UNHCR: Idomeni violence ‘matter of great worry’
The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed concern about the April 10 violence at the border between Greece and the Republic of Macedonia near Idomeni and the extensive scenes of teargas in use.
UNHCR spokesperson Adrian Edwards described the development as “a matter of great worry” to the agency, emphasising that it should be such a matter to all who are concerned with Europe’s response to the situation of refugees and migrants.
“Time and again in recent months we have seen tension unfolding at various European borders, between security forces on the one hand and people fleeing war and in need of help on the other,” he said, quoted by the UN News Centres “People get hurt and property is damaged. Harm is done to perceptions of refugees and to Europe’s image alike. Everyone loses.”
In recent days, media and public attention has focused on how the European Union-Turkey agreement is being implemented in the Aegean islands and in Turkey.
“We should not forget the many other refugees and migrants who continue to be affected by the situation, especially the nearly 46 000 on the Greek mainland who arrived before the agreement took effect,” he said. At Idomeni, about 11 000 have been sleeping for many weeks now in the open in dismal conditions, fuelling hopelessness and despair, Edwards said.
UNHCR is ready to support the voluntary transfer of people to sites to be put in place by the Greek Government, including with the necessary services while registration and processing is taking place. “This is urgent,” he said.
In the meantime, in Idomeni, UNHCR together with the Greek government, Greek non-governmental organisations, and other partners are providing food, medical support, help for persons with specific needs, and prevention and response to sexual and gender based violence, the UN News Centre said.
A wider solution, namely to relocate those who may qualify for international protection to other European states, has been agreed for many months. “It needs action,” Edwards said.
“Violence is wrong whatever the circumstances,” he said, expressing hope that Europe will take the necessary steps now, as UNHCR stands ready to help governments further in fulfilling their obligations to refugees.
(Photo of Idomeni: Unicef/Tomislav Georgiev)
