UNHCR urges comprehensive response ahead of EU Interior ministers meeting

The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR on Sunday said the decisions of Monday's European Union interior ministers' meeting are "critical," urging EU countries to take a comprehensive effort for the current refugee crisis.

UNHCR in a statement said it is concerned that the combination of different, individual measures among EU member states might create a situation where large numbers of refugees seeking in Europe the protection they are entitled to receive in line with international law, will find themselves moving around in legal limbo.

"The recent successive announcements of different border control measures by a number of European countries impacted by the refugee and migration crisis only underlines the urgency of establishing a comprehensive European response," the statement said.

According to UNHCR, this comprehensive response must be based on the creation of effective reception centers, with the support of all parties concerned including UNHCR, to properly assist, register and screen people upon arrival in Greece, Italy and Hungary.

"This must be accompanied by the rapid implementation of a relocation programme as proposed by the European Commission. People in need of international protection in accordance with international law should be relocated amongst all European Union countries based on a fair distribution mechanism," the statement said.

Earlier on Friday the UN refugee agency said it welcomed the European Commission's latest proposals unveiled Wednesday last week to address the current refugee crisis in Europe, adding given the urgency of the situation these proposals need to be implemented fully and swiftly. Endit