GREEK GOVERNMENT ACCUSED OF BLOCKING ACCESS OF FOOD IN REFUGEE CAMPS

Tue 25 January 2022:

Authorities in Greece have been accused of inciting a hunger crisis in refugee camps by denying people food. “It is unthinkable that people are going hungry in Greece. Through no fault of their own they have fallen through the cracks and all because of a problem created by gaps in legislation and policy.” Martha Roussou of the International Rescue Committee (IRC), said in a report by The Guardian.

According to IRC estimates, 40% of camp inmates have been refused basic necessities. This is due to the administration’s decision to suspend food distribution.

“Teachers in local primary schools have reported children turning up to school without having eaten, without even a snack to see them through the day,” IRC said.

In an open letter written to Greek and EU officials, a total of 33 humanitarian groups have demanded that food should be provided to all camp residents irrespective of their legal status.

Earlier in October, the Greek authorities were accused of the same. “Though practices differ from region to region, it is roughly estimated that 60 per cent of people living in camps do not receive food in the mainland,” the 26 organisations, including the Greek Council of Refugees and the International Rescue Committee, said in a statement.

“Among those left hungry, 25 per cent are women (including pregnant women), single-headed families, 40 per cent are children, chronic patients, and patients with special medical and nutritional conditions. In some places, food is not even provided to those put in quarantine due to COVID 19,” they added.

Athens’ migration ministry has rejected claims of a hunger crisis. Manos Logothetis, who oversees refugee reception, described the allegation as “nonsense.”

“If a hunger crisis really existed there’d be riots and protests. We are in discussion with the EU commissioner every week and have reassured her that there is no issue with food, that everyone who is supposed to receive it, including the vulnerable and incapacitated, is getting support,” he said.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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