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
-
News Comment: UNHCR notes UK High Court judgement on transfer of asylum-seekers from the UK to Rwanda
19 Dec 2022 -
Football brings refugees and host community together in Angola
16 Dec 2022 An integrated team of refugees and their Angolan neighbours is helping to break down barriers and foster understanding, proving that the beautiful game can be a win-win contest. -
Joint Statement by UNHCR and Angelina Jolie
16 Dec 2022 -
UNHCR warns delays in rescue in Andaman Sea and Strait of Malacca are costing human lives
16 Dec 2022 -
Déclaration conjointe des co-hôtes et coparrains du Forum mondial sur les réfugiés de 2023
16 Dec 2022 -
Session 4 - UNHCR's engagement with Development Banks
16 Dec 2022 -
HC Dialogue 2022 - Closing Plenary
15 Dec 2022 -
Déclaration conjointe des co-hôtes et des coparrains du Forum mondial sur les réfugiés de 2019
15 Dec 2022 -
Ukrainian refugees relieve stress with a support dog named Noir
15 Dec 2022 Worried by the war back home, young Ukrainian refugees in Hungary are finding new ways to maintain their mental health.