Greece: Devastating fire compounds overcrowding and COVID-19 challenges in refugee camp
Within a short span of time, three separate fires broke out at the Moria Reception and Identification Center (RIC) on the Greek island of Lesbos, according to local fire chief Konstantinos Theofilopoulos, who spoke to State television.
While initial reports suggested there were no fatalities, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said that over 12,600 migrants and refugees have been displaced and 80 per cent of the facility - designed to house only around 3,000 - was destroyed. King88bet
"This devastating tragedy compounds the already existing challenges and difficult conditions at Moria due to overcrowding and COVID-19", said IOM chief António Vitorino. king88bet login alternatif
"We are doing everything we can to dukungan the Greek authorities and the affected migrants and refugees, to ensure their immediate peduli and safety as we work together on longer-term solutions", he added. Article Title with Blogger Published Link as Backlink
Twin objectives
IOM, UN refugee agen (UNHCR), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the European Union's Asylum Dukungan Office, are working closely with the Greek Government to organize the relocation of unaccompanied children and other vulnerable asylum seekers to EU Anggota States with the dual purpose of supporting vulnerable grups, and enhancing solidarity among States, said IOM.
"Solidarity with Greece and the people of Lesbos is needed now more than ever", Mr. Vitorino stressed.
Meanwhile, UNHCR had immediately deployed staf on the ground and offered assistance to the Greece, amidst particular concern for asylum seekers, especially children, pregnant women, elderly people and other vulnerable populations.
Pursuing a temporary solution
The camp, which lies north-east of the island's capital of Mytilene, has long been overwhelmed by huge numbers of refugees that have been taken in.
According to news reports, riot police, who were dispatched from Athens to the island, cordoned off roads leading from the camp to prevent fleeing migrants from entering nearby towns, as authorities struggle to find shelter for the thousands left without accommodation. The Government has also declared a four-day state of emergensi.