The Flemish refugee organisation, Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen, has expressed concern to the Minister for Asylum and Migration, Anneleen Van Bossuyt, about the European Commission’s proposal to send asylum seekers to so-called ‘safe third countries’.
In an open letter launched on World Refugee Day, the organisation compares this proposal to Australia’s island detention system, which they describe as costly and ineffective. Both systems result in human suffering, they argue.
Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen urges Minister Van Bossuyt to firmly oppose this proposal, in line with Belgium’s government agreement, which fundamentally recognises the right to asylum. The NGO also calls on citizens to support the right to asylum.
They warn that asylum seekers, including families with children, could be rejected without thorough assessment simply because Belgium has an agreement with a ‘safe third country’. This nation would be responsible for their care, protection, and possible return, irrespective of any connection to the asylum seekers.
The NGO likens the proposal to the failed British-Rwanda agreement, saying such models have led to human rights violations and substantial costs, without reducing asylum applications.
"We released this letter on World Refugee Day because this proposal threatens fundamental human rights," said Tine Claus, the director of Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen. "Minister Van Bossuyt called it a 'debate worth having', but there should be no debate over the right to asylum. It must always be defended."
Minister Van Bossuyt responded on Radio 1, stating that all proposed measures must be considered, as they are under government discussion. She acknowledged the current situation is untenable and stressed the existing concept of ‘safe third country’, adding that the EU is not known for violating human rights.
Van Bossuyt emphasised the importance of increased collaboration at the European level to tackle the enormous challenges, ensuring those in genuine need of protection receive it.
