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Refugee crisis: thousands enter Croatia after Hungary's crackdown – live updates Refugee crisis: thousands enter Croatia after Hungary's crackdown – live updates
(35 minutes later)
12.34pm BST12:34
Tension continues to rise at Tovarnik railway station at Croatia’s border with Serbia, according to reporters at the scene.
Associated Press reporters at the scene say migrants have become restless, demanding to move on. Croatian authorities have been distributing food and water as they cope with the migrant wave entering the country over the Serbian border.
It's now 12 hours since last train out of Tovarnik, Croatia. There are at least 5,000 here and first buses from Serbia will arrive soon.
12.22pm BST12:22
Frustrated refugees waiting for trains at Tovarnik are threatening to walk along the tracks to get to the Croatian capital Zagreb, according to the BBC’s Fergal Keane.
#Refugees #Migrants Station Croatia video pic.twitter.com/BTY0EiCHbz
12.17pm BST12:1712.17pm BST12:17
Thousands of refugees are gathering about 12km away from a minefield left over the Croatian war, according to maps circulated by anti-landmine campaigners. Thousands of refugees are gathering about 12km away from a minefield left over from the Croatian war, according to maps circulated by anti-landmine campaigners.
Tovarnik station is close to an area to the west, marked in red on the map, which is known to contain mines from the conflict. There is also another minefield close to Croatia border with Serbia.Tovarnik station is close to an area to the west, marked in red on the map, which is known to contain mines from the conflict. There is also another minefield close to Croatia border with Serbia.
Earlier the International Campaign to Ban Landmines said the danger of mines near the border area worsened an already precarious situation facing refugees.Earlier the International Campaign to Ban Landmines said the danger of mines near the border area worsened an already precarious situation facing refugees.
In an email to the Guardian its director Megan Burke said: “We are very concerned about the situation of Syrian refugees and the many risks that they face as they try to find a secure place where they can be. Landmines in Croatia are of course a very big risk and yet another reminder as to why landmines have been banned.”In an email to the Guardian its director Megan Burke said: “We are very concerned about the situation of Syrian refugees and the many risks that they face as they try to find a secure place where they can be. Landmines in Croatia are of course a very big risk and yet another reminder as to why landmines have been banned.”
She highlighted maps showing the danger areas that refugees should avoid.She highlighted maps showing the danger areas that refugees should avoid.
Regional refugee groups in Serbia have been disseminating maps to refugees, she said.Regional refugee groups in Serbia have been disseminating maps to refugees, she said.
Burke warned refugees to avoid straying from main routes. She said:Burke warned refugees to avoid straying from main routes. She said:
For refugees themselves, simple information such as the importance of staying on main roads and official border crossing roads and what to look out for regarding mine warning signs will be helpful for people who really don’t know the areas at all, even more perhaps than trying to navigate around the possibly dangerous places. Croatia has had a responsibility to mark all known mined areas under their obligations to the Mine Ban Treaty.For refugees themselves, simple information such as the importance of staying on main roads and official border crossing roads and what to look out for regarding mine warning signs will be helpful for people who really don’t know the areas at all, even more perhaps than trying to navigate around the possibly dangerous places. Croatia has had a responsibility to mark all known mined areas under their obligations to the Mine Ban Treaty.
The Croatian Mine Action Centre has sent deminers to border areas where there might be a risk.The Croatian Mine Action Centre has sent deminers to border areas where there might be a risk.
Updated at 12.18pm BST Updated at 12.23pm BST
11.51am BST11:5111.51am BST11:51
Hungary claims its police used forced at the border on Wednesday after being attacked by a mob directed by a “terrorist”. AP reports.Hungary claims its police used forced at the border on Wednesday after being attacked by a mob directed by a “terrorist”. AP reports.
Government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs said Thursday that the unidentified Syrian man was “one of the organizers who specifically directed the attacks” .Government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs said Thursday that the unidentified Syrian man was “one of the organizers who specifically directed the attacks” .
Police detained 22 people who managed to break through, including the man who Kovacs said was suspected of “carrying out of an act of terrorism.”Police detained 22 people who managed to break through, including the man who Kovacs said was suspected of “carrying out of an act of terrorism.”
The migrants were repelled with tear gas and water cannons and police used batons to drive back those trying to enter Hungary.The migrants were repelled with tear gas and water cannons and police used batons to drive back those trying to enter Hungary.
11.38am BST11:3811.38am BST11:38
Stephanie KirchgaessnerStephanie Kirchgaessner
Rightwing lawmakers in the northern Italian region of Lombardy are cracking down on hotel owners who have hosted migrants, writes Stephanie Kirchgaessner.Rightwing lawmakers in the northern Italian region of Lombardy are cracking down on hotel owners who have hosted migrants, writes Stephanie Kirchgaessner.
The move is the latest effort by the Northern League to discourage asylum-seekers from settling there.The move is the latest effort by the Northern League to discourage asylum-seekers from settling there.
Lombardy’s regional council passed an amendment on Wednesday (41-29) that would bar any hotel that has voluntarily hosted migrants over the last three years from receiving regional funds or participating in local tenders.Lombardy’s regional council passed an amendment on Wednesday (41-29) that would bar any hotel that has voluntarily hosted migrants over the last three years from receiving regional funds or participating in local tenders.
The measure was seen as a compromise after the Northern League, the rightwing party headed by Matteo Salvini, initially proposed that the hotels ought to be fined between 5,000 to 10,000 euros and see their licenses suspended for six months to a year.The measure was seen as a compromise after the Northern League, the rightwing party headed by Matteo Salvini, initially proposed that the hotels ought to be fined between 5,000 to 10,000 euros and see their licenses suspended for six months to a year.
11.35am BST11:3511.35am BST11:35
Ben KnightBen Knight
Germany’s federal police reported 7,266 “unpermitted border crossings” in 24 hours on Wednesday, twice as many as the day before, with most coming across the Austrian border, writes Ben Knight in Berlin.Germany’s federal police reported 7,266 “unpermitted border crossings” in 24 hours on Wednesday, twice as many as the day before, with most coming across the Austrian border, writes Ben Knight in Berlin.
The police also counted an additional 4,600 refugees waiting to be allowed into Germany on the Austrian side of the border.The police also counted an additional 4,600 refugees waiting to be allowed into Germany on the Austrian side of the border.
There have been long tailbacks on roads between Germany and Austria as commuters are being held up at the new border controls. Refugees, meanwhile, are being filtered out, made to wait, and only let across into Germany in small groups.There have been long tailbacks on roads between Germany and Austria as commuters are being held up at the new border controls. Refugees, meanwhile, are being filtered out, made to wait, and only let across into Germany in small groups.
The Süddeutsche Zeitung reported that two groups of 700 refugees each were being held at a border bridge over the river Saalach, near the German town of Freilassing, waiting to be registered at collection points and then distributed throughout Germany.The Süddeutsche Zeitung reported that two groups of 700 refugees each were being held at a border bridge over the river Saalach, near the German town of Freilassing, waiting to be registered at collection points and then distributed throughout Germany.
Der Spiegel’s foreign affairs editor Raniah Salloum pointed out that reintroduced border controls appear fairly lax.Der Spiegel’s foreign affairs editor Raniah Salloum pointed out that reintroduced border controls appear fairly lax.
German Federal Police: 7266 refugees entered Germany on Wednesday. Yes, people have started to figure out that border is not really closed.German Federal Police: 7266 refugees entered Germany on Wednesday. Yes, people have started to figure out that border is not really closed.
The German police also said it had arrested 18 suspected refugee traffickers in the past 24 hours, while Bavarian state premier Horst Seehofer has claimed that the German border controls have led to the capture of dozens of traffickers. He told the Passauer Neue Presse newspaper that 800 suspects were already in Bavarian custody.The German police also said it had arrested 18 suspected refugee traffickers in the past 24 hours, while Bavarian state premier Horst Seehofer has claimed that the German border controls have led to the capture of dozens of traffickers. He told the Passauer Neue Presse newspaper that 800 suspects were already in Bavarian custody.
Germany also strengthened controls on its borders with the Czech Republic on Wednesday and Thursday, where four suspected traffickers had been arrested since Wednesday, police said.Germany also strengthened controls on its borders with the Czech Republic on Wednesday and Thursday, where four suspected traffickers had been arrested since Wednesday, police said.
In a separate development, the head of Germany’s Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) Manfred Schmidt handed in his resignation on Thursday “for personal reasons”.In a separate development, the head of Germany’s Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) Manfred Schmidt handed in his resignation on Thursday “for personal reasons”.
The BAMF has been criticised in recent weeks for failing to keep up with the huge rise in asylum applications. German Interior Minister Thomas de Maizière, himself under increasing pressure for his handling of the crisis, said he regretted Schmidt’s decision.The BAMF has been criticised in recent weeks for failing to keep up with the huge rise in asylum applications. German Interior Minister Thomas de Maizière, himself under increasing pressure for his handling of the crisis, said he regretted Schmidt’s decision.
11.17am BST11:1711.17am BST11:17
Croatia’s Tovarnik station has become the latest hotspot in Europe’s escalating refugee crisis. Thousands of people have gathered there in the hope of reaching western Europe via Zagreb.Croatia’s Tovarnik station has become the latest hotspot in Europe’s escalating refugee crisis. Thousands of people have gathered there in the hope of reaching western Europe via Zagreb.
Local authorities in Tovarnik, have appealed for government help, according to AP.Local authorities in Tovarnik, have appealed for government help, according to AP.
At least 3000 #migrants at Tovarnik station waiting for special train to take them from Croatian border to Zagreb. pic.twitter.com/ZfIk5jZGNcAt least 3000 #migrants at Tovarnik station waiting for special train to take them from Croatian border to Zagreb. pic.twitter.com/ZfIk5jZGNc
5,000 people at tiny Tovarnik station in Croatia, gov must act fast to stop this turning into same chaos as Hungary pic.twitter.com/Lt1J7W4sls5,000 people at tiny Tovarnik station in Croatia, gov must act fast to stop this turning into same chaos as Hungary pic.twitter.com/Lt1J7W4sls
11.06am BST11:0611.06am BST11:06
Hungary has vowed to continue to forcefully defend its border and rejected criticism of its use of water cannon and teargas against refugees.Hungary has vowed to continue to forcefully defend its border and rejected criticism of its use of water cannon and teargas against refugees.
Hungarian government spokesman, Zoltan Kovacs, said its razor wire fence was protecting EU borders against illegal immigration and that other countries should put up similar barriers and be prepared to defend them.Hungarian government spokesman, Zoltan Kovacs, said its razor wire fence was protecting EU borders against illegal immigration and that other countries should put up similar barriers and be prepared to defend them.
Speaking at press conference he said: “Hungary is not going to just let people go through its territory and that’s what we’ve achieved. If everybody took care of their external borders, all European member states, especially those who have a Schengen border, the situation would be very different. That’s why we are calling for the Greek seas to be protected, if not by Greece, then by a joint European force that is able to stop illegal migration.”Speaking at press conference he said: “Hungary is not going to just let people go through its territory and that’s what we’ve achieved. If everybody took care of their external borders, all European member states, especially those who have a Schengen border, the situation would be very different. That’s why we are calling for the Greek seas to be protected, if not by Greece, then by a joint European force that is able to stop illegal migration.”
Kovacs added: “We don’t like the fence. But it seems to be working to protect the country’s borders, to stop illegal migration. Obviously we are going to continue with that - keeping the fence, protecting the fence by police. We can’t understand those messages that are coming from some European countries. Schengen’s freedoms cannot be protected from within [the European Union] it should be protected from the outside. That’s what we will do - to reinforce the external protection of European borders.”Kovacs added: “We don’t like the fence. But it seems to be working to protect the country’s borders, to stop illegal migration. Obviously we are going to continue with that - keeping the fence, protecting the fence by police. We can’t understand those messages that are coming from some European countries. Schengen’s freedoms cannot be protected from within [the European Union] it should be protected from the outside. That’s what we will do - to reinforce the external protection of European borders.”
10.42am BST10:4210.42am BST10:42
The number of people arriving in Croatia has climbed to 6,200, according to Croatia’s interior ministry, as more make the trek from the sealed Hungarian border.The number of people arriving in Croatia has climbed to 6,200, according to Croatia’s interior ministry, as more make the trek from the sealed Hungarian border.
Status #Horgos, 11:00 CEST: consolidating, 90% of #refugees left & moving to CRO, no new transfers. pic from 2 days pic.twitter.com/mMrhNh4W4bStatus #Horgos, 11:00 CEST: consolidating, 90% of #refugees left & moving to CRO, no new transfers. pic from 2 days pic.twitter.com/mMrhNh4W4b
10.35am BST10:3510.35am BST10:35
Journalists beaten and detainedJournalists beaten and detained
Three international journalists were among those beaten by the Hungarian police at the border on Wednesday, according to reports in the Hungarian media.Three international journalists were among those beaten by the Hungarian police at the border on Wednesday, according to reports in the Hungarian media.
Induxhu journalist Szabolcs Panyi names two of the journalist as an Australian citizen Warren Richardson and Polish reporter Jacek Tacik.Induxhu journalist Szabolcs Panyi names two of the journalist as an Australian citizen Warren Richardson and Polish reporter Jacek Tacik.
3 journos from #Slovakia, #Poland&#Australia were beaten by #Hungary-an police&detained for crossing the border http://t.co/6vhw8NUwNV 1/23 journos from #Slovakia, #Poland&#Australia were beaten by #Hungary-an police&detained for crossing the border http://t.co/6vhw8NUwNV 1/2
Foreign journalists detained by #Hungary-an police yesterday @#Roszke, pic by @jacektacik who got beaten too. Oh boy https://t.co/WqJ0HIkbIiForeign journalists detained by #Hungary-an police yesterday @#Roszke, pic by @jacektacik who got beaten too. Oh boy https://t.co/WqJ0HIkbIi
Warren Richardson was kicked on the head,a Polish journo also got wounded in his head @#Roszke by #Hungary-n police, Heti Valasz reports 2/2Warren Richardson was kicked on the head,a Polish journo also got wounded in his head @#Roszke by #Hungary-n police, Heti Valasz reports 2/2
10.23am BST10:2310.23am BST10:23
The aid agency Médecins Sans Frontières said at least one person was treated with plastic bullet wounds after Hungarian police used force to repel refugees at Hungary’s border with Serbia.The aid agency Médecins Sans Frontières said at least one person was treated with plastic bullet wounds after Hungarian police used force to repel refugees at Hungary’s border with Serbia.
It said MSF teams in Horgos, on the Serbian side of the border, treated one plastic bullet wound, 12 wounds caused by trying to scale the razor fence, and around 15 patients with eyes affected by tear gas.It said MSF teams in Horgos, on the Serbian side of the border, treated one plastic bullet wound, 12 wounds caused by trying to scale the razor fence, and around 15 patients with eyes affected by tear gas.
It said most of the people who had gathered at the Horgos border point have now left, but up to 1,000 remain.It said most of the people who had gathered at the Horgos border point have now left, but up to 1,000 remain.
Aurelie Ponthieu, MSF’s advisor on displacement, said: “Using such excessive force against vulnerable people to prevent them from seeking safety is a disgrace and utterly shameful.”Aurelie Ponthieu, MSF’s advisor on displacement, said: “Using such excessive force against vulnerable people to prevent them from seeking safety is a disgrace and utterly shameful.”
10.14am BST10:1410.14am BST10:14
The Guardian’s community team is looking for help from readers:The Guardian’s community team is looking for help from readers:
Calais Action, which began delivering donations to refugees in Calais in August, has been charting community efforts in support of refugees in the UK and Europe. It has produced a crowdsourced map of activities so far.Calais Action, which began delivering donations to refugees in Calais in August, has been charting community efforts in support of refugees in the UK and Europe. It has produced a crowdsourced map of activities so far.
With your help we’d like to build on this great mapping effort by documenting the spread of grassroots activity and help people discover what’s happening where they are. We’d also like to understand the spread of community activity and response from the public.With your help we’d like to build on this great mapping effort by documenting the spread of grassroots activity and help people discover what’s happening where they are. We’d also like to understand the spread of community activity and response from the public.
If you are organising an event, demonstration, collection of donations, drop-off of supplies or another activity in support of the refugees, let us know by adding it here.If you are organising an event, demonstration, collection of donations, drop-off of supplies or another activity in support of the refugees, let us know by adding it here.
10.12am BST10:1210.12am BST10:12
The EU migration commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos has chastised Hungary for its response to the refugee crisis.The EU migration commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos has chastised Hungary for its response to the refugee crisis.
On a visit to Hungary Avramopoulos suggested Hungary was on the wrong side of history. He said:On a visit to Hungary Avramopoulos suggested Hungary was on the wrong side of history. He said:
Walls are temporary solutions. You have seen yourself that this only serves to divert flows or escalate tensions. Violence is not the solution either.Walls are temporary solutions. You have seen yourself that this only serves to divert flows or escalate tensions. Violence is not the solution either.
The majority of people arriving in Europe are Syrians. They are people in genuine need of our protection. There is no wall you would not climb, no sea you would not cross if you are fleeing violence and terror.The majority of people arriving in Europe are Syrians. They are people in genuine need of our protection. There is no wall you would not climb, no sea you would not cross if you are fleeing violence and terror.
I believe we have a moral duty offer them protection. It is a duty inscribed in international and European laws. It is a duty grounded in our principles. For me personally this is also a Christian duty.I believe we have a moral duty offer them protection. It is a duty inscribed in international and European laws. It is a duty grounded in our principles. For me personally this is also a Christian duty.
The appeal I would make to you is to continue to work with us, with the European Union, to find common and lasting solutions.The appeal I would make to you is to continue to work with us, with the European Union, to find common and lasting solutions.
Let me be frank with you, this is not a problem that is going to go away any time soon.Let me be frank with you, this is not a problem that is going to go away any time soon.
Let’s make sure we are on the right side of history.Let’s make sure we are on the right side of history.
9.59am BST09:599.59am BST09:59
Constanze LetschConstanze Letsch
Turkish authorities have announced that hundreds of refugees who have set up camp on a main road at Edirne near the Greek border will be forcibly removed in three days if they refuse to leave.Turkish authorities have announced that hundreds of refugees who have set up camp on a main road at Edirne near the Greek border will be forcibly removed in three days if they refuse to leave.
Many others are holding out at Istanbul’s main bus station in the hope of reaching northern Europe by land rather than risk the perilous sea journey.Many others are holding out at Istanbul’s main bus station in the hope of reaching northern Europe by land rather than risk the perilous sea journey.
Bus services from the main terminal in Istanbul to cities on the Greek and Bulgarian borders were suspended last week, prompting several hundred refugees, most of them Syrians, to take to the road in an attempt to reach the European Union on foot.Bus services from the main terminal in Istanbul to cities on the Greek and Bulgarian borders were suspended last week, prompting several hundred refugees, most of them Syrians, to take to the road in an attempt to reach the European Union on foot.
Related: Turkey threatens to oust refugees camped near Greek borderRelated: Turkey threatens to oust refugees camped near Greek border
9.53am BST09:539.53am BST09:53
Alberto NardelliAlberto Nardelli
Danish prime minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen has offered to take another 1,000 refugees, writes Alberto Nardelli.Danish prime minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen has offered to take another 1,000 refugees, writes Alberto Nardelli.
Rasmussen also offered to provide 750m krone inadditional funding over the next two years.Rasmussen also offered to provide 750m krone inadditional funding over the next two years.
However, Denmark’s government said it maintains its right to opt out from the quota system proposed by the European Commission, which aims to relocate 120,000 refugees from Greece, Italy and Hungary on top of the previously proposed 40,000 from Greece and Italy.However, Denmark’s government said it maintains its right to opt out from the quota system proposed by the European Commission, which aims to relocate 120,000 refugees from Greece, Italy and Hungary on top of the previously proposed 40,000 from Greece and Italy.
Denmark is allowed to opt out from the plans along with Ireland and Britain. With Ireland expected to opt in, Britain would - de facto - remain the only EU member state not receiving refugees from within Europe in one way or the other.Denmark is allowed to opt out from the plans along with Ireland and Britain. With Ireland expected to opt in, Britain would - de facto - remain the only EU member state not receiving refugees from within Europe in one way or the other.
Instead, David Cameron has said that Britain will welcome 20,000 Syrian refugees from camps on the borders of Syria over the next five years.Instead, David Cameron has said that Britain will welcome 20,000 Syrian refugees from camps on the borders of Syria over the next five years.
Meanwhile the US announced earlier this week that it will accept 10,000 Syrian refugees in the next fiscal year.Meanwhile the US announced earlier this week that it will accept 10,000 Syrian refugees in the next fiscal year.
Related: How does UK refugee commitment compare with other countries?Related: How does UK refugee commitment compare with other countries?
9.48am BST09:489.48am BST09:48
Rail services between Austria and Hungary will resume in both directions on Friday, Austrian rail company OeBB has announced.Rail services between Austria and Hungary will resume in both directions on Friday, Austrian rail company OeBB has announced.
The link was suspended for a week to reduce the flow of migrants into the country from Hungary.The link was suspended for a week to reduce the flow of migrants into the country from Hungary.
9.35am BST09:359.35am BST09:35
Labour’s new leader Jeremy Corbyn said he would back the imposition of European quotas for the resettlement of refugees.Labour’s new leader Jeremy Corbyn said he would back the imposition of European quotas for the resettlement of refugees.
In an interview for Channel 4 News Corbyn said it was a “great mistake” of the UK government to opt out of the European refugee programme. “We should take our share,” Corbyn said.In an interview for Channel 4 News Corbyn said it was a “great mistake” of the UK government to opt out of the European refugee programme. “We should take our share,” Corbyn said.
9.19am BST09:199.19am BST09:19
Landmine warningLandmine warning
Campaigners against land mines have expressed concern about refugees straying onto minefields left over from the 1990s war in Croatia.Campaigners against land mines have expressed concern about refugees straying onto minefields left over from the 1990s war in Croatia.
The International Campaign to Ban Landmines said the danger of mines near the border area worsened an already precarious situation facing refugees.The International Campaign to Ban Landmines said the danger of mines near the border area worsened an already precarious situation facing refugees.
In an email to the Guardian its director Megan Burke said: “We are very concerned about the situation of Syrian refugees and the many risks that they face as they try to find a secure place where they can be. Landmines in Croatia are of course a very big risk and yet another reminder as to why landmines have been banned.”In an email to the Guardian its director Megan Burke said: “We are very concerned about the situation of Syrian refugees and the many risks that they face as they try to find a secure place where they can be. Landmines in Croatia are of course a very big risk and yet another reminder as to why landmines have been banned.”
She highlighted maps showing the danger areas that refugees should avoid.She highlighted maps showing the danger areas that refugees should avoid.
Regional refugee groups in Serbia have been disseminating maps to refugees, she said.Regional refugee groups in Serbia have been disseminating maps to refugees, she said.
Burke warned refugees to avoid straying from main routes. She said:Burke warned refugees to avoid straying from main routes. She said:
For refugees themselves, simple information such as the importance of staying on main roads and official border crossing roads and what to look out for regarding mine warning signs will be helpful for people who really don’t know the areas at all, even more perhaps than trying to navigate around the possibly dangerous places. Croatia has had a responsibility to mark all known mined areas under their obligations to the Mine Ban Treaty.For refugees themselves, simple information such as the importance of staying on main roads and official border crossing roads and what to look out for regarding mine warning signs will be helpful for people who really don’t know the areas at all, even more perhaps than trying to navigate around the possibly dangerous places. Croatia has had a responsibility to mark all known mined areas under their obligations to the Mine Ban Treaty.
The Croatian Mine Action Centre has sent deminers to border areas where there might be a risk.The Croatian Mine Action Centre has sent deminers to border areas where there might be a risk.
8.44am BST08:448.44am BST08:44
The UN’s refugee agency has ramped up its criticism of Hungary claiming its restrictions on asylum seekers flout international law and worsen an “already chaotic situation worse”.The UN’s refugee agency has ramped up its criticism of Hungary claiming its restrictions on asylum seekers flout international law and worsen an “already chaotic situation worse”.
In a statement it also condemned Hungary’s use of force at its border. It said:In a statement it also condemned Hungary’s use of force at its border. It said:
UNHCR was especially shocked and saddened to witness Syrian refugees, including families with children who have already suffered so much, being prevented from entering the EU with water cannons and tear gas.UNHCR was especially shocked and saddened to witness Syrian refugees, including families with children who have already suffered so much, being prevented from entering the EU with water cannons and tear gas.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres, added:The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres, added:
“UNHCR reiterates its call on the the Hungarian authorities to ensure unimpeded access for people in need of protection in line with its legal and moral obligations. States should manage their borders in a way that is consistent with International and EU Law, including guaranteeing the right to seek asylum.“UNHCR reiterates its call on the the Hungarian authorities to ensure unimpeded access for people in need of protection in line with its legal and moral obligations. States should manage their borders in a way that is consistent with International and EU Law, including guaranteeing the right to seek asylum.
“It is not a crime to cross a border to seek asylum.”“It is not a crime to cross a border to seek asylum.”
The scene of yesterday’s chaotic scenes, is reported to be calm this morning.The scene of yesterday’s chaotic scenes, is reported to be calm this morning.
#Serbian police watch over border with #Hungary early on Thursday morning. Calm around the makeshift camp at #Horgos pic.twitter.com/cgFKCoQLoC#Serbian police watch over border with #Hungary early on Thursday morning. Calm around the makeshift camp at #Horgos pic.twitter.com/cgFKCoQLoC
Not giving up: migrants and refugees wait at the one door at the border where Hungary accepts asylum requests pic.twitter.com/xA1caJAymXNot giving up: migrants and refugees wait at the one door at the border where Hungary accepts asylum requests pic.twitter.com/xA1caJAymX
8.21am BST08:218.21am BST08:21
Croatia’ interior ministry confirmed that 5,650 migrants have entered the country since Hungary imposed tough new border restrictions. It also said a special train service was put on to take migrants to a reception centre.Croatia’ interior ministry confirmed that 5,650 migrants have entered the country since Hungary imposed tough new border restrictions. It also said a special train service was put on to take migrants to a reception centre.
Croatian policemen helping the children board the train towards western Croatia #refugees #refugeescrisis pic.twitter.com/3XXpOLSLz1Croatian policemen helping the children board the train towards western Croatia #refugees #refugeescrisis pic.twitter.com/3XXpOLSLz1
AFP’s Eric Randolph reports chaotic scenes at Tovarnik railway station.AFP’s Eric Randolph reports chaotic scenes at Tovarnik railway station.
Chaos at Tovarnik station in Croatia this morning as 5,000 migrants arrive overnight. pic.twitter.com/1gwVP8JXBVChaos at Tovarnik station in Croatia this morning as 5,000 migrants arrive overnight. pic.twitter.com/1gwVP8JXBV
Meanwhile Hungary continues to report a sharp fall in the number of newcomers.Meanwhile Hungary continues to report a sharp fall in the number of newcomers.
On Monday more than 9,000 migrants entered Hungary. But since new laws were introduced on Tuesday only a few hundred have made it through, according to the latest figures from the Hungarian Police. On Wednesday only 277 migrants were recorded.On Monday more than 9,000 migrants entered Hungary. But since new laws were introduced on Tuesday only a few hundred have made it through, according to the latest figures from the Hungarian Police. On Wednesday only 277 migrants were recorded.
Updated at 8.29am BSTUpdated at 8.29am BST
8.06am BST08:068.06am BST08:06
SummarySummary
Welcome to our continuing live coverage of the refugee crisis as Hungary faces widespread condemnation for firing teargas and water cannon at people trying to cross its border.Welcome to our continuing live coverage of the refugee crisis as Hungary faces widespread condemnation for firing teargas and water cannon at people trying to cross its border.
Here’s a rundown of the latest developments.Here’s a rundown of the latest developments.
Updated at 8.07am BSTUpdated at 8.07am BST