ROME (AP) 鈥 The U.N. refugee agency, which has expressed serious concerns about Italy鈥檚 deal to process some migrants鈥 asylum requests at holding centers in Albania, has agreed to monitor the first three months of the agreement.
UNHCR recalled that it wasn't a party to the , had maintained reservations about it and requested clarification about how it would be implemented. But the agency said in a statement on Wednesday that it had agreed to monitor its execution to help 鈥渟afeguard the rights and dignity of those subject to it.鈥
The agency said that it would counsel migrants about their right to seek asylum and ensure that the procedures used are 鈥渃onsistent with relevant international and regional human rights standards, are fair, and promote protection and solutions for those in need of international protection.鈥
The contentious five-year deal, , calls for Albania to house up to 3,000 male migrants at a time who have been rescued in international waters while Italy fast-tracks their asylum claims. It was supposed to have become operational this month, but construction delays at the two new detention centers in Albania put off the start date.
Italy鈥檚 right-wing government has as an important example of burden-sharing of Europe鈥檚 migrant responsibilities, while also serving as a deterrent to would-be refugees. The , which has long struggled with Europe's migrant debate, has endorsed it.
But human rights groups have denounced what they call Italy鈥檚 under international law to process the asylum requests of Italy-bound migrants rescued at sea.
UNHCR said that its monitoring mission would be funded by sources other than Italy and Albania to ensure it remains independent.
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