Trends in Arrivals and Pushbacks in the Aegean - Between July and September 2024, the number of sea arrivals to the Aegean islands doubled compared to the previous quarter. However, data on recent arrivals also confirms that the Greek government’s coordinated attack on migrants through its pushback policy continues, withnearly 2,972 migrants reported to have been forcibly pushed back during the same period.
Attacks on Boats and Shift in Migration Routes - Amid a series of deadly attacks and escalating violence targeting migrant boats in the North Aegean, LCL observed a shift in migration routes of people on the move, which has led to an increase in longer, more hazardous journeys to Greek islands located farther from Turkey. On these non-‘hotspot’ islands, new arrivals often face a lack of adequate reception facilities, leaving many stranded for days or weeks without shelter or immediate support.
Discriminations and dire conditions inside the Lesvos CCAC - Inside the Lesvos Closed Controlled Access Center, conditions remained dire. Over the summer, nearly 1,300 migrants endured inhuman living conditions, with many lacking access to food and clean water due to discriminatory policies based on legal status. Additionally, delays in cash assistance payments since May 2024 have worsened the situation, leaving thousands of asylum seekers unable to meet basic needs.
Criminalisation of migration - Amongst others, in August, LCL's lawyers continued to support two survivors from the Pylos 9, wrongly accused and detained following the tragic Adriana shipwreck in June 2023, to file a compensation claim for unjust detention. Unfortunately, the Court in Kalamata denied the claim on 19 November 2024.
