MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Brazil cautions Europe on the Immigration Pact

Brazil said the recent deision by Justice Ministers to support the European Pact on Immigration and Asylum reinforces a negative predisposition and allows forms of control that when applied “may probe arbitrary or contrary to human rights”.

South America's largest country and one of the world's leading emerging economies recalles that Brazil hosted millions of foreigners, mainly from Europe, with generosity and without discrimination. The official release from the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs points out that the the main points of the pact approved by EU Justice Ministers on Septbember 25 "address new restrictive norms regarding immigration". The decision follows up "on a worrying escalation of measures adopted within the European framework which, by purportedly fighting illegal immigration and encouraging regularization, reinforce a negative predisposition toward migration, generalize selection criteria and allow forms of control that, when applied, may prove arbitrary or contrary to human rights". "The Brazilian government reiterates the terms of the June 18 official release on the so-called European "Return Directive", which regretted the unfavorable perception on migration and noted its effects contrary to a desired reduction of hindrances to the free circulation of individuals and of a broader and lasting coexistence among the peoples. "Brazil, which has hosted millions of foreigners, mainly from Europe, with generosity and without discrimination, hopes that the EU countries, in deciding on the "Pact" at the European Council meeting to be held in October, may take into account their historical experiences and the benefits they have reaped from migration, thus avoiding initiatives that create new divisive factors among countries sending and receiving immigrants. "The Brazilian Government staunchly upholds the right to come and go and has been reinforcing its policy to support its nationals abroad. In line with this stance, it will increase the vigilance regarding measures in violation of universally accepted humanitarian and coexistence rules that may affect these individuals".