Daily Report
Arrivals and Departures:
A decrease in interceptions and/ or apprehensions was observed on the Aegean coasts of Turkey. It is reported that security measures were intensified, particularly on land, which contributed to the decrease in the number of those attempting to cross to the Greek islands.
New arrivals on the Aegean islands dropped from 262 on Sunday to 70 during the 24 hours preceding Thursday morning. “We had a very low influx from the other side of the Aegean (...) which we consider positive," said Giorgos Kyritsis, spokesperson for the Greek Refugee Crisis Management Coordination Body. It remains unclear if the decline is directly related to the EU-Turkey agreement.
Nikos Xydakis, Greek junior foreign minister for European affairs, indicated there would likely be few people returned to Turkey over the next two weeks. The majority of persons present in the hotspots have lodged asylum claims which need to be processed before any further steps can be taken.
Out of 3,097 refugees and migrants currently detained at Moria, Lesvos’ hotspot, an estimated 3,083 have expressed intention to apply for asylum.
Condition of People:
Tension remains high at Pireus as people are reluctant to leave the port, which the authorities intend to decongest by the end of the week. Assisted by translators they are providing information to people regarding transport means and accommodation facilities across the country. The 4,725 people still there remain sceptical and many expressed concern regarding their future.
On the initiative of the Alternate Social Solidarity Minister, Theano Fotiou, an accommodation program for unaccompanied minors to ministry's facilities in Thessaloniki and Serres will be implemented in cooperation with SOS Children's Villages and the Social Welfare Center of the Central Macedonia Region. A memorandum of understanding was signed between these three actors to offer humane living conditions and education to 40 unaccompanied minor refugees.