Amnesty slams European Union refugee policy

Leading human rights group Amnesty International has slammed the European Union over its stance on refugees, saying the policies do not protect the rights of asylum seekers.

The new Secretary General of Amnesty International in Germany, Markus Beeko, said the EU refugee policy primarily focuses on refugees control instead of the protection of the asylum seekers.

Referring to the controversial refugee agreement between the EU and Turkey, Beeko voiced concern over the "still very young asylum system" in Turkey, which in no way "matched" the number of those seeking protection.

He noted that many people are currently living in Turkey in unsafe conditions.

Europe is facing an unprecedented influx of refugees, who are fleeing conflict-ridden zones in North Africa and the Middle East, particularly Syria.

Many blame support by some Western countries for the militants operating in the Middle East for increased violence, which in turn forces the departure of more people from their home countries.

SS