Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Make asylum fair, not fast:
Immigration & Asylaum
Ruud Lubbers
"We need to step back from the notion that Europe is being flooded with asylum seekers. In 1992, around 680,000 people claimed asylum in the 25 states that now make up the EU. Last year, the number was under 350,000. This is manageable, but still the crisis rhetoric continues - often fuelled by thinly disguised xenophobia and political opportunism.
Concern over illegal immigration, the poor integration of some migrant communities, and the fallout from September 11 is valid. But it should not be allowed to undermine Europe's commitment to human rights and refugee protection. I have learned during my time with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees that there is no quick fix to such complex global issues."
