23.03.2016 - 07:26 [ Büro des Hochkommissars der Vereinten Nationen für Flüchtlinge (UNHCR) ]

UNHCR redefines role in Greece as EU-Turkey deal comes into effect

UNHCR has till now been supporting the authorities in the so-called „hotspots“ on the Greek islands, where refugees and migrants were received, assisted, and registered. Under the new provisions, these sites have now become detention facilities. Accordingly, and in line with our policy on opposing mandatory detention, we have suspended some of our activities at all closed centres on the islands. This includes provision of transport to and from these sites.