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UNI Europa strongly supports Sharan Burrow and Luca Visentini’s article Governments across the world avoiding responsibility for refugees – Unions say refugees welcome, published today.

‘Europe must do better’ said Oliver Roethig, Regional Secretary of UNI Europa in light of the recent deal between the European Union and Turkey. ‘We denounce the failure of the EU to have an effective common policy on how to deal with the humanitarian crisis on our doorstep. The only common thing the EU has done is closing its doors to people in desperate need of a safe haven. UNI Europa calls on its affiliates and all Europeans to actively combat xenophobia and racism towards refugees as well as condemn government policies that disrespect the rights of refugees, including the closure of borders.’

Together with the ETUC, UNI Europa insists on a different narrative on migration in Europe: ‘Migrants and refugees will contribute much to the European economy and society. They will fill gaps and shortages in labour markets. Let us show, how only a European policy, based on coordination and solidarity among the EU institutions, governments, social partners and civil society, can overcome the refugee crisis, alleviate fears and anti-migration feelings. Trade unions say refugees welcome’, Oliver Roethig concluded.

UNI Europa and its affiliates have agreed a statement on a humanitarian response to the refugee crisis at the 4th UNI Europa Conference in March 2016. Read the full statement here