The Refugee and Migration Crisis Secretariat for Migration and Refugee Policy's Communication The Refugee and Migration Crisis George Florentis Secretary for Migration and Refugee Policy’s Communication ggenimerosis@gmail.com www.media.gov.gr @MediaGovGr

The Crisis The biggest and more pressing refugee exodus towards European soil since WWII Migration flows are mixed with refugee flows making the situation even more complex

A Big Challenge Greece has taken over, de facto the role of frontline country as far as dealing with the crisis under extremely difficult circumstances. Refugees and immigrants reach Greek islands through a narrow sea border which operationally is very difficult to control. Economic situation continues to be tense and Greece is found between two crises.

Facts (2015 – 2016) 1.200.000 arrivals through sea borders 7.000 arrivals through land borders 50.000 sea rescues 765 smugglers’ arrests 62.326 refugees and immigrants are temporarily residing in Greece

Incoming Persons Profile Syria Afghanistan Irak Pakistan Iran Others 64% men and 36% women 24,5% of incoming men and 31,9% of incoming women are below the age of 18.

50 camps: 45 mainland camps & 5 island camps Hosting Structures 50 camps: 45 mainland camps & 5 island camps 75.019 overall capacity

Health Care The Greek Ministry of Health, together with the Greek Ministry of Migration Policy, have established and coordinate a vaccination program for the refugee and migrant children. The first phase of the vaccination schedule was completed in November 2016 with the support of UNICEF which had donated to the Ministry of Health 62,000 vaccines. Syndromic / epidemiological surveillance system is applied in refugee and migrant health care units. Diagnostic and treatment guidelines for health care services are given in Hosting Centers for Refugees / Migrants. Awareness campaigns are led by Hellenic Center for Disease Control & Prevention.

Education Facilitating access to education for all minors residing in hosting facilities constitutes a duty, an obligation and a political decision of the Greek state. Up to now, more than 70 Elementary and High school classes are operating in 35 school units adjacent to 11 Hosting Centers New Reception Structures for the Education of Refugees open on weekly basis in school units across the country

Asylum 51.091 asylum applications 7 Regional Asylum Offices 10 Asylum Units. 27.592 people have been pre-registered as asylum seekers in the period 9.6.2016 until 30.7.2016. The registration process will be completed by April 2017 Αdditional personnel is needed from the EU member states, as foreseen in the EU-Turkey Statement.

Relocation in EU countries The Relocation Program is based on the principles of solidarity and fair distribution of responsibilities among the EU member states. 66.000 is the number of people foreseen for relocation from Greece to other EU member states during 2016-2017. Οnly 8.846 relocations completed until now Main problems: Insufficient number of relocation pledges from EU member states Unfounded rejection of relocation claims Low number of relocation pledges for unaccompanied minors

Αdressing the Challenge Managing the refugee and migrant crisis has been a tremendous challenge for Greece. Greece -without ambivalences and hesitations- has been at the forefront of a battle over the fundamental European values, a battle that should be given throughout Europe, in the name of European unity. Greece is fulfilling its obligations although it has allocated disproportionately large weight and despite the serious financial difficulties that is facing. In only 18 months we have succeeded a lot but the most important is that we keep managing this crisis based on the principals of humanism and solidarity. Dealing with the refugee crisis is dealing with the sacred aspect of human life.

Humanism “What we are experiencing with the refugee crisis is actually a tragedy. The way that Italy and Greece are dealing with the problem is a brilliant example” . Pope Francis, statement for ‘El Pais’ January 22nd , 2017

Solidarity

Thank You !