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An overcrowded boat sank in the Mediterranean in what could be one of the worst tragedies involving refugees and migrants in the last 12 months.

The UN Refugee Agency is readying preparations for a major aid airlift to help people displaced by the disastrous earthquake in Ecuador.

During the visit, Pope Francis called on world leaders to respond with courage in facing this massive humanitarian crisis and its underlying causes, and to provide protection and long-term solutions for refugees fleeing war and violence.

“Violence is wrong whatever the circumstances. UNHCR hopes Europe will take the necessary steps now, and we stand ready to help governments further in fulfilling their obligations to refugees,” said UNHCR spokesperson Edwards.

The biggest refugee and displacement crisis of our time demands an exponential increase in global solidarity.

Refugees fleeing conflict and violence and arriving in Europe carry an important message: addressing their plight cannot only be the task of countries and communities that are close to wars. It is a global responsibility that must be widely shared until peace prevails again.

“We welcome this development to recognize foundlings as citizens of the Philippines. The country has a strong humanitarian tradition of international protection in support of those at risk of being stateless.”

We are at an exceptionally difficult moment internationally, when the consequences of the refugee crisis seem to be outstripping our will and capacity and even our courage to respond to it. It is not wrong to feel unsettled faced by a crisis of such complexity and such magnitude. But we must not let fears get the better of us.

Syria is the biggest humanitarian and refugee crisis of our time, a continuing cause of suffering for millions which should be garnering a groundswell of support around the world.

After years of living in legal limbo, a first group of over 660 people in Southern Philippines had their citizenship confirmed.