The conference was joined by representatives of governments, UN agencies and civic groups, and aimed to promote a more coordinated and human rights-based response to the crisis. 

Faith-based organisations advocated for faith principles to be a part of the response, particularly the belief that every human being is created in the image of God, and the values of human dignity and the rights of all. 

The conference comes at a time when Europe is struggling to know how to deal with the number of refugees crossing into the region, particularly from the Middle East, and parts of Asia and Africa. 

According to figures from the WCC/UN statement, over a million refugees and migrants arrived in Europe in 2015. 

They warned that the migrant crisis had "rapidly become a children's crisis", with children accounting for one in three of the refugees and migrants arriving in Europe. 

"All children, no matter where they are or where they come from, whether they are refugees or migrants, are entitled to care and protection of their dignity, rights and well-being," the statement read.

The conference acknowledged the scale of the challenge faced by European governments and societies, but also called for stronger collective engagement by the international community, especially in addressing the root causes of displacement, like violence, inequality and exclusion.

"In particular, we appeal to all those with capacity to help stop the fighting and to alleviate the intolerable suffering in Syria to put aside their political differences and to join in common action for peace now," the statement read. 

In addition, the WCC and UN called for the protection of women and girls from sexual and gender-based violence and exploitation, and more support for countries neighbouring areas of conflict from which people are fleeing.

They went on to stress that responsibility could not fall upon one nation or government's shoulders, although they added that Europe's response needed to be better coordinated.

"The conference participants concur that alleviating the suffering of people affected by displacement is a shared responsibility, not only in Europe but also elsewhere," they said.

"It is of urgent importance that safe and legal passage for refugees coming to Europe be expanded and facilitated. Closing national borders to refugees is not a solution because it only shifts the responsibility to the next country."

"The conference participants call for better coordination and cooperation of Europe's response to the refugee and migrant crisis. Implementing, strengthening and improving the common EU asylum system is urgently needed."