2020/279
2/3/2020
Rome – The International Federation for Rights and Development (IFRD) today called on Greece to stop using excessive force by confronting thousands of migrants pouring into its borders with Turkey to enter the European Union.
The Rome-based International Federation said in a press release that it was following with great concern the Greek security forces’ resort to force to repel the displaced refugees, including tear gas and live bullets.
The International Federation urged to calm down and reduce tension on the borders and to refrain from the use of excessive and disproportionate force, citing considerations that states have a legal right to control their borders and manage illegal movements.
Thousands of migrants and refugees poured into the Greek border at the end of the week after Turkey that it would not prevent their movement towards Europe. At the same time, the International Organization for Migration announced the gathering of thousands of migrants on the Turkish-Greek border, including families.
Greece announced on Sunday that about ten thousand people were prevented from crossing its borders following clashes between Greek police that used tear gas and the migrants who threw stones at its elements.
The International Federation expressed its regret over the death of a child off the coast of the Greek island of Lesbos after the sinking of a boat for migrants loaded with about 50 people, stressing that the incident reflects the terrible suffering of refugees on their way to Europe.
It also regretted that residents of the Greek island of Lesbos set fire to a former shelter center for immigrants near the beach of Skala Sycamenias after new immigrants arrived on the shore of Skala Sycamenias for fear that the center would reopen its doors.
In this context, it was observed that the Greek population prevented a boat carrying about fifty immigrants from landing and shouting at them, “Go back to Turkey,” which is the result of incitement practiced against the refugees and ignoring their internationally guaranteed rights.
The International Federation for Rights and Development (IFRD) concluded by stressing the necessity of Greece’s commitment to ensuring non-refoulement under customary international law, refraining from the use of excessive and disproportionate force and establishing a system that allows for an orderly asylum application.
