In the midst of the coronavirus crisis, another acute problem is almost going unnoticed: Thousands of people are still living in precarious conditions on the Turkish-Greek border. In addition, the overcrowded refugee camps in Greece are also threatened by a coronavirus outbreak with devastating consequences. We must not leave these people alone and must help them despite – or perhaps because of – the closed external EU borders.
The reports from the EU refugee camps on Lesbos make it clear how quickly the people there need help. Even without the coronavirus crisis, help would have to be provided urgently. The virus has now arrived on Lesbos. It is impossible for the people there to follow the hygiene recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).
"In some areas of the Moria camp on Lesbos, there is only one water tap for 1,300 residents and soap is not available. (...) Families of five or six have to sleep on just three square meters of space. It is simply impossible for them to follow the recommended measures and wash their hands regularly and keep their distance from others."
The Greek government is talking about 42,500 people who are stuck on the Greek islands. There could be more to come, as asylum applications are still being accepted at the EU’s external border, writes ARD-Tagesschau. It is currently unclear what will happen from there, as Germany at least is currently no longer accepting asylum seekers.
Marginalized countries on their own
Just last week, Germany and six other countries agreed to take in a total of 1,600 children and other refugees in need of protection. Switzerland no longer allows refugees to cross its borders because “asylum seekers can submit their application in Italy without any problems and do not have to cross the border,” says Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter. Asylum seekers are therefore stuck in the border states for the time being.
Yet children and pregnant women in particular need to be cared for quickly and well. They make up a large proportion of those stranded at the Greek border in sub-zero temperatures. They urgently need medical care. Children live in makeshift barracks and tents instead of being in school and a safe home.
Refugees as pawns
The mainly Syrian refugees on the Turkish-Greek border have been a political pawn from the very beginning. The Depending on the negotiating situation, Turkish President Erdogan is allowing more or less desperate people to march on and the EU seems to be bowing to the pressure. After all, the flow of refugees is currently slowing down again.
The question is for how long, as political relations seem to determine whether it stays that way. The EU refugee camps could soon fill up again without further ado. This is another reason why the situation urgently needs to be improved!
High time for worthy solutions
There is great solidarity among the Swiss population and in Europe. However, it must not stop at the EU’s external border. The people in the refugee camps urgently need help and must not be forgotten in the midst of our own restrictions.
Furthermore, it is high time for a humanitarian and dignified European refugee policy. People fleeing violence and war must not become the pawns of politics and need special protection.
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