UNHCR alarmed by detention of unaccompanied children in Lesvos, Greece
This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Andrej Mahecic – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
Earlier this week UNHCR staff visited the detention centre at Pagani on the Greek Island of Lesvos. They were shocked at the conditions in the facility, where more than 850 people are held, including 200 unaccompanied children, mostly from Afghanistan.
The centre has a capacity of 250-300 people. The UNHCR staff described the condition of the centre as unacceptable. One room houses over 150 women and 50 babies, many suffering from illness related to the cramped and unsanitary conditions of the centre.
The Deputy Minister of Health and Social Solidarity has given UNHCR his assurances that all the unaccompanied children at Pagani will be transferred to special reception facilities by the end of the month. The Ministry has already taken some measures to that effect.
The situation in Pagani is indicative of broader problems relating to irregular migration and Greece's asylum system. Last year, UNHCR, with the support of the Greek Ministry of Interior, presented recommendations for a complete overhaul of the asylum system, including specific measures to protect asylum-seeking children. To date, these proposals have not been implemented.
In 2008, the Greek Coast Guard reported the arrival of 2,648 unaccompanied children, but many more are believed to have entered the country undetected. Greece has no process for assessing the individual needs and best interests of these children. While the government has made efforts to increase the number of places for children at specialized, open centres, arrivals outstrip these efforts and children remain in detention for long periods.
UNHCR is participating in an EU funded project that aims to improve reception facilities on the islands of Samos, Chios and Lesvos and at the Evros land border.
Related news and stories
Ukrainian refugees relieve stress with a support dog named Noir
A safe space for Ukraine's refugees in Romania
UNHCR, UNICEF establish dozens of support hubs in countries hosting Ukrainian refugees
'I have seen first-hand how children's education has suffered'
Sir Lewis Hamilton backs UNHCR's campaign on refugee education
Sudanese refugees in Chad face challenges to deliver education
-
UN and partners launch plans to help 28 million people in acute need in Afghanistan and the region
12 Jan 2022 -
Cash assistance
12 Jan 2022 -
UN and partners launch plans to help 28 million people in acute need in Afghanistan and the region
11 Jan 2022 -
Gouta Case Study picture
11 Jan 2022 -
Displaced Afghan families return to destruction and hunger in Helmand
10 Jan 2022 Economic collapse and drought mean that tens of thousands of displaced Afghans who have returned home are facing severe hunger this winter. -
UNHCR issues recommendations to the 2022 French and Czech Presidencies of the Council of the EU
10 Jan 2022 -
News Comment by UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi on attack that hit Mai Aini refugee camp in Tigray
6 Jan 2022 -
Refugee family found safety and stability in Mexico. Next step: citizenship
6 Jan 2022 UNHCR Mexico is ushering in a multi-year planning model aimed at ensuring the continuity of programmes that help refugees from the moment they apply for asylum to their full integration. -
Refugee family found safety and stability in Mexico
6 Jan 2022