European neighbours join forces to ensure refugee minors sent away from Lesvos

·

France, Germany and Switzerland are only a few of the European countries that have stood beside Greece as they face a humanitarian crisis.

Officials relocated 406 unaccompanied children to mainland Greece after a devastating blaze this week completely destroyed the Moria refugee camp.

German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer on Friday announced that on an initiative from Berlin, 10 European Union countries have agreed to take 400 unaccompanied minors from Lesvos. German Chancellor Angela Merkel added to this, confirming a a plan by France and Germany to take minors from the island, hoping other EU countries will also join.

An aerial view of destroyed shelters following the fire at the Moria camp, in a picture taken with a drone. Photo: Alkis Konstantinidis/Reuters.

“I asked the Greek prime minister how we can help and his request was that we take in the minors who were taken to the Greek mainland,” Merkel said.

“We have contacted France. Germany and France will participate in this.”

Stating it is a “European responsibility”, Merkel strongly encouraged all neighbouring countries to offer their support to Greece. Her confirmation came after French President Emmanuel Macron said the two countries were coordinating to find a solution to welcome refugees from the camp.

READ MORE: President Sakellaropoulou: Turkey using ‘refugees as a weapon’ to serve personal agenda
READ MORE: VIDEO FOOTAGE allegedly catches refugees and migrants starting Moria fires

He added that Europe had to stand in solidarity with Greece in face of the “terrible reality that is before us.”

While not yet pledging to take minors from the island, Switzerland have been providing aid to refugees by sending a 1.2-ton shipment of blankets and personal hygiene products. A Swiss expert is also on Friday’s flight, sent to help coordinate the distribution of the aid.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Valentine’s Day, Greek Style: Two couples reflect on love, family and tradition

This year, The Greek Herald decided to speak with two Greek Australian couples from across the nation to ask them how they met.

‘It’s Story Time’ with Sophia Amarandos: A mini dating series on finding love

Sophia Amarandos is on her very own Bridget Jones-esque quest to find love, no matter how many glasses of wine and awkward dinners it takes.

Macquarie University leads the way in Greek Language Certificate awards ceremony

Over 200 people attended the award ceremony of the Certificates of Attainment in Greek Language 2024 that took place at Macquarie University.

Taste of the Aegean: Meet the Greek foodies bringing flavour to Antipodes 2025

This year’s Antipodes Festival is celebrating Greek culture and food with 'Taste of the Aegean,' proudly supported by The Greek Herald.

Inner West Hawks FC kick off 2025 season with memorable launch event

The Inner West Hawks FC officially launched their 2025 season with a vibrant celebration at Club Five Dock RSL on Wednesday, February 12.

You May Also Like

SA Government supports Liberals ban on election corflutes 

The Liberals have introduced a ban on election corflutes to be used public infrastructure in South Australia. 

NSW Small Business Minister Eleni Petinos faces bullying claims by former staffer

NSW Small Business Minister and Member for Miranda, Eleni Petinos, is facing allegations of bullying by a former adviser.

How Greece plans to stop over-tourism on Mykonos, Santorini

A government study constitutes a blueprint of measures managing the number and timing of tourist arrivals on those two islands.