Greece is facing a burgeoning migrant crisis, with thousands arriving from North Africa only to find themselves detained in limited facilities. In a significant shift in policy, the government has declared a "state of emergency," leading to the suspension of asylum requests for at least three months. The new migration minister, Thanos Plevris, has stated that anyone entering the country unlawfully will be met with immediate detention and repatriation, branding the situation an "invasion."
Amidst a sweltering heatwave, migrants are being held at the old Ayia exhibition center in Crete, where basic needs are not being met. Once they arrive, many migrants are transferred to overcrowded camps on the mainland, stripped of their rights to seek asylum, a move that human rights organizations have condemned as hasty and unlawful. Reports indicate that Crete has received over 7,000 migrants from January to June, marking a significant increase over previous years.
As the summer tourist season heats up, the government is emphasizing the need to maintain Crete's tourism reputation, stating that they are responding to overwhelming pressures of migration. Plevris argues that the surge in arrivals—especially after Italy's recent policies concerning migrant intercepts—demands a stringent response. Criticism is growing from various authorities, raising concerns about the legality of suspending rights enshrined in both EU and international law.
This new legislation is perceived to prioritize national security over humanitarian considerations, leading to accumulated calls for a review of the measures. Legal representatives have expressed fears that such actions could set precursors for more extensive violations of migrants’ rights across Europe. As conditions worsen in detention centers, there are rising issues about the treatment of detained migrants, particularly those escaping dire situations like the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
As migrants are shuffled between various facilities lacking proper humanitarian assistance, the fate of individuals like Mustafa, a Sudanese refugee fearing for his future, hangs in the balance. "Now we do not know what our fate will be," he expresses, encapsulating the uncertainty and fear that many face as Greece implements strict immigration policies. With the influx of boats, the coast guard's capacity is being tested, shining a spotlight on the broader European response to the ongoing migrant crisis.
Amidst a sweltering heatwave, migrants are being held at the old Ayia exhibition center in Crete, where basic needs are not being met. Once they arrive, many migrants are transferred to overcrowded camps on the mainland, stripped of their rights to seek asylum, a move that human rights organizations have condemned as hasty and unlawful. Reports indicate that Crete has received over 7,000 migrants from January to June, marking a significant increase over previous years.
As the summer tourist season heats up, the government is emphasizing the need to maintain Crete's tourism reputation, stating that they are responding to overwhelming pressures of migration. Plevris argues that the surge in arrivals—especially after Italy's recent policies concerning migrant intercepts—demands a stringent response. Criticism is growing from various authorities, raising concerns about the legality of suspending rights enshrined in both EU and international law.
This new legislation is perceived to prioritize national security over humanitarian considerations, leading to accumulated calls for a review of the measures. Legal representatives have expressed fears that such actions could set precursors for more extensive violations of migrants’ rights across Europe. As conditions worsen in detention centers, there are rising issues about the treatment of detained migrants, particularly those escaping dire situations like the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
As migrants are shuffled between various facilities lacking proper humanitarian assistance, the fate of individuals like Mustafa, a Sudanese refugee fearing for his future, hangs in the balance. "Now we do not know what our fate will be," he expresses, encapsulating the uncertainty and fear that many face as Greece implements strict immigration policies. With the influx of boats, the coast guard's capacity is being tested, shining a spotlight on the broader European response to the ongoing migrant crisis.
