The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Dimitris Avramopoulos, European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship.

The Secretary-General and Mr. Avramopoulos discussed the plight of migrants risking their lives to cross the Mediterranean and ways to address this problem in a comprehensive way that takes into account humanitarian, political, security and development considerations, with saving lives being the top priority.

They also discussed the EU's plans to counter human smuggling. The Secretary-General stressed the need to protect the rights of those in need. He also offered the UN system’s support for the EU efforts and encouraged close cooperation with countries of origin and transit, as well as concerned regional and sub-regional organisations, in order to address this global challenge.