Hungary posts ads in Jordan media warning off refugees

The government of Hungary has placed adverts in a number of Jordanian newspapers published on Monday telling Syrian refugees they face imprisonment if they cross its borders illegally, and asking them not to trust smugglers.

The adverts, published in both English and Arabic in newspapers including Jordanian daily al-Rai, read: "Hungarians are hospitable, but the strongest possible action is taken against those who attempt to enter Hungary illegally," referring to Syrian asylum-seekers trying to cross via Hungary further into Europe, in particular to Germany and Austria.

Earlier this month, the Danish government placed similar adverts in Lebanese newspapers, targeting would be asylum-seekers from amongst the Syrian refugee population in Lebanon.

The Hungarian government's treatment of asylum-seekers reaching its borders has drawn sharp criticism, including from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

The adverts come as Hungary's parliament on Monday approved new powers for the army and police to prevent illegal migrants crossing the border, including giving troops the right to use weapons.

The latest legislation allows the army to take part in border controls, to restrict personal liberties and to use weapons as long as no loss of life ensues.

Approved with a two-thirds majority, it follows new laws from earlier this month which made illegal border-crossing a crime punishable by jail.

An ongoing plight

Many Syrian refugees have been attempting to make their way to Europe from neighbouring nations, such as Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq.

EU officials are scheduled to meet in Brussels on Wednesday to discuss possible solutions to the massive flow of migrants that has pitted Western European countries against Central European nations.

On Sunday, Hungary said it reopened the border crossing between its village of Roszke and the Serbian village of Horgos to vehicles.

The crossing was the site of clashes between police and refugees last week.

Hungary has also built a razor-wire fence along its border with Serbia to prevent people from illegally crossing the frontier, and its government has said it plans to construct another fence along its border with Croatia.

'Refugees must stay close to Syria'

UN Humanitarian Coordinator, Stephen O'Brien, said on Sunday that different circumstances have prompted European countries to close their borders to Syrian refugees.

Speaking at a press conference during a visit to the Jordanian capital Amman, he said he preferred borders to remain open to migrants to ensure their safety.

O'Brien suggested that there is an inclination in the United Nations to keep Syrian refugees in countries close to Syria.

"We have to support and encourage the presence of these people in areas close to their country, to be able to return when security is restored," he said, adding that he was confident that most refugees would choose to return to their country once this happens.

Responding to a question from al-Araby al-Jadeed's correspondent in Amman, regarding the United Nations' reaction in the event Jordan decides to close its borders to Syrian refugees, O'Brien said "I will not absolutely condemn the closure of any border."

O'Brien acknowledged that Syria's neighbouring countries, including Jordan, have borne the largest burden from the Syrian crisis.

The UN official said the international community must increase its support for Syria's neighbours, saying only 38 percent of the funding needed to deal with the crisis has been delivered this year.

The UN official's remarks coincide with international and European calls for supporting the countries hosting Syrian refugees, to curb their movement into Europe.

O'Brien visited the Zaatari Syrian refugee camp in the Mafraq Governorate (75 km north-east of Amman).

He also met with Jordanian officials, to discuss further aid for the refugees.