Commissioner for Human Rights

Regarding the situation of refugees in the Mediterranean region, representatives of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI): Günther Kräuter Secretary-General of the IOI, Irena Lipowicz Regional President of the Institute for Europe and John Walters, Regional President of the Institute for Africa, called for action to find a solution to the current crisis.

In an open letter they pointed out that the nature and scale of the recent developments show that this problem cannot be solved by the countries directly concerned or some specific organisations alone. In their view, it is absolutely necessary to take comprehensive action. Therefore, they asked Ombudsmen, especially from Africa and Europe to encourage the authorities of their countries to take appropriate steps. Representatives of the Institute also called upon the European Union and the African Union to adopt extra measures that would help prevent tragedies such as those in the Mediterranean. In the opinion of the IOI, in the long term, it is necessary to conjointly advocate the observance of human rights for the full realization of human dignity. The Institute and all the members expressed their full readiness and support wherever it is needed to find a permanent solution for preventing risks and human rights violations.

Last week prof. Irena Lipowicz also spoke with Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Grzegorz Schetyna about the situation of refugees. Especially with reference to the possible arrival to our country of persecuted Christians from Syria.