HIGHLIGHTS
European and African Heads of State and Government met during the EU/Africa Summit on Migration held in Malta on 11-12 November, in an effort to strengthen cooperation in the area of migration and address the current challenges. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. António Guterres, reiterated that there are different reasons behind the decision to move towards Europe and that responses should be tailored to the specific needs of refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants. He also welcomed the conclusions of the Summit as a positive step toward a concerted and comprehensive strategy for asylum and migration between Europe and Africa.
In a press conference on 10 November, the Slovenian Prime Minister stated that Slovenia would put up “temporary technical hurdles” on its border with Croatia to control migrant flows and prevent a humanitarian catastrophe, but would keep border crossing open.
Greece witnessed 34,700 refugees and migrants arriving by sea. The aftermath of the ferry strike, which ended on 6 November, was marked by persistent pressure on already overstretched reception capacity and conditions on the islands. During the week, the islands gradually decongested.
In Slovenia, the authorities started putting up a razor wire fence on its green border with Croatia to control irregular border crossings. Border crossings by train continue and it is expected that refugees and migrants will remain to have access to the territory through the official border crossing points.
As part of its winterization efforts, UNHCR continues to work with Governments in different countries impacted by the emergency to improve reception conditions, including by expanding emergency shelter, supporting registration capacity, assisting persons with specific needs and providing information and translation services. With temperatures dropping in the Western Balkan countries, preparations for the winter are ongoing in reception facilities and transit sites.