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UNHCR calls for "robust, coherent" Europe response to refugee crisis

Xinhua, September 15, 2015 Adjust font size:

The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) on Tuesday said a robust and coherent Europe response to refugee crisis is still urgently needed after Monday's meeting of European Union interior ministers in Brussels saw the formal adoption of an earlier relocation proposal involving 40,000 people.

The UN refugee agency expressed disappointment that although a majority of member states were in agreement with a wider relocation proposal involving 120,000 people, a final consensus on this could not be reached.

A decisive agreement is needed without further delay to address the needs, as is bold action based on solidarity from all member states, UNHCR said. Relocation of increased numbers beyond the 40,000 could start to be implemented with countries that have expressed support.

To succeed, relocation has then to be accompanied by large-scale emergency reception, assistance and registration efforts in the countries most impacted by arrivals, particularly Greece, Hungary and Italy, the UN agency said.

However, UNHCR said it is pleased to see the inclusion of support for affected countries in the Western Balkans to implement their obligations in relation to people in need of international protection. Special support is needed for Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to support efforts to assist refugees.

UNHCR welcomed the announcement of increased support by the EU and member states to UNHCR to respond to the needs of refugees in Syria's neighboring countries.

The UN refugee agency highlighted efforts are needed to address root causes of forced displacement around the world.

A comprehensive response to refugee situations needs diplomacy, political will, and concerted action for the prevention, as well as resolution of conflicts that force people to move, it said. Endit