Brussels, 29/03/2016 (Agence Europe) - European humanitarian assistance transported by two lorries arrived in Athens on Tuesday 29 March according to an announcement made by the European Commission on the same day. The convoy delivered 50 electric radiators, 100 beds, 50 tents, 150 fire alarms, 32 extinguishers, and 500 blankets provided by Sweden, and 100 beds and 1,000 pillows provided by Germany.
These basic products relating to human need were provided by way of the EU civil protection mechanism in response to the request for assistance submitted by the Greek authorities last December (see EUROPE 11486).
Last week, assistance announced by several member states (Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, Spain, Sweden) and Norway was also delivered (see EUROPE 11511).
Christos Stylianides, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, stated that “in total, 17 countries have until now provided more than 87,000 different products and equipment parts”. He also thanked member states, particularly the national civil protection authorities, for their solidarity.
At a time when the flow of migrants appears to be slowing down (fewer than 1,000 migrants arrived in Greece on Monday 28 March, as opposed to 2,000 a day over previous weeks, according to a Commission spokesperson on Tuesday (see EUROPE 11519), Stylianides is, nonetheless, calling for member states to do more and says that “more provision needs to be offered because there is no doubt at all that the humanitarian needs of refugees in Greece remain high”.
Human Rights Watch said that the EU-Turkey agreement on migrants had undoubtedly aggravated the humanitarian situation in the port of Athens. From 9 to 22 March, this NGO made a visit to Piraeus and asserted that the lack of Greek government involvement, poor organisation, scarce resources, lack of information, and concerns and fears about this agreement were contributing to insecurity and suffering.
Eva Cossé from Human Rights Watch said on Thursday 24 March that “pregnant women, the disabled and young children are stuck in limbo without dignity or hope. The suffering in Piraeus is a direct consequence of Europe's failure to respond legally and with compassion to the crisis.” The chaotic situation at the port of Piraeus, combined with fatigue and despair among the migrants due to the closing of borders has created a situation of tension and insecurity, which has led to violent clashes between Syrian and Afghan migrants, according to the NGO. Human Rights Watch explained that women and children were being denied basic facilities or any intimacy at all and are “vulnerable to the risk of sexual harassment and violence”.
According to UNHCR, women and children, mainly from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, now account for almost 60% of those seeking refuge in Europe. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)