Brussels/Berlin, 17 April 2020 — On Saturday, 58 unaccompanied asylum-seeking children are set to leave Athens for Germany. Like the recent relocation of unaccompanied children to EU-neighboring country Luxembourg, International Rescue Committee (IRC) welcomes this move and thanks all involved parties for their hard work.
“This is an important first step in fulfilling the German government’s initial pledge of taking at least 350 unaccompanied children from overcrowded camps on the Greek islands. Especially in the midst of the current COVID-19 crisis, it is absolutely necessary to protect those who are most vulnerable,” said Ralph Achenbach, Managing Director of IRC in Germany. “We understand the vetting process has been complicated by the COVID-19 crisis, adding extra medical checks and precautions. Even in the best of times, taking care of children needs a thoughtful process to ensure their safety and well-being.”
IRC calls for all relocations to be done in line with the best interests of the child, with priority to family links, ensuring broad eligibility that does not discriminate against specific nationalities, gender, and date of arrival or certain age groups.
According to official figures, there are currently more than 5,200 unaccompanied children living in camps, informal settlements, or other shelters on mainland Greece and the islands. Most of them are deprived of access to their most basic rights, such as shelter and adequate food, medical, psychosocial care, as well as education. Their relocation to our country could give them a new chance to thrive and regain control of their future.
“The European response to the pandemic has already demonstrated that the swift and safe transfer of people to EU member states from across the globe is logistically possible. Look at Germany: Within a month the Federal Foreign Office repatriated at least 230.000 people. Similarly, this can be done for the most vulnerable individuals in Greek refugee camps, especially those where living conditions are atrocious and inhumane,” Achenbach said.
“There are 20.000 people now living in Moria, a camp on the Greek island of Lesvos that has been set up to house only 3.000. Population density is at dangerous levels. IRC data shows only 6m² living space per person. People have to queue for everything in crowded conditions: food, showers, toilets, and water running only for a few hours a day. Hygiene? Not possible. Physical distancing? Unrealistic. This is why we urgently call for Germany and other European countries to step up and show European solidarity to ensure that the EU Commission’s goal of relocating 1600 unaccompanied children can be filled immediately. ”