World Refugee Day: South wind demands safe escape routes and family reunification

World Refugee Day: South wind demands safe escape routes and family reunification

Lesbos, Griechenland - on June 18, 2025, in the run -up to the World Refugee Day on June 20, the Austrian human rights organization Südwind emphasizes the urgent needs of refugees. In a press release, the organization calls for a fundamental change of course in asylum and migration policy. In particular, the need for solid recording conditions, decent accommodation and active social participation of refugees is pointed out. "Escape is a human right, not a crime," emphasizes Stefan Grasgruber-Kerl, head of campaign at Südwind and indicates that the federal government should rely on safe escape routes, integration and participation. The fight against the causes of flight requires a policy of climate justice and human rights, continues Grasgruber-Kerl.

A report by the UNHCR underlines the urgency of these demands: Over 120 million people are fleeing worldwide, 43 million of them as refugees outside their countries of origin. More and more refugees are looking for protection in neighboring countries in the global south, during access to asylum procedures, for example in Austria, considering it.

unacceptable conditions in Europe

A particularly worrying example of current EU migration policy is the refugee camp on Lesbos, especially the camp Moria Vastria, which was created after the demolished Camp Moria. This high -risk area is difficult to access for external observers and is shaped by high security measures, which makes control of NGOs and the media difficult. The defects in the infrastructure and the conditions there lead to a call for open, easily accessible accommodations and safe escape routes to the EU.

reports on the situation on Lesbos draw an alarming picture. The author of current reporting on the island describes her time as a volunteer in which she experienced an increasing tension. The participation of fascist groups in demonstrations and the attacks on refugees and volunteers illustrate a worrying trend. After the sudden opening of the borders to Türkiye, the island also experienced numerous fires in refugee camps, which further tightened the already critical situation. Particularly noteworthy is the fire in the Refugee Camp Stage 2, which was already closed at the time of the incident.

Right to family reunification

In addition, the efforts of the Austrian federal government to make family reunification for refugees are too restrictive. The long duration of the procedures and the high hurdles are not only politically controversial, they also violate the basic human right to family reunification. The protection of human rights is not negotiable, argues Südwind and warns of the domestic attacks on the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). These developments not only endanger the fundamental rights of refugees, but also the constitution of Austria.

In addition, it is required that refugees and migrants: inside pilot projects get more political say. Examples already show the social added value when migrants: inside are actively involved in political decision -making processes, which is also sought in cooperation with municipalities such as Graz and Lustenau.