HIGHLIGHTS

30,824 Number of arrivals on islands since the 2016 EU-Turkey Statement

1,156 Number of arrivals on the islands in April 2017

948 Number of people hosted in improved accommodation on the islands

530 Asylum-seekers transferred from the islands to state-run sites or UNHCR accommodation on the mainland

OPERATIONAL CONTEXT

The Aegean islands have been at the forefront of the 2015/2016 European Refugee Emergency with over 1 million people arriving in total, the vast majority from refugee producing countries. Before 20 March 2016, the population was transient, with arrivals remaining on the islands for a limited time, sometimes hours or a few days, before continuing their journey. The situation changed after the closure of the so-called Balkans route and the implementation of the Joint EU-Turkey Statement of 18 March 2016. Arrivals decreased significantly, the length of stay on the island increased, and the needs of the refugee and migrant populations on the islands changed, especially for people and families with specific needs.

Currently, according to the authorities, over 13,800 people are hosted on the Aegean islands; UNHCR estimates that this number could be lower. Some 964 are accommodated in urban facilities run by UNHCR and funded by the European Commission (EC). The Greek Government, supported by UNHCR and the broader humanitarian community, has made positive steps in improving conditions and services at the Reception and Identification Centres (RICs) on Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Kos, and Leros.

The situation on the islands has generally improved, but challenges with overcrowding and insecurity remain, and sub-standard conditions must still be improved in some locations. Protection risks for people staying on the islands continue, particularly the risk of sexual and gender-based violence. Children, including unaccompanied children, remain in inadequate shelter with insufficient access to formal or non-formal education, which also severely impacts their psychosocial well-being. Some sites lack regular access to essential services, such as psychosocial counselling, healthcare, and interpretation.

Months after their arrival on the Greek islands many asylum-seekers are still waiting for the full registration and processing of their asylum claims, especially for Iraqis and Afghans. Authorities have accelerated the pace of registration in recent months, but gaps remain. A comprehensive plan is still needed for the strengthening of the institutions allowing for the rapid full registration and processing of asylum claims in accordance with the requirements of the Asylum Procedures Directive (APD) and Greek law. As a protest against the lengthy asylum procedures and uncertainty over their future, twelve Kurdish Syrian men all residents of the Moria RIC on Lesvos went on a hunger and water strike. The strike was suspended after seven days following UNHCR-led facilitation with the RIC authorities.

Coordination gaps also remain and the Greek Government, the Ministry of Migration Policy (MoMP) in particular, should establish clear coordination structures with all humanitarian stakeholders to ensure a coherent and efficient response where gaps are addressed, overlap avoided, and resources optimised.

UNHCRs role in Greece focuses on working with the Government, non-governmental and other organizations, volunteer networks and communities to ensure the protection of refugees and asylum-seekers arriving in Greece. UNHCR advocates for the improvement of policies and services that affect the lives of refugees. UNHCR supports the Government to improve the process through which people can apply for asylum and access rights.

Where necessary, UNHCR helps the Government to fulfil the basic needs of asylum-seekers and refugees. In some cases, UNHCR provides support when there are gaps related to shelter, water, sanitation, food, basic household items, health, education, information provision, coordination and site management. UNHCR does this either directly or by working with partners. UNHCRs role varies from location to location, depending on the identified needs and partnerships.

UNHCR assists asylum-seekers by connecting them with partners who can provide social and legal advice and representation.

UNHCR also provides support to government officials, the staff of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and others to enhance their capacity to understand and respond to the needs of refugees.

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UNHCR Aegean Islands Factsheet - April 2017 - ReliefWeb