UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi concerned at reports of Balkan border closures

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi called on Hungary to improve access for people seeking asylum and to do away with its so-called border “transit zones,” which he said are in effect detention centres.

UASCs arriving from January to June 2016 rose to 10,524 compared to 4.410 during the same period in 2015

To offer alternatives to dangerous journeys to Europe, UNHCR seeks support for a comprehensive strategy with interventions at three different points: in the countries of origin and transit in sub-Saharan Africa, in North Africa, and in the destination countries in Europe.

The rate of arrivals underlines the need for robust facilities to receive, assist, register and screen all people arriving by sea. (UNHCR)

The number of new arrivals in Greece's eastern Aegean islands, which accelerated in August, is putting pressure on overcrowded reception facilities and hampering efforts to improve conditions.

The management of borders needs to be consistent with national, EU and international law, including guaranteeing the right to seek asylum. (UNHCR)

The majority of Syrian refugee arrivals interviewed by UNHCR between April and September 2015 have secondary or university level education. (UNHCR)

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.

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.