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To claim that the EU is keener to stop refugees than help them is wrong To claim that the EU is keener to stop refugees than help them is wrong
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Paul Mason writes about illegal immigration into Spain – based on a report he presented for BBC Newsnight – under the headline: "The EU is ignoring the human rights abuses behind Morocco's razor wire" (2 September). This is not correct. The allocation of EU funds to Morocco (roughly €140m) is primarily designed to support social and democratic reforms in the country. This money, and how it is used, is approved by all the member states, including the UK.Paul Mason writes about illegal immigration into Spain – based on a report he presented for BBC Newsnight – under the headline: "The EU is ignoring the human rights abuses behind Morocco's razor wire" (2 September). This is not correct. The allocation of EU funds to Morocco (roughly €140m) is primarily designed to support social and democratic reforms in the country. This money, and how it is used, is approved by all the member states, including the UK.
We are mystified by Mason's claim that a "European commission spokesperson refused to specify the current amounts". My spokesman, in an email exchange with Mason's TV producer in April, denied that the payments were related to preventing immigration – stating that we are financing projects (in co-operation with local and international NGOs) to help improve the situation for migrants and ensure the protection of their rights.We are mystified by Mason's claim that a "European commission spokesperson refused to specify the current amounts". My spokesman, in an email exchange with Mason's TV producer in April, denied that the payments were related to preventing immigration – stating that we are financing projects (in co-operation with local and international NGOs) to help improve the situation for migrants and ensure the protection of their rights.
Furthermore, he told Mason's producer that, though we do assist Moroccan authorities in such things as border management, there are no fixed annual financial allocations for migration-related programmes, either for Morocco or any country. The exact amount depends on the quality and suitability of the proposals we receive.Furthermore, he told Mason's producer that, though we do assist Moroccan authorities in such things as border management, there are no fixed annual financial allocations for migration-related programmes, either for Morocco or any country. The exact amount depends on the quality and suitability of the proposals we receive.
Since June, the EU and Morocco have been working on projects to help the country improve its migration policy, through changes to its laws, and training of magistrates, border officers, police officers etc. In addition, in March and June of this year an EU delegation looked at human rights abuses suffered by migrants in Morocco to work on steps to end these.Since June, the EU and Morocco have been working on projects to help the country improve its migration policy, through changes to its laws, and training of magistrates, border officers, police officers etc. In addition, in March and June of this year an EU delegation looked at human rights abuses suffered by migrants in Morocco to work on steps to end these.
Mason says: "Two specific practices demand an answer from the EU … The first is the alleged return of boat people picked up in Spanish waters to Moroccan territory, which violates the right of asylum. The second is the dumping of migrants detained in Morocco in wasteland across the Algerian border, which is clearly illegal."Mason says: "Two specific practices demand an answer from the EU … The first is the alleged return of boat people picked up in Spanish waters to Moroccan territory, which violates the right of asylum. The second is the dumping of migrants detained in Morocco in wasteland across the Algerian border, which is clearly illegal."
If the first claim proves to be accurate, it could amount to a violation of EU and international law, and the European commission will make sure member states fully respect their obligations in this regard.If the first claim proves to be accurate, it could amount to a violation of EU and international law, and the European commission will make sure member states fully respect their obligations in this regard.
On the "dumping of migrants", the commission is aware of reports of such events. In its dialogue with Morocco, it has urged the need to respect migrants' rights; the recently concluded mobility partnership will also help us to tackle this issue.On the "dumping of migrants", the commission is aware of reports of such events. In its dialogue with Morocco, it has urged the need to respect migrants' rights; the recently concluded mobility partnership will also help us to tackle this issue.
The EU has long supported human rights organisations that keep a close eye on the national police and military in Morocco. Our EU delegation in Morocco is in regular contact with civil society organisations that work with sub-Saharan migrants; and migrants' rights are debated on a regular basis with Moroccan authorities.The EU has long supported human rights organisations that keep a close eye on the national police and military in Morocco. Our EU delegation in Morocco is in regular contact with civil society organisations that work with sub-Saharan migrants; and migrants' rights are debated on a regular basis with Moroccan authorities.
I am also encouraged by a recent report from the National Human Rights Council of Human Rights in Morocco on migration calling for significant changes in legislation and for a stronger national effort to tackle discrimination against migrants. I stand ready to support the implementation of this report's recommendations. The EU places great emphasis on human rights, especially those of refugees who are under such duress they are compelled to risk life and limb.I am also encouraged by a recent report from the National Human Rights Council of Human Rights in Morocco on migration calling for significant changes in legislation and for a stronger national effort to tackle discrimination against migrants. I stand ready to support the implementation of this report's recommendations. The EU places great emphasis on human rights, especially those of refugees who are under such duress they are compelled to risk life and limb.
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