New York

06 September 2015

Readout of the Secretary-General’s telephone calls on migration crisis

Ban Ki-Moon, Former Secretary-General

The Secretary-General spoke to several European leaders‎ today to discuss the migration crisis.

Recognising the challenges that large-scale refugee and migration flows pose to Member States, he appealed to leaders to be the voice of those in need of protection and to quickly find a joint approach to share responsibilities equitably.‎ He commended them for having voiced concern about increasing xenophobia, discrimination, and violence against migrants and refugees in Europe. He hoped that any manifestation of these phenomena would be addressed firmly and without delay.

The Secretary-General assured European leaders of the UN's readiness to continue supporting their efforts to develop a response that is effective, feasible and in line with universal human rights and humanitarian standards, including the right to claim asylum.