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
-
Fear and loss stalk Mozambicans fleeing insurgent violence
22 Mar 2021 Some 670,000 people forced from their homes in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province in a crisis that has failed to hold the world's attention. -
Making a difference
22 Mar 2021 -
High Commissioner's Message on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
21 Mar 2021 Statement by Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees -
2020 PSP Donor Impact Report
19 Mar 2021 This donor report offers an engaging and story-focused snapshot of UNHCR's work in 2020 .It offers a donor-centric, story-focused snapshot of UNHCR's work in 2020 and aims to show private donors the impact of their generous contributions on the lives of refugees and displaced people across the world. -
Yonas Kinde
Yonas Kinde is an Ethiopian Olympian, Marathoner and former refugee. -
Armed attacks kill hundreds, displace 40,000 civilians in northeast DR Congo
19 Mar 2021 -
Maya Ghazal - My Story
18 Mar 2021 -
Rohingya refugees and local Bangladeshis benefit from inclusive COVID-19 response
18 Mar 2021 Healthcare facilities in Cox's Bazar have been treating both Rohingya refugee and Bangladeshi COVID patients. Now, a national vaccination campaign will take the same inclusive approach. -
Colombian coroner gives Venezuelans dignified burials
17 Mar 2021 When Venezuelan refugees and migrants cannot afford a decent burial, Sonia Bermúdez ensures they have a final resting place.