HR Watchdog Urges Greece, EU to Shelter Children in Greek Camps

Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Wednesday said children in overcrowded migrant and refugee camps in Greece are exposed to violence and trauma, urging Athens and EU countries to improve their status.

HRW estimates the number of unaccompanied minors in the so-called hotspots at 1,750 at least.

According to HRW researcher Eva Cosse, hundreds of lone children are left to fend for themselves, sleeping on mats and cardboard boxes, exposed to worsening and dangerous weather conditions.

“Greek authorities need to urgently make sure these children are safe and cared for,’’ Cosse said.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Nov. 24 that the government has a plan, named “No Child Alone,” to build shelters for unaccompanied children.

Additionally, Greece has appealed to EU member states to share the burden of sheltering those children, however, says that only one country has responded to the call so far.

HWR said that Greece should urgently take steps to identify children living outside protective sections in the camps.

“Greece should provide safe, humane accommodation, with proper care, education, counselling, legal aid, guardianship and other essential services. “EU states should share responsibility by relocating unaccompanied migrant children from Greece to their own countries and by facilitating family reunification,’’ the organisation added.

The reunification is often delayed by overwhelmed asylum services and lacking representation and needs to be accelerated in the interest of the children.