EUROVOC descriptor: immigration third country migratory movement political asylum refugee political refugee cooperation policy admission of aliens right of asylum financial aid

The EU is thus increasingly called upon to present a common vision on refugee policy issues at the international level and to develop common positions vis-à-vis international organizations.

Expresses its concern at the rebel offensive in N'Djamena, the capital of Chad, at the beginning of February 2008; highlights the importance of EU involvement in increasing diplomatic pressure for a ceasefire in Chad to protect beleaguered civilians and in supporting discussions aimed at peace and national reconciliation in that country; condemns the crackdown on political opponents in N'Djamena by the Chadian government after February's coup attempt; urges the Council to do its utmost to ensure freedom of the political opposition in Chad; underscores the gravity of the crisis concerning refugees and internally displaced persons (IDP ...[+++]s) in eastern Chad, where over 400 000 refugees and IDPs are being hosted in 12 camps along Chad's eastern border; welcomes the establishment of the peace-keeping mission European Union Force in the Republic of Chad and the Central African Republic (EUFOR TCHAD/RCA) and its vital objective of protecting refugees, IDPs and humanitarian personnel in this crisis region;

offer to networks linking non-governmental organisations which assist refugees and asylum seekers and which are present in at least 10 Member States structural support intended to facilitate exchanges of experience and sound practice and to ensure that the development of Community asylum policy and practice takes into account the experience gained by non-governmental organisations and the interests of refugees and asylum seekers;

- asylum policy, as is already the case under the European Refugee Fund[7] in order to support the development and implementation of a common European asylum policy based on solidarity between Member States and promote a balance in the efforts made by Member States in bearing the consequences of receiving refugees and displaced persons;

Opening up legal admission policies for labour migration will not completely prevent this, however, and they should be accompanied by both appropriate anti-smuggling measures and effective asylum adjudication systems which are capable of identifying refugees expeditiously and accurately thereby balancing refugee protection with immigration control.