This archive report was first published on 20 June 2020.
On World Refugee Day, Greece extended the lockdown at its migrant camps, citing concerns over the spread of the coronavirus. The confinement measures, which were initially set to end on June 22, will now continue until July 5.
The Greek government has been under pressure to address the living conditions in the camps, which have been criticized by human rights groups as unhygienic and unsafe. The camps are currently home to over 32,000 asylum seekers, more than five times the intended capacity of the shelters.
Despite the lockdown, no known coronavirus deaths have been recorded in the camps, and only a few dozen infections have surfaced. However, the measures have been extended several times, sparking concerns over the erosion of migrants' rights.
On Saturday, anti-racist groups and refugees from the migrant camps marched in central Athens, protesting against the evictions of refugees from temporary accommodation in apartments. Thousands of refugees face homelessness as the Greek authorities plan to move more than 11,000 people to make room for other asylum seekers.
The new conservative government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has reduced the time refugees can keep their accommodation from six months to just a month after receiving protected status. The government insists that it is doing everything necessary to ensure a smooth transition for those who leave their lodgings.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has voiced concern over the situation, stressing that many of the refugees do not have effective access to social benefits and support.
On World Refugee Day, the Ministry for Migration and Asylum said Greece has found itself 'at the centre of the migration crisis bearing a disproportionate burden.' The government has repeatedly said that Greece must become a less attractive destination for asylum seekers.
