The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) on Thursdayraised alarmover Greeces decision to suspend the submission of asylum applications from people arriving by sea from North Africa, warning it risks breaching international law and undermining the countrys longstanding commitment to protecting those fleeing conflict and persecution.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees on Wednesday welcomed a key deal by members of the European Union (EU) to overhaul their joint migration system which promises a fresh and unified approach to deal with asylum claims.

Migration must be viewed as a core part of global development policy, not just a humanitarian response, says Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The move, currently being debated in the Greek Parliament, would halt asylum registration for three months and allow for the return of new arrivals without assessing their claims. It follows a recent rise in landings on the southern islands of Gavdos and Crete.

While acknowledging the strain of managing new arrivals,UNHCRsaid such measures must remain within the boundaries of international and European law.

States have the right to manage borders and address irregular migration, the agency said in a statement.Controlling a States borders, however, must be in line with international and European law.

A fundamental right

The right to seek asylum, UNHCR underscored, isa fundamental human right enshrined in international, European and national law and applies to everyone regardless of how or where they arrivein a country.

Even at times of migratory pressure, the statement continued, States must ensure that people seeking asylum have access to asylum procedures.

The proposed Greek legislation would deny asylum seekers the ability to lodge applications and instead provide for their return, prompting fears of so-called the forced return of individuals to countries where they may face threats to life or freedom.