Thousands of asylum-seekers moved off Greek islands

As winter bites, UNHCR helps the Greek government move vulnerable asylum-seekers from reception centers on the Aegean Islands to shelter on the mainland.

With the approach of winter, UNHCR has helped the Greek government move thousands of vulnerable asylum-seekers from Moria and other RICs on the Greek Aegean Islands to better shelter. More than 11,000 people have moved since early September from the islands to reception sites, hotels, and apartments on the mainland. UNHCR, with funding from the European Commission, assists in the transfers by bussing people to and from seaports and organizing ferry tickets.

Lesvos and Samos have been given priority for the decongestion operation over other islands as the RICs of Moria and Vathy are in desperate straits. More than half of all transfers have taken place from Moria. In December alone, over 1,700 asylum-seekers have been transferred from Lesvos with UNHCR’s support, after they were authorized to move by the Greek government.

Since transfers accelerated, Moria’s population has fallen below 5,000 for the first time since April 2018 but is still twice its capacity. The authorities have increased their efforts to improve conditions for those still waiting.

Original source: UNHCR
Published on 27 December 2018