UN refugee chief: EU 'lagging far behind' on refugee crisis

The United Nations' High Commissioner for Refugees has called on western nations to create more "legal alternatives" for refugees to find protection following yesterday's EU proposals to tackle the migrant crisis.

Writing for Time magazine, Antonio Guterres, also the former Prime Minister of Portugal, wrote that Europe's response was "lagging far behind" despite "the greatest humanitarian disaster since World War Two".

He said the actions of European leaders at yesterday's summit "show that Europe recognizes the need for collective action to respond to the enormous tragedy that is unfolding on its borders".

However, he also called for a commitment to "expanded resettlement and humanitarian admission schemes", among a raft of other proposed measures to help those seeking refuge.

"Without realistic alternative channels for people to reach safety, the much-needed increase in international efforts to crack down on smugglers and traffickers is unlikely to be effective," he added.