UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations on Tuesday cautioned European leaders this may be the last chance to create a coherent response to end the suffering and exploitation of refugees and migrants as the European Union leaders were meeting in Brussels to discuss the ongoing crisis.

“This is a crisis of political will combined with lack of European unity that is resulting in management mayhem,” said UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres.

He pointed out “when in 1956, 200,000 Hungarians fled to Austria and Yugoslavia, not only were people properly received, but a relocation programme was quickly put into place and 140,000 people were relocated to other countries”.

“What was possible then should be possible now. Tomorrow’s EU Council meeting is absolutely crucial to overcome Europe’s divisions and create needed political commitment and momentum.”

The Office of the High Commissioner (UNHCR) has urged that the creation of 120,000 additional places for refugees be approved this week. It also noted that the refugee relocation programme cannot be implemented properly without adequate reception facilities in countries where refugees are entering Europe.

On average, 6,000 people arrive in Europe each day, and many tens of thousands are likely to require assistance at any given time.

Published in Dawn, September 23rd, 2015

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