VIENNA, May 9 (Xinhua) -- Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on Thursday rejected criticism from the United Nations (UN) over his country's migration policy, in comments made to the Austria Press Agency.
A newly-released UN report based on observations made by experts last October brought up numerous alleged issues such as a lack of legal aid for asylum seekers in Austria, as well as a focus on speeding up asylum procedures and deportations.
It said there was no mutual respect shown from Austrian authorities to migrants, but rather mistrust.
In response, Kurz said his government "takes all criticism seriously, but as chancellor I will not allow for Austria to be badmouthed."
He said in comparison to other European countries Austria has made an "excellent contribution" to tackling the migrant crisis.
In addition,Austria has granted asylum to the highest number of people on a per-capita basis, he said, and called on the UN to "also examine the remaining 27 EU countries."
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet would then "quickly learn that few countries in the world have such high human rights standards and that we have more than fulfilled our obligations in tackling the migrant crisis," Kurz said.
