees who are far from home, member States must promote and facilitate their effective integration into their host community, be it for a temporary or for a longer period, and tackle the discrimination they still face. The significant milestone of the Reykjavik Summit must translate into concrete action for the benefit of all - including migrants, refugees and displaced persons - as well as host countries.
The Reykjavik Summit reiterates the human rights norms and standards applicable in Europe. To commit to such standards, Europe must keep protecting refugees, whether they come from Europe or beyond. We must help these persons rebuild their lives, starting by treating them with dignity, and by promoting legal as well as practical solutions that may ensure a genuine integration process through law, education, work, and sport.
On World Refugee Day 2023, the Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons pays tribute to all refugees for their tremendous courage and their commitment to building a better future life, wherever they are."