Refugees in Greece feel lost and forgotten

The more than 50,000 refugees and migrants stuck in Greece behind closed borders are becoming more anxious about their future. They feel betrayed, lost, and forgotten by world, Roland Schoenbauer, a UNHCR spokesperson in Greece, told Rudaw. 

There are 47 camps across Greece, Schoenbauer explained, and living conditions in the camps are “not according to international standards.”

In camps where there are no separate toilets for men and women, no doors providing privacy in the showers, and thousands of people are suffering anxiety about their future, tensions are high and sexual abuse and gender-based violence are of grave concern for the UNHCR.

The UNHCR is supporting Greek authorities, said Schoenbauer, but Greece is overwhelmed and “much needs to be done.” Europe needs to help, he said.