Dropping temperatures sparks concerns for migrants in Europe

(Vatican Radio) Aid groups have warned that refugees on the move through Europe are facing growing hardship as temperatures drop as winter sets and many spending the nights in the open.

Listen to Stefan Bos’ report: 

With Hungary having many security forces fences and fences along is borders with Serbia and Croatia, thousands are seeking other routes to enter Western Europe. 

In recent days, many including pregnant woman, children and the elderly, have been spending nights even in an Orthodox cemetery near the Serbian border with Croatia. Children appear exhausted. 

Among those waiting was 15-year-old Nahid Rahimi who left Afghanistan seeking a better life. "In Afghanistan the women are not like humans. They can not go out safely. I escaped to have 

a new life," she said.  

EU PRESSURE

After pressure from the European Union, Croatia has re-opened its border with Serbia, ending a week-long standoff that had plunged relations between the two Balkan states to their lowest since Yugoslavia broke up in bloodshed in the 1990s. Yet confusion remains.

And even those arriving at a Croatian transit camp lacking many facilities remain concerned about their future. 

They include Mehran Derakshini, a young man from Iran. "I can not imagine these circumstances, this much difficulty. It;s very rainy. I think the help and support given is not enough. If I knew it would be that difficult I would have brought something warmer for myself," he said.  

AUSTRIA NEXT

Derakshini and others were expected to be brought towards Hungary from where unwelcoming authorities have used buses and trains to deport thousands to Austria. 

In Austria tensions are rising over refugees with the anti-migrant far-right Austrian Freedom Party doubling its share of the vote over the weekend in state of Upper Austria, where it became the second largest party. 

Here in Hungary a similar party, Jobbik, has successfully pressured Hungary's right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to be tough towards migrants. 

That's complicating the journey Westwards for people ill prepared to face Europe's colder elements.