Statement – International Day of Refugees

On the occasion of International Refugees Day, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) expresses its solidarity with the millions of refugees who have fled their countries because of war, undemocratic regimes, extreme poverty and critical economic and environmental conditions and to find shelter in another country. ETUC calls on EU Member states to take their responsibility and agree at the European Council on  28-29 June to create a credible and fair asylum policy that meets its humanitarian and international obligations.  “Europe should pave the way in respecting and promoting human rights. Governments must change their narrative on migration and finally seek a shared vision and shared management of refugees and asylum seekers in Europe" said Luca Visentini, ETUC General Secretary. The ETUC and its members will continue to put people first and combat xenophobic and populist slogans that threaten Europe by poisoning the refugee crisis instead of solving it. Integration and inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers in the labour market on the basis of equal opportunities are at heart of trade union actions.