Greece: Refugees freeze in sub-zero temperatures

image Caritas Helas

Aid agency CAFOD is working with its local Greek partner, Caritas Hellas (Caritas Greece) to respond to the deteriorating situation of refugees stranded in the country who are facing life-threatening low temperatures. Thousands of refugees and migrants are sleeping either outside, in camps or abandoned buildings, where the temperatures are well below freezing.

"The worst conditions in Greece are in the north," explained Maristella Tsamatropoulou, Communications Officer with Caritas Hellas. "There is no heating. People are giving refugees wood to start fires or electric stoves. They burn anything they can to stay warm. It's really dangerous as it could cause a fire.

"People cannot even drink or get a bath because the water is frozen."

CAFOD are supporting Caritas Hellas, who are providing bottled water so that refugees can at least make soup or tea to help them stay warm.

Giovanna Reda, CAFOD's Head of Humanitarian Programmes for Asia, Middle East and Latin America, said: "Our partners are doing all they can to provide food and water for refugees stranded in Greece. They are also supporting some of the most vulnerable refugees with much needed safe and secure accommodation. Thousands of men, women and children are living in limbo, many having spent up to a year living in desperate conditions in refugee camps" said Giovanna.

She added: "People's lives are at risk. The UK Government and the European Union cannot continue to stand by as thousands of refugees face terrible conditions right on our doorstep".

The worrying situation was made clear when a Greek navy vessel arrived on Lesbos island on 11 January to house 500 refugees and migrants who are living in unheated tents in Moria camp.

There are almost 63,000 refugees and migrants now living in Greece.

Last week CAFOD gave an additional £100,000 to its partner Caritas Hellas for them to scale up their emergency aid response and continue to provide urgently needed food and water for refugees, as well as safe shelter - complete with furniture and cooking facilities, and pre-loaded cash cards so refugees can buy basic supplies for themselves and their families.

According to the UN, more than a million refugees had crossed into Europe by the end of 2015. Whilst the number of refugees entering Europe fell in 2016, the number of casualties increased. In 2016, a staggering 5,022 people died or went missing whilst trying to enter Europe.

The winter conditions have not stopped the desperate plight of people seeking safety in Europe, as the UN reports that 1,165 refugees have reached Europe by sea in the first 10 days of 2017.

Source: CAFOD