UNHCR calls for urgent action over worsening conditions in Greek migrant camps

After a devastating fire destroyed Europe’s largest refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesbos, UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, has issued a call for decisive action from the Greek authorities to improve conditions for asylum seekers across the Aegean islands as winter approaches. 

A statement issued by UNHCR calls for immediate action “to avoid further deterioration of living conditions for some 7,800 refugees and asylum-seekers currently sheltered in the emergency site in Kara Tepe.” 

Recent heavy rain has led to flooding on the Greek island and destroyed makeshift camps in Lesbos, further exacerbating the situation. UNHCR warns that “colder weather and the onset of winter will only bring more hardship for people,” and urges the Greek authorities to address critical gaps in housing, healthcare and sanitation to provide protection ahead of winter. 

TMP _ 14\10\2020

Photo credit: Nicolas Economou
Photo caption: Third day of fire in Moria Refugee camp on Lesbos Island in Greece displacing 13000 asylum seeker. The largest refugee camp in Europe completely burned down. September 10, 2020 – Moria, Lesvos, Greece