Médecins du Monde – Doctors of the World Greece expresses its strong concern about the recent violent incidents that took place in the Reception Center of the Moria Camp in Lesvos, after its transformation into a closed detention center.
Doctors of the World Greece has repeatedly pointed out the recurrent violent incidents, not only by sending official letters to the concerned Ministries and Authorities, but also by making specific recommendations to the management of the camp.
More precisely, Doctors of the World Greece has highlighted the problems concerning the security of the population of the Center, and in particular of the vulnerable groups during the incidents, the need to create an emergency evacuation plan and the threatened security of the personnel of all organizations offering their services to the refugee population in Moria.
Furthermore, Doctors of the World Greece expresses its apprehension that the violent incidents may continue, as the majority of the refugee population remains blocked on the island and the asylum service gives priority to Syrian refugee’s claims. These confrontations might also increase with the approaching Ramadan period that starts on June 6th.
The frequent violent incidents that occurred recently demonstrate that the enforced detention policies do not only violate human rights, but also lead the refugee and migrant population to isolation, distress and violent behavior. Doctors of the World Greece estimates that the situation in Moria is extremely tense, which creates the need to take urgent measures, in order to protect the refugee population and to ensure the security of the Organization’s personnel.