02 March 2017
02-03.03.2017, Ankara, Turkey
THE OMBUDSMAN MR. IDJET MEMETI PARTICIPATED IN THE FOURTH SYMPOSIUM ON OMBUDSMAN INSTITUTIONS ON MIGRATION AND REFUGEES
“The global refugee crisis is certainly one of the greatest humanitarian challenges faced by the international community today. The enormous migrant flux put at stake the principle of solidarity and the respect of the fundamental rights and freedoms of the refugees thereto. Republic of Macedonia, due to its geographical location is part of the so-called “Balkan route” and therefore a key transit link for those who want to reach the Western countries. The increased number of migrants who either transited or remained in the country during 2012, 2013 and 2014 were the initial indicators for the possibility of a larger influx of refugees, for which the authorities did not draw much attention”.
This was part of the speech delivered by the Ombudsman Mr. Idjet Memeti at the fourth Symposium on the Ombudsman institutions on “Migration and refugees”, which took place in Ankara, Turkey, organized by the Grand Assembly of Turkey and the Office of the Ombudsman of Turkey.
Namely, Mr. Memeti indicated that despite all the warnings addressed towards the authorities about the risks and the challenges that may follow, the lack of accountability and their irresponsible policies resulted Macedonia to be totally unprepared for the refugee crisis.
“Such behavior led to massive violations of the rights of migrants and refugees and posed direct risks for their safety and security of the state and its citizens”, stressed Memeti.
At the Symposium, the Ombudsmen of Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Russia and Indonesia shared their experience regarding the migrant/refugee crisis as well.