New refugee camp – what authorities, NGOs and residents think of it

The new Samos refugee camp, opened with fanfare, is a source of pride for the Greek authorities and criticism of non-governmental organizations.

Minister of Migration Notis Mitarakis, opening on Saturday new camp on the island of Samos, said that in a few months, similar objects will be opened in Kos and Leros, and in 2022 – in Chios and Lesvos.

Equipped with every comfort, it is fenced with barbed wire and equipped with CCTV cameras around the perimeter, reports The Associated Press. The authorities call it “the end of shame”, and in some ways they are right – compared to the old camps, the conditions here are much better. And the workload is still incomplete – only 500 migrants live in the designed for 3000 places. One of them says:

“The old camp was very bad, terrible. The conditions are better here. We have a place to sleep, and we don’t have to share a bed with mice, as we did in the old place.”

Nevertheless, the inhabitants of the new camp perceive it as a temporary refuge. They all dream and hope that this is only the first step on the way to European life:

“It’s good in the new camp, but we want to get an answer to the asylum request. I want my children to have a home. They deserve more. My daughter loves school, she loves learning foreign languages. I want my son there was a future. “

Non-governmental organizations are not at all as enthusiastic as the Greek authorities. They sharply criticized tall fences, video cameras and barbed wire, calling the new refuge for migrants, built with European Commission funds, a “prison-type camp.” Besides, who knows what will happen here in case of an influx of refugees from Afghanistan. Apostolos Staikos, Euronews, says:

“Fewer refugees, better living conditions and far from big cities. In the case of Samos, these objectives of the Greek government have been achieved. However, a possible new wave of refugees from Afghanistan could nullify all efforts and make you remember 2015.”

Minister of Migration Notis Mitarakis, opening on Saturday new camp on the island of Samos, said that in a few months, similar objects will be opened in Kos and Leros, and in 2022 – in Chios and Lesvos.

“Today Samos is gaining serenity and leaving behind the shameful scenes in Vati,” Mitarakis said, noting that about 7,500 people “accumulated” during his first visit to the original migrant centers in Vati. “From Monday, the 550 remaining will be transferred to a new camp,” the minister added. Due to the fire, this happened even earlier than planned.

“Today Samos is gaining serenity and leaving behind the shameful scenes in Vati,” Mitarakis said, noting that about 7,500 people “accumulated” during his first visit to the original migrant centers in Vati. “From Monday, the 550 remaining will be transferred to a new camp,” the minister added. Due to the fire, this happened even earlier than planned. …



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