There must be effective coordination and communication directly between countries as well as through and with entities like the OSCE and European Union. Individual countries also must have the flexibility to respond best to the particular circumstances in their own countries. The response must address "push" factors. like economic challenges and aid shortfalls in countries like Syrias neighbors that have been hosting refugees. It must also address "pull" factors. like decisions individual European countries have made that have attracted refugees. There is real human need and desperation. Refugees are entrusting themselves to smugglers and where there is human smuggling there is a higher risk of human trafficking. I am especially concerned about the risk of abuse. exploitation. and enslavement. of women and children. Already we are hearing reports that some European countries are failing to protect women and girls from sexual assault and forced prostitution.
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refugees Refugees