From: "Hop Press Office" <press@greenmeps.org.uk>
Date sent: Mon, 1 Oct 2001 14:02:08 +0100

Asylum and Immigration debated in the European parliament

"We are dealing with people's lives, not just numbers"

The European parliament will tomorrow (Tuesday, 2 October) discuss two reports on asylum and immigration. Following a visit to the Sangatte refugee centre near Calais last week, Jean Lambert Green MEP for London called on members to remember that what is at stake is the lives of many innocent and oppressed people not just statistics. She also called on MEPs to vote for ensuring high common minimum standards for asylum seekers in the EU. She said:

"Visiting Sangatte and talking to the people there was a moving experience. These are the people who are treated and portrayed as criminals by the press and the government, when in fact they are simply normal people - many of them barely out of their teens - fleeing injustice and striving for a better life."

"While I congratulate the Red Cross on their incredible humanitarian work, it is now high time for governments to take action at all levels. When we in the European Parliament discuss asylum and immigration this week, let's remember that what we are dealing with is in fact people's lives, not just numbers. Our governments must think about what their actions mean for the individuals. Our current approach does not reflect our proclaimed values of freedom and democracy."

"Many refugees at Sangatte are from Afghanistan. Even before our government chose to back action against the Taliban, these people rejected totalitarianism to look for freedom. And we now expect them to go back?"

The European parliament will also debate the Commission's proposals for a common immigration policy. Speaking on behalf of the Greens/EFA during Tuesday's debate, Jean Lambert will say:

"Past migration policies have closed many doors on economic or demographic migration. For many people, as a result, the only way to enter the EU legally is through applying for asylum, which has put much unnecessary strain on our already overflowing asylum procedures. In order to ease this pressure, a sound common migration policy must be ensured."

"Under the current system, third country nationals in the EU are very vulnerable and their rights are far too limited. Lets not forget that these people who come to work in the EU are contributing to our society. It is not a one way traffic!"

ENDS