Refugees should not be turned into scapegoats following Paris attacks: UN agency

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Wednesday 18 Nov 2015 - 11:35 Makkah mean time-6-2-1437 Photo: UNHCR Geneva (IINA) – The UN refugee agency on Thursday expressed its shock and horror at the attacks in Paris and the killing of so many innocent people but warned against the scapegoating of refugees, in the wake of the deadly attacks, UN News Center reported. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), António Guterres conveyed his solidarity with the government and the people of France, as he did with the government of Lebanon, following the recent Beirut attacks. “We are deeply disturbed by language that demonizes refugees as a group. This is dangerous as it will contribute to xenophobia and fear. The security problems Europe faces are highly complex. Refugees should not be turned into scapegoats and must not become the secondary victims of these most tragic events,” said Melissa Fleming, UNHCR spokesperson at Tuesday’s Palais des Nations press briefing in Geneva. She cautioned against the reactions of some Member States to end the programs being put in place, backtracking from commitments made to manage the refugee crisis, such as relocation, or proposing the erection of more barriers. Meanwhile, Ms Fleming also expressed concern by the yet unconfirmed news that one of the Paris attackers may have entered Europe as part of the current influx of refugees and migrants. Ms. Fleming also stressed that many people are fleeing from extremism and terrorism “from the very people associated with the Paris attacks.” She also added that precarious conditions in countries of first asylum have also forced many to leave for Europe. Additionally, Ms. Fleming recalled that member states were urged to immediately put in place an effective reception, registration and screening mechanism immediately upon arrival of refugees and migrants, adding that eligible asylum-seekers must be provided protection and relocation services under the EU plan. The spokesperson reiterated that the security of societies and ensuring the integrity of asylum in Europe are objectives that are not incompatible and stressed that they are central to maintaining European core values and protecting the right to seek asylum. AB/IINA