In response to announcements by the European Commission on priority actions on child migrant’s protection Iverna McGowan, Amnesty International’s Head of European Institutions Office said:
“Whilst the Commission’s efforts to increase protection for child refugees are welcome and much needed, they do not address the underlying flaws in the EU’s approach to migration that are putting children at risk in the first place.
“Just last month the European Commission pushed for allowing detention of children in EU countries which currently prohibit it. The failure to row back on this policy lays bare the Commission’s incoherent approach to the most vulnerable.
“The lack of safe and legal routes forces minors on dangerous journeys exposing them to violence, exploitation and injury. Children stranded on the Greek islands are living in appalling conditions without access to health care, education or proper housing.”
For more information or to arrange an interview contact Elizabeth Berton-Hunter, Media Relations 416-363-9933 ext 332 bberton-hunter@amnesty.ca
For Amnesty International’s response to the EC’s http://www.amnesty.eu/content/assets/EU_Action_Plan_Returns_NEW_FLASH_FINAL(1).pdf
