UNICEF warns rising numbers of women, children to seek refuge in Europe

UNICEF on Tuesday warned that more women and children would seek refuge in Europe and continue to pass through the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Serbia in growing numbers.

Nearly 10,000 people, approximately 40 percent of whom were women and children, were registered crossing into Macedonia at the border city of Gevgelija from Greece between Sept. 1 and 6, the agency added.

Meanwhile, more than 7,720 people were also registered crossing into Serbia over the same time period.

However, the actual number of women and children reaching the reception centers in both countries is likely to be double the reported figures, as many families travel onwards without being officially registered.

Since June this year, more than 64,000 people have been registered at the reception center in Gevgelija, Macedonia, while 89,161 people who have expressed their intention to seek asylum have been registered crossing into Serbia during the same period.

Most refugees continued their journey by bus north to the capital city of Belgrade, then further on to Hungary, and finally to western or northern European countries. Many are fleeing violence from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq.

UNICEF and its partners continue to expand humanitarian services at reception centers in the two countries. Endit