UN chief calls for more protection for refugees, migrants following strings of tragedies

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday called for more protection for refugees and migrants after learning of latest loss of lives in the Mediterranean and Europe.

"I am horrified and heartbroken at the latest loss of lives of refugees and migrants in the Mediterranean and Europe," said a statement of the secretary-general's spokesperson.

Thursday saw the grim discovery of the bodies of more than 70 people inside a truck abandoned near the Austrian border with Hungary. Reports indicate that many of the victims were Syrian asylum seekers, including children, it said.

Recent days have brought yet more news of hundreds of refugees and migrants drowning in perilous journeys on the sea, it said.

"Earlier this year, I visited search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean. Despite the concerted and commendable efforts of the joint European search and rescue operation, which has saved tens of thousands of lives, the Mediterranean Sea continues to be a death trap for refugees and migrants," it said.

A large majority of people undertaking these arduous and dangerous journeys are refugees fleeing from places such as Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. International law has stipulated -- and states have long recognized -- the right of refugees to protection and asylum, it said.

Ban stressed that religion or other identity should not be used as criteria to decide whether to take in a refugee.

"When considering asylum requests, States cannot make distinctions based on religion or other identity, nor can they force people to return to places from which they have fled if there is a well-founded fear of persecution or attack. This is not only a matter of international law; it is also our duty as human beings," it said.

The UN chief "appeals to all governments involved to provide comprehensive responses, expand safe and legal channels of migration and act with humanity, compassion and in accordance with their international obligations."

In addition to upholding responsibilities, the international community must also show greater determination in resolving conflicts and other problems that leave people little choice but to flee, it said.

The secretary-general said he is "encouraged that these issues will be an area of focus and priority when world leaders gather at the United Nations headquarters in New York next month for the opening of the General Assembly. I am organizing a special meeting devoted to these global concerns on Sept. 30," it said. Endite