Greece extends lockdown on more than 120,000 refugees on World Refugee Day

·

Even though Greece is slowly but steadily lifting strict COVID-19 restrictions across the country, it is keeping more than 120,000 refugees in lockdown in overcrowded camps to contain the spread of the coronavirus. 

Greece’s Migration and Asylum Ministry said confinement for refugees in camps across the country would be extended to July 5. It was due to have ended on Monday.

Greece was quick to introduce strict confinement measures on refugee camps on March 21 and imposed a more general lockdown on March 23.

Migrants stand outside container houses in Moria refugee camp on the island of Lesbos, Greece. Source: AP News.

While no known coronavirus deaths have been recorded in the camps so far and only a few dozen infections have surfaced, the measures have since been extended a number of times.

World Refugee Day:

The announcement’s timing, hours after 2,000 people rallied in Athens streets for World Refugee Day, demanding an end to the confinement of refugees and improvement in their abysmal living conditions, was controversial.

Migrants living in Greece chant slogans during a rally in Athens, June 20, 2020. Source: AP News.

“While restrictions on freedom of movement to protect public health can be necessary and justified, they must be based on scientific evidence, neither arbitrary nor discriminatory in their application… respectful of human dignity and subject to review,” Eva Cosse, of the Human Rights Watch in Athens, told VOA News.

“The camp lockdowns do not meet these criteria and yet, these discriminatory lockdowns continue.”

In response in a message for World Refugee Day, the Migration and Asylum Ministry said Greece has found itself “at the centre of the migration crisis bearing a disproportionate burden.”

“The country is safeguarding the rights of those who are really persecuted and operates as a shield of solidarity in the eastern Mediterranean.”

This year, 10,095 migrants and refugees have reached Greece, using rickety, rubber rafts to cross the Aegean Sea, mainly from Turkey.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Young dancers shine at Kogarah Greek Orthodox Parish’s first cultural fundraiser

The Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Kogarah held its inaugural Parish Greek Schools and Dancing School Fundraising Dinner.

Funding boost for The Cottage Kitchen’s community meal program

The Cottage Kitchen run by the St Nectarios Parish and Community in Burwood, Sydney has received a welcome boost, with a $3,171 grant awarded

Rebetiko revival: Melbourne event transports guests to the heart of 1920s Greece

The Hellenic Women's Network of Victoria, in collaboration with EEAMA, hosted a vibrant cultural afternoon dedicated to Rebetiko.

Builder George Lavrentiadis faces jail after illegally flattening historic SA beach shacks

George Lavrentiadis has apologised in court after illegally demolishing two historic beach shacks on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula.

Joe Palatsides joins CommBank Matildas as Assistant Coach

Joe Palatsides has been appointed Assistant Coach of the CommBank Matildas, as part of a strategic refresh of the team’s technical staff.

You May Also Like

Epameinondas Deligeorgis: Remembering Greece’s youngest-ever Prime Minister

A lawyer, journalist and politician, Epameinondas Deligeorgis was one of the most respected political officials in modern Greek history.

Remembering the life of poet and philhellene, Oscar Wilde

Universally known as a famous poet and playwright, Oscar Wilde is known and loved for his humour that he showcased in his writings.

Seminar on ANZAC pilgrimage to Gallipoli to be held at Melbourne’s Greek Centre

Dr Effie Steriopoulos will give a seminar on the ANZAC pilgrimage to Gallipoli at Melbourne's Greek Centre.