Please call the Greek authorities to stop the deportation of M. F to Turkey
A Syrian refugee (known as M.F.) at risk of forced return to Turkey, where his safety is not guaranteed, is currently in police custody on the Greek island of Lesvos.
TWEET GREEK AUTHORITIES
The Syrian man’s asylum claim was rejected by Greece yesterday, meaning he will be deported to Turkey under the EU-Turkey Agreement.
“The deal under which this man is due to be deported is both illegal and reckless, and that should be enough to put a stop to it. EU leaders are wilfully turning their backs on some of the world’s most vulnerable and traumatised people – including M.F. who is currently being held under police custody in Lesvos Police Station and could be deported at any time, said Amnesty International’s Europe and Central Asia Director John Dalhuisen.
The deal under which this man is due to be deported is both illegal and reckless, and that should be enough to put a stop to it. EU leaders are wilfully turning their backs on some of the world’s most vulnerable and traumatised people
John Dalhuisen, Europe and Central Asia Director
“Turkey is, understandably, struggling to host over three million refugees. Those returned there cannot be guaranteed access to a basic standard of living, and even Syrians are unable to secure permanent refugee status which can leave them in limbo for years.”
“We have documented appalling conditions for refugees in Turkey, including children as young as nine working to support families. It is unconscionable that the EU is prepared to export its responsibilities under international law and deliberately place M.F. – and those who will surely follow him – in harm’s way.”
EU Turkey Deal reckless and illegal
Amnesty International has today released a briefing debunking the myth that Turkey is a ‘safe country’ for refugees. The briefing, No safe refuge: Asylum-seekers and refugees denied effective protection in Turkey, details the short-comings in Turkey’s asylum system and the hardships refugees face there.