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
-
Animation to mark 70 years of the Refugee Convention
28 Jul 2021 -
Barbara Hendricks reflects on half a lifetime helping refugees
28 Jul 2021 On the 70th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, celebrated performer and Honorary Lifetime Goodwill Ambassador looks back at her 35-year role with the UN Refugee Agency. -
Eritrean refugees in Tigray caught up in conflict
27 Jul 2021 -
UNHCR urges states to protect refugees' rights, not to instrumentalize their plight
27 Jul 2021 -
Inditex
At the start of 2020, Inditex, one of the world's largest fashion retailers and owner of brands such as Zara and Massimo Dutti, partnered with UNHCR to provide large volumes of clothing to people who have been forced to flee their homes. -
UNHCR statement on the return of displaced Syrians
26 Jul 2021 As the dire socio-economic impact of COVID-19 worsens conditions for displaced Syrians, both inside Syria and in hosting countries, UNHCR calls for support for the displaced and their choices. -
The displaced across the decades, Barbara Hendricks marks UNHCR's 70th year
26 Jul 2021 -
Three refugee athletes gain sports scholarships to Canada
24 Jul 2021 Kenya-based middle-distance runners from South Sudan currently in Tokyo with the IOC Refugee Olympic Team in first intake of trailblazing athletic scholarship scheme. -
Internship a dream come true for refugee at IKEA store in Croatia
23 Jul 2021 Furniture retailer IKEA offers promise of a new start for refugees in Croatia through internship programme under a partnership with UNHCR.