The International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Head of Office for Greece, Ruben Cano said:
“The arrival of US President Barack Obama in Athens today brings to the fore once again the fate of the thousands of migrants and refugees stranded in Greece.
“Every day, Red Cross staff and volunteers witness the degradation of people living in sub-standard conditions. With winter already upon us, we are increasingly concerned that the upgrade of camps will not be completed in time to ensure people are adequately provided for as temperatures drop and weather worsens.
“As the President meets with the Government of Greece to discuss this and other issues, the Red Cross is calling on the European Union and its Member States to renew their pledge to rapidly relocate asylum seekers and refugees under the EU relocation and family reunification schemes.
“It is critical that the response in Greece moves from emergency phase to sustainable, long-term solutions. Red Cross is urgently advocating for alternative housing for people stranded in Greece. Most migrants and refugees have been in Greece for more than eight months. The Red Cross believes people should be assisted to move out of camps and into longer term and more dignified housing.
“More than 60,000 people are living in Greece with little control over or certainty about their future. Frustrations, tensions and health problems are mounting as people are exhausted, traumatized, and lack critical information.
“The Red Cross will continue to work with the Government of Greece and other humanitarian organizations to improve camp conditions, while looking to longer term strategies to ensure the well-being of migrants and Greek communities.”
For more information, please contact:
In Greece:
- Anita Dullard, emergency communications delegate, IFRC Greece
Email: anita.dullard@ifrc.org | Tel +30 698 167 3388 | Twitter: @black_viv
In Budapest:
- Nichola Jones, communications manager, IFRC Europe Region
Email: nicholalyndsay.jones@ifrc.org | +36 70 430 6506 / +44 7715 459956 | @nicjones81