GENEVA, June 18 (Xinhua) -- The UN refugee agency UNHCR on Monday urged the United States to prioritize family unity and the best interests of children as it implements new border management policies along the US-Mexico border.

"There are effective ways to ensure border control without putting families through the lasting psychological trauma of child-parent separation," UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said.

"UNHCR stands ready to support the United States in implementing humane and secure alternatives," he added.

In a media statement issued Monday evening, UNHCR also stressed that it continues to call on governments to work together to address the root causes in Central America and at the same time ensure safe haven for families fleeing life-threatening violence.

According to the UNHCR, growing numbers of families in Central America have been forced in recent years to flee extraordinary, unchecked violence, and these families have been seeking protection in countries throughout the region.