Migrant crisis: UN 'shocked' over clashes in Hungary

BBC.COM | Thursday September 17, 2015 09:22

A number of people - both migrants and police - were injured in the clashes

Mr Ban said such treatment of asylum seekers was 'unacceptable'.

Hundreds were involved in clashes at the Hungary-Serbia border on Wednesday, trying to breach a razor-wire fence.

More than 5,000 migrants have entered Croatia so far - avoiding Hungary - police say, and another 7,266 entered Germany on Wednesday.

German police said this was more than double the number that crossed the previous day, adding that most were picked up on the border with Austria.

Germany is the final goal of many migrants, as the European Union remains divided over how to deal with the crisis.

Hungary defended its action, saying that 20 police officers were injured as migrants tried to break through a gate, and a spokesman accused migrants of using children as 'human shields'.

At least two migrants were also injured, Hungarian and Serbian officials said.

Mr Ban said such treatment of asylum seekers was 'unacceptable'.Hundreds were involved in clashes at the Hungary-Serbia border on Wednesday, trying to breach a razor-wire fence.More than 5,000 migrants have entered Croatia so far - avoiding Hungary - police say, and another 7,266 entered Germany on Wednesday.

German police said this was more than double the number that crossed the previous day, adding that most were picked up on the border with Austria.Germany is the final goal of many migrants, as the European Union remains divided over how to deal with the crisis.

Hungary defended its action, saying that 20 police officers were injured as migrants tried to break through a gate, and a spokesman accused migrants of using children as 'human shields'.At least two migrants were also injured, Hungarian and Serbian officials said.

Hungary closed its entire border with Serbia on Tuesday after making it illegal to enter the country or damage the border fence. The country's courts have started fast-track trials of arrested migrants.

More than 200,000 people have already crossed into Hungary this year to enter the EU's Schengen zone, which normally allows people to travel between member countries without restrictions.

On Wednesday, there were chaotic scenes near the Hungarian town of Horgos, with fires burning and police vehicles and ambulances arriving on the Serbian side of the border, across from massed ranks of riot police on the other side.

Some migrants threw missiles, including stones and water bottles.

The firing of tear gas and water cannon created a stampede of migrants away from the border.

Several people received treatment from the Serbian ambulance service, some suffering the effects of tear gas.

Migrant Amir Hassan, from Iraq, said: 'We fled wars and violence and did not expect such brutality and inhumane treatment in Europe.'

Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic accused Hungary of being 'brutal and 'non-European'.

Serbia has said it will send additional police to its border with Hungary.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Antonio Guterres, called on the Hungarian authorities to ensure 'unimpeded access' for people fleeing wars and persecution.

'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 cannon and tear gas,' a statement said.