EC calls for shared responsibility in addressing refugee crises

On the occasion of World Refugee Day, the European Commission (EC) on Friday called on leaders in Europe "to follow through on their commitment to greater solidarity and shared responsibility in addressing refugee crises."

"The scale of displacement is immense and, as conflicts persist, the numbers are growing. Almost 60 million people are displaced worldwide -- the world has not seen so many people fleeing conflict since the Second World War," a Commission statement said.

With a crisis situation in the Mediterranean, the statement said the European Commission has set out a European response on managing migration better, including addressing need to save lives, working on root causes with partner countries and fighting against traffickers, as well as long term strategies.

At the upcoming summit next week, European leaders will discuss the proposals.

"We are calling on Member States to follow the Commission's recommendation by committing to an EU wide pledge to resettle 20,000 refugees from outside Europe over the next two years," the statement said. Endit