The challenge for political leaders attending a summit on migration hosted by France on Monday will be to give people options other than having to trust smugglers, the UN has said.

Refugees who have fled to Europe from countries like Syria and Afghanistan are still being portrayed as “potential terrorists”, especially on social media, while so-called “hate speech” is on the rise.

The success of the Syria peace talks is crucial for the people of the war-torn country and for everyone in Europe, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said, in a surprise announcement at the UN on Wednesday.

Hopes that the colder weather might see a drop in the number of people risking their lives to reach Europe have proved groundless after the UN Children’s Agency, UNICEF, on Wednesday said that the number of women and children seeking safety has