RIGHTS OF REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKERS

In particular, due to its geographical location, the region, which borders four European Union countries, is considered exclusively as a transit area on the way of illegal migrants to European countries in the currently operating channels of illegal migration and is a key region in which accumulation, formation of groups and their subsequent transfer across the state border take place. In particular, these individuals have characteristics characteristic of victims of human trafficking – lack of documents, restrictions during migration, rough treatment by transporters.

Tukhan Ediev



, program director of the Chernihiv Public Committee for the Protection of Human Rights, identified the main violations of the rights of asylum seekers that they face during detention and stay in temporary detention centers in Ukraine. These are, first of all, the use of physical force by law enforcement officers and border guards during detention, the lack of interpreters, the denial of the right to apply for asylum in Ukraine, the denial of the right to be present in court during the consideration of the case in court. Currently, the long-term process of reforming the migration service remains an urgent problem, which creates difficulties in direct work with refugees and asylum seekers in Ukraine.

It was also noted that recently the number of applications from foreigners for refugee status in Ukraine has decreased. The number of foreigners and stateless persons detained for violating the rules of stay in Ukraine and attempting to illegally cross the state border has also decreased significantly. This is explained by several factors, including the general decrease in the volume of illegal transit migration through Ukraine, the strengthening of security at the borders of the European Union, which repels the organizers of illegal migration from this direction, the decrease in the general demand for labor in European countries, etc.

Dmytro Plechko



, Senior Legal Advisor of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Ukraine, informed about the human rights situation in the main countries of origin of asylum seekers (Somalia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sudan) and the reasons that force people to leave their countries.

Vitaliy Vartsaba



, a representative of the Carpathian Region – NEEKA Foundation, noted that Ukrainian citizens also often become illegal migrants in the countries of the European Union. Thus, about 50% of detected illegal migrants in Poland are citizens of Ukraine.

In general, the seminar participants noted that current trends prove the following: Europe plans to continue to more strictly protect its borders and protect itself from unwanted guests, including Ukrainians. This means that the problem of illegal migration will only become more complicated from year to year.

The event was organized by the Chernihiv Public Committee for the Protection of Human Rights together with the Carpathian Region – NEEKA Foundation with the support of the Open Society Institute.