International human rights lawyer says 'EU member states are failing' in their obligations to refugees
Christina Velentza formerly worked for the Greek Asylum service in conjunction with the UNHCR
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A leading academic and legal advisor has said that EU member states 'are failing' to meet their obligations to refugees reaching the continent.
Christina Velentza, an academy fellow at Chatham House and human rights lawyer with the Athens Bar Association, described to The Independent how we are seeing more borders and detention centres but not enough protection.
In the video above, Mrs Velentza details how EU member states are not living up to their duties in respect of asylum and refugees.
Having previously been attached to the Greek Asylum Service in partnership with UNHCR, Mrs Velentez has worked on refugee status determination procedure and the assessment of claims for international protection.
Her comments come on the day that marks one year since Alan Kurdi's dead body washed up on a beach in Turkey.
Another to criticise the lack of action towards the refugee crisis today was Lord Alf Dubs, a former refugee himself having arrived in the UK after fleeing the Nazis.
Lord Dubs accused the government of "dragging its feet" and called on Theresa May to "take immediate action".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments