On World Refugee Day on June 20, we call on European leaders to ensure that the right to seek asylum in Europe is upheld through an improved asylum system that puts human rights at the heart of it.

This starts with ensuring refugees have safe and legal pathways to protection, dignified reception conditions and good integration in the host country. It writes Caritas Europe in a statement.

Globally, more than 108 million people were displaced in 2022 due to war, persecution, drought and floods. This is a grim record that includes, among others, more than eight million fleeing the war in Ukraine. More than 4.4 million Venezuelans who have left the country due to the combination of political, socio-economic and humanitarian crises. And more than 1.3 million Congolese who have crossed the border into other African countries, while 6.2 million are internally displaced due to attacks by armed groups. Last year, most asylum applications to the EU came from Syrians and Afghans .

Forced to flee

Fleeing and leaving everything behind is often not a choice, but the only option for a safe future. It is therefore not surprising that the UN theme for this year’s World Refugee Day is “Hope away from home”. But reaching safety often means embarking on a dangerous journey. For hundreds of refugees, the recent tragedy in the Mediterranean Sea ended fatally when the overcrowded boat they were on capsized off the coast of Greece.

Despite such tragedies, the UN estimates that hundreds of thousands more will attempt to cross the same sea in 2023. This worries us, and should be a wake-up call for those who will decide on the reform of the EU asylum system. We have no time to lose. It is urgent to guarantee refugees safe and legal pathways to protection, such as humanitarian visas or by accepting more quota refugees. In addition, an end must be put to the use of violence and so-called pushbacks.

Fears more detention

We call on European governments to uphold the right of refugees to cross borders and seek asylum in Europe. In the context of the reform of the EU asylum system, attempts are unfortunately being made to remove this right. If they have their way, people in need of protection will not go further than the border areas while their asylum applications are processed and any rejections are dealt with with swift return.

Caritas fears that this will lead to widespread detention and overcrowded camps at the EU's external border, as we have seen before with the undignified reception conditions on the Greek islands, such as Moria .

Quota refugees – a good solution

The authorities in European countries must respect and comply with international refugee law by ensuring good asylum procedures and dignified reception conditions. We also expect greater ambitions when it comes to receiving quota refugees.

Reaching a country where you can claim asylum is just the first step on a long journey before you can fully participate and contribute to society in your host country. When Russia went to full-scale war in Ukraine, it triggered a Temporary Protection Directive. It showed that politicians can act quickly when the will is there. Now is the time to build on this solidarity and replicate good practice to ensure a dignified welcome, but also access to basic rights and services for all people in need of protection, regardless of their country of origin.