The EU’s collective response to the surge in refugees coming to Europe continues to shock for its combination of border abuses, inept crisis coordination and absent leadership, Amnesty International said today.

Gauri van Gulik, Deputy Europe Director at Amnesty International, said:

“Europe as a whole is facing its biggest test of humanity in decades, and so far European leaders are failing miserably. The crisis is not people coming to Europe, the crisis is Europe’s woefully inadequate response. Our message to European leaders is clear and consistent – live up to your international obligations to protect those who need it.

“No more fences and razor wire. No more tear gas and stun grenades. No more forcing refugees to die in cramped, hellish conditions on perilous journeys.”

Amnesty has research teams on the ground monitoring the situation in Hungary and on the Greek island of Kos. Experts with in-depth knowledge about what is driving the crisis are also available in Brussels and London. To arrange an interview, please contact the press team: https://www.amnesty.org.uk/media-team