The migration crisis affects all of Europe. In Greece, the authorities opened this Saturday, November 27, 2021 two new closed centers on the islands of Leros and Kos. A model criticized by human rights organizations.
It looks a bit like a prison. Barbed wire, checkpoints, surrounding a set of constructions, like construction site buildings. But it is actually the brand new migrant center on the island of Kos, Greece.
The Greek Minister of Migration came to inaugurate it this Saturday, together with the Vice-President of the European Commission. Both welcomed the opening of this new type of facility: secure, but also offering amenities such as running water and toilets.
” We are proud of what we leave behind, said the Vice-President of the European Commission, the Greek Margaratis Schinas, Europe must not relive the nightmare of the years 2015-2016. At that time, Greece had to take in hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers, in often deplorable conditions.
The new Kos camp is funded by the European Union. Ultra secure, it is closed at night and migrants must present electronic badges to enter. Movement restrictions denounced by human rights organizations, which fear the isolation of migrants.
In Leros and Kos today to inaugurate the new Reception and Identification Centers.
Fully funded by the EU, they have:
? More places
? Safe zones for kids
? Recreation areas
? Arrivals and Pre-removal facilitiesWe stand by Greece, building a sustainable migration system. pic.twitter.com/YUR5Yewel2
– Margaritis Schinas (@MargSchinas) November 27, 2021
► To read again: In Greece, 24 humanitarian workers tried for migrant rescue operations