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UN chief urges European leaders to show leadership ahead of EU summit on refugees

Xinhua, September 22, 2015 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday appealed to all leaders of European Union to "show leadership and compassion" towards refugees and migrants who "have endured arduous journeys in order to reach safety."

Ban's remarks were made known via a statement issued by his spokesperson.

"As EU Ministers gather on Tuesday, and an emergency EU Summit is scheduled for Wednesday. The Secretary-General appeals to all EU leaders to show leadership and compassion," the statement read. "He calls on them to forge a common approach which is in line with their international obligations and honours the letter and spirit of the United Nations Charter."

The Secretary-General is extremely concerned about the deteriorating situation facing refugees and migrants arriving across Europe. He recalls that many are fleeing persecution, conflict and human rights abuses and have endured arduous journeys in order to reach safety, according to the statement.

Moreover, Ban called on all European States to ensure that they abide by their international obligations, including the right to seek asylum, and the prohibition of refoulement.

"All persons must be received with dignity and their human rights must be respected," said the statement.

Ban has followed with increasing concern the closing of some borders in Europe, as well as the lack of proper reception facilities as well as the increased use of detention and criminalization of irregular migrants and asylum seekers, it said.

Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, called for Wednesday's special summit at the request of German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The summit is expected to discuss the question of compulsory EU refugee quotas and a fairer distribution of refugees since Germany and Sweden are bearing the brunt of the influx of newcomers.

On Sept. 30, the secretary-general will hold a special meeting to discuss the challenges of increased movements of migrants and refugees in the world. Endit