Thousands of migrants turn to Croatia after Hungary slams the door on them

Thousands of refugees have begun pouring into Croatia as it became the latest hotspot in Europe’s refugee crisis. By Thursday morning, 6,200 people had entered the country since the first groups started arriving early the day before. Many had already endured bus trips through Serbia before crossing fields on foot to enter Croatia, after Hungary tried to seal its borders against the human tide. Croatian interior minister Ranko Ostojic said the country has the situation under control but warned that “if huge waves start coming through Serbia, we must consider different moves”.

They are people in genuine need of our protection. There is no wall you would not climb, no sea you wouldn’t cross if you are fleeing violence and terror.

European Union migration commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos

The migrants are unlikely to stay long in Croatia. Most plan to travel on, passing through Slovenia and then Austria en route to Germany. They switched tactics after Hungarian riot police used tear gas and water cannon to hold back a crowd of migrants on the border with Serbia on Wednesday afternoon. The incident left Hungary facing an international backlash but foreign minister Peter Szijjarto said: “I find it bizarre and shocking that certain esteemed international figures have stood on the side of people who for hours were throwing stones and pieces of cement at the Hungarian police.”

We fled wars and violence and did not expect such brutality and inhumane treatment in Europe.

Iraqi migrant Amir Hassan

Europe hungary migrant