OSCE human rights chief calls for human rights-based, co-operative response to Europe’s migration crisis

WARSAW, 1 September  2015 – Michael Georg Link, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), today called on countries in the OSCE  to work together towards a co-ordinated and sustainable response to the increased flow of migrants into Europe; one that takes into account obligations to all individuals, including asylum seekers and refugees.

“It is critical that we recognize that the obligation to respect human rights does not apply only to citizens of OSCE participating States, but to everyone, including migrants, asylum seekers and refugees,” said Director Link. “Strengthening barriers at our borders will not make this crisis go away, we must instead focus on providing dignified treatment and protecting the human rights of all people in need.”

In Helsinki in 1992, the OSCE participating States recognized the need for international co-operation in dealing with mass flows of refugees and committed to ensuring the protection of and assistance to refugees with the aim of finding durable solutions.

“The devastating discovery of 71 needless deaths near Vienna last week is yet one more indication that it is time for concerted action in dealing with this humanitarian crisis,” Director Link said. “We must demonstrate solidarity as a region and help lift the burden on those OSCE participating States that have been most severely affected by the current situation. ODIHR stands ready to assist participating States in fulfilling their commitments in this area.”