Moria migrants transferred to Athens construct ‘makeshift camp’ in Victoria Square

·

Hundreds of migrants crowded around Victoria Square in Athens on Tuesday night after being forcibly transferred from the Moria refugee camp.

Following an announcement by the government, thousands of people who have secured refugee status must leave facilities such as Moria and the Pyli detention centre.

Migrants have subsequently turned Victoria Square into a temporary makeshift camp, unclear where to reside. Police intervened on Monday to transfer the migrants and refugees to state facilities at Elaionas and Amygdaleza, but it remained unclear if such police operations will continue. 

Aniha with her children in Victoria Square. Photo: Efsyn

The problem at Victoria was broached during an Athens City council meeting on Monday with officials underlining the need for authorities to offer food and shelter to the refugees. Nasos Iliopoulos, a leftist SYRIZA official and head of the Anoixti Poli (Open City) movement, on Monday visited the square.

“Local residents and businesses can see that the situation taking shape is reprehensible both for the homeless refugees as it is for the quality of life in their neighbourhood, which is only just starting to recover after a series of crises,” Anoixti Poli said.

Photo: Ekatherimini

The ILIOS program of the International Organization for Migration provides for the rental subsidy for recognised refugees for 6 months, but they must first have found an apartment location.

The situation in Victoria Square is a small example of what Greek streets may become, following the Minister of Immigration and Asylum, Notis Mitarakis, insisting on evicting 11,000 refugees from structures and apartments, without solutions for the next day.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek fire in ‘The Belly of the Beast’ at St Kilda

‘The Vineyard’ in St Kilda (also known as ‘The Belly of the Beast’) has a long and rich ethnic-Australian heritage.

Jenny Souris Foundation Gala raises $100,000 to help young cancer fighter Jack

The Jenny Souris Foundation’s fundraising gala raised funds for four-year-old Jack, who is courageously battling Stage IV Neuroblastoma.

Greek Australian George Moulos attempts record-breaking ‘March Across Greece’

Young Greek Australian entrepreneur George Moulos will embark on a transformative 1,200 km journey across Greece on foot.

proika exhibition explores cultural bonds that unite the Greek Australian community

On November 20, the proika project invites you to the launch their multimedia exhibition, melding fashion, photography and conversations.

Heliades Greek Women’s Network celebrate Melbourne Cup in style

The Greek Women's Network (Heliades) hosted a vibrant celebration of the Melbourne Cup on Sunday, November 3.

You May Also Like

To the Cappadocian ancestors

Cappadocia was, from ancient times, the place of the scouts of Hellenism and region that produced the Church Fathers.

Young Greek Australians enjoy Summer Camp in Greece

The Greek Community of Melbourne’s (GCM) 'Greek Summer Camp' initiative has come to an end for the second year in a row.

10th Greek Street Fair in Burwood set to be bigger than ever

Greek dancing performances, live Greek music, food trucks and more at the annual Greek Street Fair Burwood on Sunday, from 11am to 5pm.