AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PRESS RELEASE
Greece: Refugees facing freezing conditions on the mainland and islands
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
MEDIA ADVISORY
30 January 2017
Greece: Refugees facing freezing conditions on the mainland and islands
Spokespersons available on the ground until 8 February
As freezing temperatures grip southern Europe, a team of Amnesty International researchers are on the ground on the Greek mainland and islands to assess how refugees and migrants are coping.
“Refugees and migrants stranded on the islands or trapped on the mainland are woefully ill-equipped to deal with the bitter cold,” said Monica Costa, Amnesty International’s Migration Researcher.
“This inhumane situation is the direct result of the EU and European government pressure to seal off the Balkan route without fulfilling their relocation commitments. In addition it results from the EU-Turkey deal which strands asylum seekers on the Greek islands in order that they remain eligible to be sent back to Turkey.”
Amnesty International teams will visiting the refugee camps in Attika region, the north and on Lesvos between 1 and 8 February.
For more information or to arrange an interview on the ground contact Angel Gonzalo on [email protected] 0034 630746802
Follow @marsemavi, @mcostariba @Trompikonio and @Fotis_Filippou
ENDS