The main objective of the "transit and departure facility" to be opened in Tripoli is to speed up the process of securing solutions in third countries, particularly for unaccompanied and separated children and women at risk.

Tens of thousands of people have been reportedly pushed back by border authorities in Europe in 2016, with many cases of alleged violence and abuses.

In the last part of 2016, more people reached Europe through the Western Mediterranean route, either by crossing the sea to Spain from Morocco and Algeria, or by entering the Spanish enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta.

UNHCR and UNICEF hope that new EU guidelines will be concrete contribution to the protection of the many children who arrive to Europe after having been forced to flee their homes due to violence, war and conflict.

The increasing numbers of passengers on board vessels used by traffickers are the main cause of shipwrecks in the Central Mediterranean, and risks are increased by the worsening quality of vessels and the increasing use of rubber boats instead of wooden ones.

UNHCR calls for broader regional responsibility sharing responses for disembarkation to be developed urgently.

Saving lives of refugees and migrants at sea continues to be a critical priority. (UNHCR)

Although challenging, this refugee emergency is manageable, provided that Europe is united in contributing to an effective response (UNHCR)

Accessible legal avenues are needed for refugees to reach safety without putting themselves and their families at risk. (UNHCR)

Proper information, counselling and accommodation needs to be provided to people affected by decisions at border points. (UNHCR)