UN chief calls for compassion in EU tackling of migration challenges

Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday called on EU member states to show compassion to tackle challenges on migration and refugee protection by sharing resettlement responsibilities.

Ban Ki-moon made the remarks during a joint press conference with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels.

"The complexity of challenges on migration and refugee protection is also and foremost in our minds. In the Mediterranean many women, men and children are losing their lives while fleeing or simply seeking a better future," said Ban.

Urging the EU member states to show compassion in considering the proposal to share the resettlement responsibilities, he said, this can enable the EU to address the dramatically increasing flows of people while setting an example for other regions of the world facing similar challenges.

Echoing Ban Ki-moon's remarks, Juncker said he would like to draw the attention of the member states to what the UN Secretary General was saying.

"We need member states in order to bring forward the proposals the Commission has tabled. It seems as if some member states are reluctant but they will have to accept that it is not about words but about actions and the Commission is proposing actions," Juncker said.

Ban also underlined the emergence of violent extremism is a great grave threat to the international peace and security.

"All countries and organisations should join hands to forge a multifaceted response that respect international human rights and humanitarian role," he said, adding that he will present the comprehensive plan of action on how to counter violent extremism to the General Assembly later this year. Endit