The Echo Hub Athens - Ioánnou Drosopoúlou 29

According to UNHCR statistics more than 856.000 refugees and migrants arrived in Greece in 2015, another 130.000 have crossed the sea from Turkey within the past three months alone. In 2016 already more than 120 lives were lost. The islands close to the Turkish coast, such as Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Kos, and Leros, are the most affected. These islands are completely unprepared for receiving such high numbers of refugees, arriving on a daily basis. Refugees, who for the most part have already traveled hundreds of miles through Turkey, arrive on the Greek coasts in inadequate, ill-equipped and often damaged rubber boats that have been sold to them at extortionate prices by the human traffickers in Turkey. The dangerous circumstances of this sea passage make accidents inevitable, and in this year alone, hundreds of people have lost their lives crossing the Aegean Sea. Of those surviving the journey, many have suffered enormous physical and psychological trauma, especially the children. Upon arrival on the various islands, the police gather refugees in improvised shelters, until they are registered and their documents are issued, without which refugees cannot continue their journeys. This process normally takes up to two days, depending on ferry schedules and the availability of staff and materials. During their brief stay on the islands, refugees need dry clothes, shelter, and food, as well as basic medical attention. Despite the presence of the UNHCR, MSF, and other international humanitarian aid organizations, most of these basic supplies and services are in fact provided by private initiatives and volunteer workers.