A-Z: A for Asylum
321 views · Published 17 January 2013 · 2:42 · Indexed 21 September 2026
Channel: European Parliament · 2013 · News & Politics
Hi! Asylum is the protection a state grants to a person in danger in their country. Today, if someone wants to ask for asylum, they can do so in one EU country only. Countries on the external borders have to deal with the most requests. Each year thousands of people flee their country. One problem is that many people come to look for work. In 2011, the EU had 301,000 asylum applications. Up 42,000 in one year. Those who seek asylum to escape from war or dictatorship must first have their case looked at. They ask one Member State to protect them. What would you like to do in Belgium? I want to be like any normal person in the world. I want to live my life normally, like anyone. I'm still young, so I want to work. I want to learn. I want to make the best of my life. But for most asylum applicants, the journey ends at a detention centre as they've landed in the EU without authorisation. Like Sima. She's 21 and has fled from the Islamist regime in Iran. Did you ask for Belgium's protection? Yeah, exactly. There's some stuff I cannot talk about, because I have my family back home. I'm afraid for their safety. It's heartbreaking because you cannot do anything. I'm stuck. They call it a centre, they don't call it a prison, but you get that feeling. Closed centres are multiplying in the EU. The reception conditions aren't suited to young people, and yet more and more minors are being held. Because of lack of space, it's hard for them to find refuge in open reception centres. This is the story of Uzmanzai, a 17-year-old Afghan. First I went to Iran, from Iran to Turkey, from Turkey to Greece, from Greece to Italy, from Italy to France, and then here. I didn't know it was Belgium. When I came in I thought they would give me something to eat. And when I came in, they just took my fingerprints and then they sent me to Steenokkerzeel. In the end Uzmanzai found a place in a reception centre. He's waiting to be granted asylum. It's not guaranteed. On average, 75% are refused. For now, reception often leaves a lot to be desired and the EU would like to improve conditions. I think that from today we can imagine a Europe that we all want, with better management of asylum and liberties. New EU rules should improve conditions for asylum seekers. More flexibility for minors, more humane detention conditions, quicker access to employment. We'll see about that. See you soon for another A-Z. EuroparlTV video ID: cd9b6f4d-2167-4ba4-bf89-a148008de474
