Child refugees at risk in migration-overwhelmed Greece
by Associated Press
ATHENSAug 07, 2015 - 12:00 am GMT+3
by Associated Press
Aug 07, 2015 12:00 am
Thousands of child refugees and migrants entering Greece are at risk of exploitation and disease as local authorities are overwhelmed by the wave of immigration, an international charity said Wednesday. Save the Children said that children are still living in "appalling conditions" in reception centers, where food, water, medicine and a safe place to sleep are in poor supply.
At least 110,000 people, mostly refugees from Syria and other war zones, but also economic migrants, have reached Greece's Aegean Sea islands from neighboring Turkey this year a 400 percent increase over 2014. Total arrivals could reach 200,000 by the end of the year, as desperation drives migrants to risk the perilous sea crossing in crammed, unseaworthy craft provided at high cost by smuggling gangs. The influx has far exceeded the capacity of Greek authorities who are struggling with the country's worst financial crisis in decades to provide adequate reception and assistance. Most of the migrants see Greece as a stepping stone to more affluent European countries, and try to continue their journey north through the Balkans.
Save the Children said 4,270 children landed on the Greek islands in June alone. "Vulnerable children, particularly those sleeping outside alone or locked in large mixed groups in cramped detention centers, are at risk of trafficking, sexual exploitation and physical abuse," the organization said in a report. The report said babies and young children are particularly at risk from diarrhea, severe sunburn, heatstroke and dehydration. It appealed for European Union help to address the crisis.
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