18 September 2015 – In the wake of yesterday’s “mayhem” on the Serbian border with Croatia， which has now closed some of its entry points， and the dramatic situation on the Hungarian border this week， the United Nations is urging a coherent and united response to Europe’s refugee crisis.

Speaking at a press conference in Geneva today， the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees （UNHCR）， Adrian Edwards， said that more than 442，440 refugees and migrants have arrived via the Mediterranean so far this year， and some 2，921 of them have died. With 4，000 people arriving on the Greek islands daily， the crisis is growing.

“The suffering and risks for thousands of refugees and migrants are meanwhile increasing as uncertainty and a lack of information fuels desperation， raises the likelihood of further incidents， and stokes hostility towards people who have fled persecution and conflict and are in need of help，” said Mr. Edwards.

Thursday’s decision by the European Parliament to back plans for the relocation of an additional 120，000 people to all countries in the European Union deserved applause， Mr. Edwards said. In addition， the Extraordinary Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting on 22 September and the European Council meeting that is set for 23 September will also be important.

“These occasions may be the last opportunity for a positive， united and coherent European response to the crisis，” said the spokesperson.

“UNHCR recognizes that Europe is struggling to deal with this situation，” he continued， highlighting that “the countries and their citizens that have shown willingness to resettle refugees and respond positively to a situation which although challenging is manageable， provided that Europe is united in contributing to an effective response.”

http：//www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp？NewsID=51911#.Vf-qg7mepIw