UNHCR says force not the solution after police clashes with migrants

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) voiced its concern on Monday over the use of force by Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) police against migrants attempting to cross the Greek-FYROM border near Idomeni on Sunday.

"Time and again in recent months we have seen tension unfolding at various European borders, between security forces on the one hand and people fleeing war and in need of help on the other," said UNHCR spokesman Adrian Edwards in a written statement.

"People get hurt and property is damaged. Harm is done to perceptions of refugees and to Europe's image alike. Everyone loses," he added.

Clashes erupted between migrants and FYROM law enforcement officers after a group of people attempted to dismantle the fence and cross the border.

Up to 700 migrants and refugees tried to tear the fence down in three separate groups with FYROM police responding with tear gas, rubber bullets, and stun grenades to stop them.

Though the situation was under control by the afternoon after it started to rain in the area, at least 300 people were injured.

The Idomeni makeshift camp is currently host to some 11,000 refugees and migrants, many of whom are living in dismal conditions.

Source: XINHUA