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
-
Joint Guidance: Targeting of Assistance to Meet Basic Needs
29 Jun 2020 -
More than 30,000 refugees flee violence in northwestern Nigeria in last two months alone
26 Jun 2020 Growing insecurity forces thousands, mainly women and children, to seek safety in neighbouring Niger. -
David Morrissey: 'I've seen the difference resettlement can make'
26 Jun 2020 -
For Salvadoran LGBTI people, "At the moment, it's riskier than ever"
26 Jun 2020 A transgender activist speaks with Mexican actor Alfonso Herrera about how the LGBTI community in El Salvador is dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. -
Ifrah Ahmed
Ifrah Ahmed began supporting UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in 2014 and became a High Profile Supporter in 2020. -
Brutal attacks in Nigeria force thousands of women and children into Niger's Maradi region
25 Jun 2020 -
Cate Blanchett receives award for humanitarian work with UNHCR
25 Jun 2020 Actor and director Cate Blanchett wins Variety award and honours Alessandra Morelli, representative in Niger for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. -
UNHCR Engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals - Updated guidance note 2019
24 Jun 2020 -
Lebanon: Syrian family awaits end of lockdown to start new life in Norway
24 Jun 2020