Support of Refugees and Migrants

ANOTHER OVERLOOKED CASUALTY OF EXTERNALISING ASYLUM AT ANY COST

Despite the ongoing suspension of readmissions to Turkey, the Greek Ministry for Migration and Asylum and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs published Joint Ministerial Decision Νο. 42799 on 7 June, which “designates” Turkey as a safe third country not only for Syrians, but also for Afghanis, Somalis, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis.6 Aside from serious concerns regarding the legality of the designation of Turkey as a safe third country, the decision means that the fate of the Syrians refugees described above is now expected to affect approximately 70% of all asylum seekers in Greece.

Over the past five years, an entirely avoidable and predictable policy-driven humanitarian crisis has been unfolding in the Greek islands of Lesvos, Samos, Chios, Leros, and Kos, with devasting consequences for the people trapped there. After fleeing their homes and surviving harrowing journeys to Europe, the indefinite containment, limbo, and systematic violence in Greece further traumatises people seeking protection.