(VOVworld) – The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Wednesday expressed concern over the new refugee policy between the European Union and Turkey allowing the Greek authorities to return all new arrivals to Turkey.

In March 2016, despite border restrictions in the Balkans, the influx of refugees and migrants to Idomeni, Greece, has continued. (Photo: UNICEF/UN012804/Georgiev)

UNHCR spokesperson Melissa Fleming emphasized that the UN agency was not a party to the EU-Turkey deal, nor will it be involved in returns or detentions. However, she said the agency will continue to assist the Greek authorities to develop an adequate reception capacity, to carry out protection monitoring and to ensure that refugee and human rights standards are upheld. Farhan Haq, Deputy spokesman for the UN secretary-general, said the EU and Turkey, which became effective on March 20, will need more proper conditions to protect refugees who will leave Greece.