In a rare move, the United Nations on Monday urged the European Union to stop transferring asylum-seekers to Hungary, criticising the country's new policy of holding men, women and children in containers.
UNCHR called on the EU to temporarily halt the transfer of asylum seekers under a complex EU rule known as the Dublin Regulation. This requires migrant to apply for asylum in the first country of the bloc that they enter, and to be returned there if necessary.
“The situation for asylum-seekers in Hungary, which was already of deep concern to UNHCR, has only got worse since the new law introducing mandatory detention for asylum-seekers came into effect,” said UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi.
"I urge States to suspend any Dublin transfer of asylum-seekers to this country until the Hungarian authorities bring their practices and policies in line with European and international law,” Grandi went on.
Since the new law entered into force on 28 March, new asylum-seekers, including children, are being detained in shipping containers "surrounded by high razor fences at the Hungarian border for the entire length of their asylum procedures," UNHCR said.
The government is currently holding 110 people, including four unaccompanied children and children with their families there, the agency said.
UNHCR warned last month that the new policy would "have a terrible physical and psychological impact on women, children and men who have already greatly suffered."
"Urgent measures are needed to improve access to asylum in Hungary," Grandi stated, adding that he was "encouraged" by the European Commission's decision to help the Hungarian authorities bring their practices in line with EU law.
Hungary built a fence along its 175-kilometre border in 2015 and UNHCR has repeatedly warned that Hungary's use of physical barriers and restrictive policies deny the access to asylum guaranteed under international law.
Grandi on Monday praised recent efforts by Hungarian authorities to address "highly disturbing" allegations of police violence at the border .
These unacceptable practices must be brought to an end," Grandi said.
"I urge the Hungarian authorities to further investigate any allegation of abuse and violence,” he added.
