UNHCR calls for extensive reform of EU's refugee policy

UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, has called for a sweeping reform of the European Union's refugee policy.

In a paper titled "Better Protecting Refugees in the EU and Globally" that was presented to European officials on Monday, UNHCR called on Europe to offer strategic and targeted support to countries of origin, asylum and transit of refugees, to improve its response to major arrivals and to install a more efficient asylum processing system.

The organization also called for greater investment by EU governments toward integrating refugees, including offering accommodation, employment and language training.

"Last year, Europe failed to implement a collective, managed response to the challenges posed by the arrival of over a million refugees and migrants," UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said.

"This resulted in scenes of chaos at borders, leading...