This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2015/sep/14/refugee-crisis-eu-emergency-meeting-as-cameron-visits-lebanon-live-updates

The article has changed 19 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 6 Version 7
Refugee crisis: EU emergency meeting as Cameron visits Lebanon – live updates Refugee crisis: EU emergency meeting as Cameron visits Lebanon – live updates
(35 minutes later)
12.04pm BST12:04
The number of new arrivals entering Hungary is heading for a new record on the eve of an expected border crackdown.
The authorities are reported to have announced that 5,353 arrived by noon – almost as many as the record number that arrived during the whole of Sunday.
5353 #refugees entered #Hungary on Monday until 12:00 police say. On Sunday the total number was 5809. Seems #Serbia is pushing them through
The figures came as the security forces were photographed using a railway wagon to patch a gap in Hungary’s new border fence.
11.52am BST11:52
Various seasoned Brussels watchers have noted that at least some of the countries reintroducing border controls have failed to notify the Europe of the change - something stipulated as part of the fraying Schengen agreement.
.@EU_Commission has not yet received formal notification abt #Austria reintroducing border controls #refugeecrisis
Commission says it has received no notification, as Schengen rules demand. https://t.co/4aFltgKJti
At briefing, #EU official now says stopping a train NOT equivalent to closing a border. #Schengen
The Guardian’s Europe editor Ian Traynor says the Schengen system of free movement is under strain as never before.
11.37am BST11:3711.37am BST11:37
Hungary’s border with Serbia is still open, but this is not expected to last.Hungary’s border with Serbia is still open, but this is not expected to last.
#Röszke gate is still open, race to pass it turns to finish today, media is there. pic.twitter.com/koUHTFG3NJ#Röszke gate is still open, race to pass it turns to finish today, media is there. pic.twitter.com/koUHTFG3NJ
There is mounting concern that Hungary’s hardline government is about to introduce a much tougher approach to border control on Tuesday.There is mounting concern that Hungary’s hardline government is about to introduce a much tougher approach to border control on Tuesday.
Human rights groups have questioned the legality of plans to process asylum seekers in airport-like transit zones under a new system that comes into force on Tuesday.Human rights groups have questioned the legality of plans to process asylum seekers in airport-like transit zones under a new system that comes into force on Tuesday.
Prime Miniter Viktor Orbán has also vowed to cut to zero the number of migrants entering from next Tuesday.Prime Miniter Viktor Orbán has also vowed to cut to zero the number of migrants entering from next Tuesday.
Explaining the new system, the justice minister László Trócsányi said an area similar to an “airport transit zone” would be set up at the border.Explaining the new system, the justice minister László Trócsányi said an area similar to an “airport transit zone” would be set up at the border.
“While it is located in the territory of the given state, the entry into the transit zone does not qualify, in immigration terms, as an entry into that state,” he said.“While it is located in the territory of the given state, the entry into the transit zone does not qualify, in immigration terms, as an entry into that state,” he said.
Activists fear this will strand people in a legal limbo and lead to the vast majority of asylum seekers being turned backActivists fear this will strand people in a legal limbo and lead to the vast majority of asylum seekers being turned back
11.23am BST11:2311.23am BST11:23
More video from Cameron’s visit to Lebanon.More video from Cameron’s visit to Lebanon.
Updated at 11.23am BSTUpdated at 11.23am BST
11.04am BST11:0411.04am BST11:04
Slovakia announces border controlsSlovakia announces border controls
Slovakia has also reintroduced border controls along frontiers with Austria and Hungary, its interior ministry has announced.Slovakia has also reintroduced border controls along frontiers with Austria and Hungary, its interior ministry has announced.
The move comes after similar moves by Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria.The move comes after similar moves by Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria.
AFP quoted Slovak interior ministry spokeswoman Michaela Paulenova as saying:AFP quoted Slovak interior ministry spokeswoman Michaela Paulenova as saying:
“Following the announcement by Germany that it was temporarily introducing border controls at the borders with Austria, Slovakia has begun temporary border controls on border crossings with Hungary and Austria. .“Following the announcement by Germany that it was temporarily introducing border controls at the borders with Austria, Slovakia has begun temporary border controls on border crossings with Hungary and Austria. .
“In connection with the emergency situation and the migratory flow, Slovak police strengthened its presence on the borders by 220 officers compared to standard operations,” she said, adding that controls were also being ramped up on “the green border (forests and rural areas) at selected locations.”“In connection with the emergency situation and the migratory flow, Slovak police strengthened its presence on the borders by 220 officers compared to standard operations,” she said, adding that controls were also being ramped up on “the green border (forests and rural areas) at selected locations.”
“The situation is constantly monitored and coordinated with police forces in Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic.”“The situation is constantly monitored and coordinated with police forces in Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic.”
Updated at 11.06am BSTUpdated at 11.06am BST
10.52am BST10:5210.52am BST10:52
The latest figures from Munich underscore why the German government took the drastic decision on Sunday to introduce temporary border controls, writes Luke Harding in Berlin.The latest figures from Munich underscore why the German government took the drastic decision on Sunday to introduce temporary border controls, writes Luke Harding in Berlin.
Some 20,000 refugees arrived at Munich main train station over the weekend, including 7,100 who came on Sunday, before rail traffic between Austria and German was dramatically halted. Since the beginning of September 70,000 refugees have arrived in Munch, with many then routed to towns and cities all across Germany.Some 20,000 refugees arrived at Munich main train station over the weekend, including 7,100 who came on Sunday, before rail traffic between Austria and German was dramatically halted. Since the beginning of September 70,000 refugees have arrived in Munch, with many then routed to towns and cities all across Germany.
Trains between Austria and Germany resumed this morning, with more refugees expected later today. The line from the Austrian city of Salzburg remains shut after people were found wandering on the track.Trains between Austria and Germany resumed this morning, with more refugees expected later today. The line from the Austrian city of Salzburg remains shut after people were found wandering on the track.
Christoph Hillenbrand, the president of Upper Bavaria, who has been handling the crisis, said on Monday: “We can’t precisely say how the new border controls, and the temporary halting of train traffic from Austria, will affect the arrival of asylum seekers into Munich. Essentially we have to be prepared for more.”Christoph Hillenbrand, the president of Upper Bavaria, who has been handling the crisis, said on Monday: “We can’t precisely say how the new border controls, and the temporary halting of train traffic from Austria, will affect the arrival of asylum seekers into Munich. Essentially we have to be prepared for more.”
10.47am BST10:4710.47am BST10:47
Germany now expects one million refugeesGermany now expects one million refugees
Germany’s vice chancellor Sigmar Gabriel has predicted that the number of refugees his country will accept this year will rise to one million, from the current estimate of 800,000.Germany’s vice chancellor Sigmar Gabriel has predicted that the number of refugees his country will accept this year will rise to one million, from the current estimate of 800,000.
In the letter to his party he also said he hoped that new border controls would only be temporary.In the letter to his party he also said he hoped that new border controls would only be temporary.
Updated at 10.54am BSTUpdated at 10.54am BST
10.32am BST10:3210.32am BST10:32
A 30m gap in Hungary’s new border fence with Serbia will be closed by Tuesday when new immigration controls are due to come into force, according to the BBC’s James Reynolds.A 30m gap in Hungary’s new border fence with Serbia will be closed by Tuesday when new immigration controls are due to come into force, according to the BBC’s James Reynolds.
Hungary-Serbia border pic.twitter.com/Fkri4hZbztHungary-Serbia border pic.twitter.com/Fkri4hZbzt
10.27am BST10:2710.27am BST10:27
Austria has stepped up border controls with Hungary by dispatching troops to the border.Austria has stepped up border controls with Hungary by dispatching troops to the border.
Chancellor Werner Faymann announced more than 2,000 troops will be deployed.Chancellor Werner Faymann announced more than 2,000 troops will be deployed.
#BREAKING Around 2,200 members of the Austrian military will be deployed to help with the influx of migrants, Chancellor Faymann said#BREAKING Around 2,200 members of the Austrian military will be deployed to help with the influx of migrants, Chancellor Faymann said
Speaking to reporters Vice Chancellor Reinhold Mitterlehner said: “If Germany introduces border controls, Austria has to follow.”Speaking to reporters Vice Chancellor Reinhold Mitterlehner said: “If Germany introduces border controls, Austria has to follow.”
Updated at 10.36am BSTUpdated at 10.36am BST
10.16am BST10:1610.16am BST10:16
Mona MahmoodMona Mahmood
Omer Sami, a Palestinian refugee in Syria has trekked from one refugee camp in Damascus to another in Germany.Omer Sami, a Palestinian refugee in Syria has trekked from one refugee camp in Damascus to another in Germany.
Speaking to Mona Mahmood he described the conditions in the camp in Wurzburg:Speaking to Mona Mahmood he described the conditions in the camp in Wurzburg:
The camp in Wurzburg city is a deserted school which hosts more than a hundred refugees mainly from Syria, Afghanistan and Albania. There are no women or children in the camp. I sleep in a basemen in a double bed with my cousin who has accompanied me all the way from Damascus to Germany.The camp in Wurzburg city is a deserted school which hosts more than a hundred refugees mainly from Syria, Afghanistan and Albania. There are no women or children in the camp. I sleep in a basemen in a double bed with my cousin who has accompanied me all the way from Damascus to Germany.
The basement is getting colder day by day. There is no heating system and not enough thick blankets. There is only a single main meal at lunchtime. For breakfast and dinner we get only tins of sardines or cheese triangles. I’m seriously thinking of going to Belgium to apply for asylum there. I think the pressure of refugees in Brussels is much less than in Germany and that means the asylum procedures would be faster.The basement is getting colder day by day. There is no heating system and not enough thick blankets. There is only a single main meal at lunchtime. For breakfast and dinner we get only tins of sardines or cheese triangles. I’m seriously thinking of going to Belgium to apply for asylum there. I think the pressure of refugees in Brussels is much less than in Germany and that means the asylum procedures would be faster.
I have received only €180 since I arrived in Germany last month and I’ve moved to three camps so far. I met two Syrian refugees the other day who said that if the situation does not improve they are thinking of going back to Syria.I have received only €180 since I arrived in Germany last month and I’ve moved to three camps so far. I met two Syrian refugees the other day who said that if the situation does not improve they are thinking of going back to Syria.
A few German students visit the camp twice a week to teach us some German words that could help us in our daily communications. But this is not enough, we need a daily lessons in German to be able to read the newspapers and get integrated in the German society.A few German students visit the camp twice a week to teach us some German words that could help us in our daily communications. But this is not enough, we need a daily lessons in German to be able to read the newspapers and get integrated in the German society.
I used to work as a barber in Damascus to earn my living but now, I would like to complete my studies in Germany. I do not want to rely on the social welfare and isolate myself at home.I used to work as a barber in Damascus to earn my living but now, I would like to complete my studies in Germany. I do not want to rely on the social welfare and isolate myself at home.
The camp officer told us today that it was highly possible another 30 refugee would be transferred to our camp soon despite the lack of space. The moment the war stops in Syria, I will be the first one to head back to my home in Damascus.The camp officer told us today that it was highly possible another 30 refugee would be transferred to our camp soon despite the lack of space. The moment the war stops in Syria, I will be the first one to head back to my home in Damascus.
9.57am BST09:579.57am BST09:57
The UN’s human rights chief has praised the British public response to the refugee crisis in the face of “long-standing xenophobia” from the press and some politicians.The UN’s human rights chief has praised the British public response to the refugee crisis in the face of “long-standing xenophobia” from the press and some politicians.
In a speech to the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday, Zeid Raad al-Hussein praised the “ordinary people” who have volunteered to help migrants and refugees in Austria, Belgium, Finland, Germany and “even — despite long-standing xenophobia of tabloids and some politicians — in the United Kingdom.”In a speech to the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday, Zeid Raad al-Hussein praised the “ordinary people” who have volunteered to help migrants and refugees in Austria, Belgium, Finland, Germany and “even — despite long-standing xenophobia of tabloids and some politicians — in the United Kingdom.”
He also called “expanded channels of regular migration and resettlement” in Europe.He also called “expanded channels of regular migration and resettlement” in Europe.
Hussein said: “I urge European States to build on this surge of human feeling by putting in place an architecture of migration governance that is far more comprehensive, thoughtful, principled and effective. We need expanded channels of regular migration and resettlement – two measures which would prevent deaths and cut smuggling. Detention, particularly of children, and all forms of ill-treatment should cease, at borders and elsewhere.”Hussein said: “I urge European States to build on this surge of human feeling by putting in place an architecture of migration governance that is far more comprehensive, thoughtful, principled and effective. We need expanded channels of regular migration and resettlement – two measures which would prevent deaths and cut smuggling. Detention, particularly of children, and all forms of ill-treatment should cease, at borders and elsewhere.”
9.26am BST09:269.26am BST09:26
Despite the rosy pictures presented by David Cameron’s office of help being offered to refugees in Lebanon, Sam Jones and Kareem Shaheen point out that the plight of Syrians in Jordan and Lebanon is so dire that many are contemplating returning to their ruined homeland.Despite the rosy pictures presented by David Cameron’s office of help being offered to refugees in Lebanon, Sam Jones and Kareem Shaheen point out that the plight of Syrians in Jordan and Lebanon is so dire that many are contemplating returning to their ruined homeland.
Related: Destitute Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon may return to warzoneRelated: Destitute Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon may return to warzone
9.16am BST09:169.16am BST09:16
David Cameron is giving a press conference in Beirut. He said the visit provided the opportunity to thank Lebanon for hosting so many refugees.David Cameron is giving a press conference in Beirut. He said the visit provided the opportunity to thank Lebanon for hosting so many refugees.
He said: “It has been an opportunity to meet refugees who will be resettled in Britain and to talk to children who are starting school here today thanks to the UK aid that we are spending. But above all it has been an opportunity to say a very big ‘thank you’ to the Lebanese people for all they are doing to shoulder the burden of refugees fleeing Syria and to reiterate our commitment to do all we can to support them and the Syrian refugees in the years ahead.”He said: “It has been an opportunity to meet refugees who will be resettled in Britain and to talk to children who are starting school here today thanks to the UK aid that we are spending. But above all it has been an opportunity to say a very big ‘thank you’ to the Lebanese people for all they are doing to shoulder the burden of refugees fleeing Syria and to reiterate our commitment to do all we can to support them and the Syrian refugees in the years ahead.”
8.58am BST08:588.58am BST08:58
UNHCR says thousands of refugees face 'legal limbo'UNHCR says thousands of refugees face 'legal limbo'
The UN’s refugee agency has warned that tens of thousands of refugees face roaming Europe in “legal limbo” after the reintroduction of border controls by Germany and the planned border crackdown by Hungary.The UN’s refugee agency has warned that tens of thousands of refugees face roaming Europe in “legal limbo” after the reintroduction of border controls by Germany and the planned border crackdown by Hungary.
In a statement ahead of today’s emergency meeting of interior ministers in Brussels the UNHCR said border controls should only be introduced in tandem with an effective reception and relocation programme for refugee. It said:In a statement ahead of today’s emergency meeting of interior ministers in Brussels the UNHCR said border controls should only be introduced in tandem with an effective reception and relocation programme for refugee. It said:
The recent successive announcements of different border control measures by a number of European countries impacted by the refugee and migration crisis only underlines the urgency of establishing a comprehensive European response.The recent successive announcements of different border control measures by a number of European countries impacted by the refugee and migration crisis only underlines the urgency of establishing a comprehensive European response.
This response must be based on the creation of effective reception centers, with the support of all parties concerned including UNHCR, to properly assist, register and screen people upon arrival in Greece, Italy and Hungary. This must be accompanied by the rapid implementation of a relocation programme as proposed by the European Commission. People in need of international protection in accordance with international law should be relocated amongst all European Union countries based on a fair distribution mechanism.This response must be based on the creation of effective reception centers, with the support of all parties concerned including UNHCR, to properly assist, register and screen people upon arrival in Greece, Italy and Hungary. This must be accompanied by the rapid implementation of a relocation programme as proposed by the European Commission. People in need of international protection in accordance with international law should be relocated amongst all European Union countries based on a fair distribution mechanism.
UNHCR is concerned that the combination of different, individual measures might create a situation where large numbers of refugees seeking in Europe the protection they are entitled to receive in line with international law, will find themselves moving around in legal limbo.UNHCR is concerned that the combination of different, individual measures might create a situation where large numbers of refugees seeking in Europe the protection they are entitled to receive in line with international law, will find themselves moving around in legal limbo.
In this context, the decisions of tomorrow’s European Council of Ministers of the Interior are even more critical.In this context, the decisions of tomorrow’s European Council of Ministers of the Interior are even more critical.
8.30am BST08:308.30am BST08:30
Record numbers enter HungaryRecord numbers enter Hungary
A record number of migrants and refugees crossed into Hungary on Sunday according to official figures released on the eve of an expected border crackdown.A record number of migrants and refugees crossed into Hungary on Sunday according to official figures released on the eve of an expected border crackdown.
Hungarian police recorded that 5,809 migrants were intercepted on Sunday the highest number since the crisis began.Hungarian police recorded that 5,809 migrants were intercepted on Sunday the highest number since the crisis began.
The figure is almost twice the rate of last week, and a sharp increase on the previous record of 4,330.The figure is almost twice the rate of last week, and a sharp increase on the previous record of 4,330.
The UN recorded more than a thousand people crossing into Hungary by 6am on Sunday.The UN recorded more than a thousand people crossing into Hungary by 6am on Sunday.
Roszke, #Hungary: #UNHCR border monitor has counted 1257 people arriving since 6am this morning - majority #Syria pic.twitter.com/FDlvubQUgzRoszke, #Hungary: #UNHCR border monitor has counted 1257 people arriving since 6am this morning - majority #Syria pic.twitter.com/FDlvubQUgz
Updated at 9.39am BSTUpdated at 9.39am BST
8.17am BST08:178.17am BST08:17
This is the kind of scene that Cameron and his team must have been hoping for when planning his visit to Lebanon – Syrian refugee children chorusing “thank you” to the prime minister.This is the kind of scene that Cameron and his team must have been hoping for when planning his visit to Lebanon – Syrian refugee children chorusing “thank you” to the prime minister.
PM thanked by Lebanese/Syrian refugee kids in Beirut primary school where DfiD money is helping country hosting 1.1m pic.twitter.com/on4oQGTDf3PM thanked by Lebanese/Syrian refugee kids in Beirut primary school where DfiD money is helping country hosting 1.1m pic.twitter.com/on4oQGTDf3
Updated at 9.12am BSTUpdated at 9.12am BST
8.13am BST08:138.13am BST08:13
Cameron’s office has given more details of a £100m package to help Syrian refugees as the prime minister visited a camp in Lebanon’s Bekaa valley.Cameron’s office has given more details of a £100m package to help Syrian refugees as the prime minister visited a camp in Lebanon’s Bekaa valley.
Cameron said the package was aimed helping to prevent refugees making dangerous journey’s to Europe.Cameron said the package was aimed helping to prevent refugees making dangerous journey’s to Europe.
He said:He said:
As the second largest bilateral donor to the humanitarian crisis in Syria our aid effort is supporting thousands of people to rebuild their lives, providing protection, counselling and schooling, alongside the provision of basic food and water. Investment in health, education, jobs and stability is the most effective way to help people overseas, and it is clearly in Britain’s interests.As the second largest bilateral donor to the humanitarian crisis in Syria our aid effort is supporting thousands of people to rebuild their lives, providing protection, counselling and schooling, alongside the provision of basic food and water. Investment in health, education, jobs and stability is the most effective way to help people overseas, and it is clearly in Britain’s interests.
Around 3% of the 11 million Syrians forced from their homes have sought asylum in Europe, and without British aid hundreds of thousands more could be risking their lives seeking to get to Europe, so these funds are part of our comprehensive approach to tackle migration from the region.Around 3% of the 11 million Syrians forced from their homes have sought asylum in Europe, and without British aid hundreds of thousands more could be risking their lives seeking to get to Europe, so these funds are part of our comprehensive approach to tackle migration from the region.
For thousands of refugees this money means a meal for their families, the security of a home with basic sanitation and clean water, and for children it means an education so we don’t lose a generation to the Syrian conflict.For thousands of refugees this money means a meal for their families, the security of a home with basic sanitation and clean water, and for children it means an education so we don’t lose a generation to the Syrian conflict.
Our goal remains to support the development of a secure, stable and peaceful Syria. Without our investment in international development, the numbers of people seeking to embark on a perilous journey to Europe would be far greater.Our goal remains to support the development of a secure, stable and peaceful Syria. Without our investment in international development, the numbers of people seeking to embark on a perilous journey to Europe would be far greater.
The PM is visiting Lebanon today to see how #UKaid is helping vulnerable refugees from #Syria http://t.co/hWpJtFGHJF @ukinlebanonThe PM is visiting Lebanon today to see how #UKaid is helping vulnerable refugees from #Syria http://t.co/hWpJtFGHJF @ukinlebanon
Updated at 9.12am BSTUpdated at 9.12am BST
7.57am BST07:577.57am BST07:57
SummarySummary
Welcome to live coverage of the refugee crisis.Welcome to live coverage of the refugee crisis.
EU interior ministers are gathering in Brussels for emergency talks on how to tackle the mounting refugee crisis a day after Germany temporarily reintroduced border controls.EU interior ministers are gathering in Brussels for emergency talks on how to tackle the mounting refugee crisis a day after Germany temporarily reintroduced border controls.
Meanwhile, David Cameron is in Lebanon to visit refugee camps.Meanwhile, David Cameron is in Lebanon to visit refugee camps.
Here’s a roundup of the latest developments:Here’s a roundup of the latest developments:
Updated at 9.12am BSTUpdated at 9.12am BST