© UNHCR/Despoina Anagnwstou
Vathi, Samos – The UNHCR Field Office in Samos, present since 2013 on the island, supports the Greek authorities in addressing the challenges and in finding effective solutions for people under its mandate, refugees and asylum-seekers, but also the local communities and its organizations.
2020 was a challenging and special year for everyone, as we faced an unprecedented pandemic, a deadly earthquake on Samos and extreme weather conditions, and we were called to adapt to new conditions and situations. UNHCR staff remained at the forefront of support for refugees and asylum-seekers as well as at the disposal of the authorities, intensifying the actions and technical interventions at the Reception and Identification Centre (RIC) in Vathi. At the same time, a number of donations were made to the General Hospital of Samos, to schools, as well as to the Municipality of Eastern Samos.
“We are particularly concerned about addressing the immediate needs and problems of asylum-seekers and refugees residing on the island. However, the goal should also be to ensure long-term and sustainable solutions, with the continuous support of the European Union”, says Ms. Pipina Katsari, Head of UNHCR Office in Samos. “At the same time, we are listening to the needs of the local community, which has shown remarkable solidarity in recent years, and justifiably feels that is bearing disproportionate responsibility,” adds Ms. Katsari.
UNHCR’s team on the island swiftly responded to the emergencies that arose and to the extraordinary conditions created by the pandemic. During 2020 and the beginning of 2021, UNHCR delivered more than 210,000 gloves, masks, antiseptics and core relief items to the Hospital, the Administration of the RIC in Samos, as well as to Non-Governmental Organizations, to meet the basic needs of asylum-seekers residing on the island and employees. Given the increased needs of the medical and nursing staff, 48,000 gloves, 12,400 masks, 1,000 disposable aprons and 305 litres of antiseptic solution for hands and surfaces were delivered to the General Hospital of Samos, along with a cardiac monitor with a rolling stand, 12 baby cribs, two infrared thermometers and two pulse oximeters, among others. It also provided the paediatric clinic with fingertip pulse oximeters for new-borns and infants, an electronic blood pressure monitor and a non-invasive bilirubinometer to measure neonatal jaundice and supported the renovation of its playground.
© UNHCR/Despoina Anagnwstou
© UNHCR/Emmanouil Klironomakis
© UNHCR/Despoina Anagnwstou
Furthermore, UNHCR provided technological and educational material to support the work of primary and secondary schools on the island. Specifically, in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd Elementary School, the 2nd High School and the Second Chance School, UNHCR delivered a total of 31 magnetic boards, four outdoor chess sets for children’s recreation, two interactive whiteboards, four laptops, four video projectors and four CD players, headphones, speakers and protective covers for basketball and volleyball courts.
In addition, UNHCR responded to the requests of the Municipality of Eastern Samos and proceeded with the recent delivery of two press containers, which are expected to significantly assist in waste management, and the provision of a prefabricated container to shelter stray pet animals, looking ahead to individual voluntary assistance. In the aftermath of the October 2020 earthquake, UNHCR delivered 100 family tents to the municipal authorities to address immediate needs, and core relief items which were distributed through partner organizations to those affected by the natural disaster.
At the same time, a number of interventions were carried out inside Samos RIC. UNHCR helped increase the designated isolation areas for confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases, by installing seven fully equipped containers inside the RIC. In order to improve hygiene conditions, UNHCR installed three prefabricated containers with showers-toilets, replaced the floors in five existing showers / toilets, provided 11 chemical toilets along with their cleaning services and delivered more than 5,500 special spare parts, 80 specialized tools and 19 solar water heaters. In addition, repairs were carried out in the area where warehouses and medical services are hosted, while electronic and medical equipment was delivered to the Hellenic National Public Health Organization and the First Reception and Identification Service. Eight Refugee Housing Units (RHUs) were installed to meet shading and storage needs, as well as 12 solar streetlights. Furthermore, some necessary groundworks were carried out and 60 fire extinguishers were delivered. UNHCR collected 280 tonnes of waste from areas around the RIC and also proceeded with disinfestation and disinfection works inside the RIC, contributing to the efforts of the authorities, organizations and volunteers from the communities, for the best possible waste management and sanitation of the site.
UNHCR will continue working with local authorities and organizations to find sustainable solutions to issues affecting asylum-seekers and the local community.
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