EU-Funded Refugee Camp on Samos Raises Concerns
In a remote area on the Greek island of Samos lies the “Closed Controlled Access Centre,” an EU-funded refugee camp hosting people seeking asylum in Greece mainly from the Middle East and Africa. Since 2020, the European Commission has supported Greece in setting up these centers to replace former “hotspots” for asylum-seekers on the Aegean islands, promising better living conditions.
Amnesty International’s Research Findings
- Research conducted from July 2023 to January 2024 highlights the human rights situation in the Samos camp:
Download Briefing for Detailed Insights
Amnesty International’s research focuses on increased arrivals leading to overcrowding and inadequate conditions, where new arrivals are subjected to unlawful and arbitrary detention. The center operates with strict security measures, including surveillance and physical restrictions.
What Residents Face at Samos Refugee Camp
Living Conditions and Legal Restrictions
- Overcrowding and inadequate living conditions have raised concerns about inhumane treatment.
- Residents face restrictions on movement, leading to prolonged detention without individual assessments.
- Unaccompanied minors face restrictions on movement and access to facilities.
What Residents Express Through Art
Residents participated in art workshops expressing their experiences through creativity, shedding light on the challenges they face daily.
Amnesty International’s Call to Action
- Amnesty International calls for accountability for human rights violations in the camp.
- Urges the EU to ensure the camp’s conditions do not become a model for the newly adopted EU Migration and Asylum Pact.
Putting Pressure on the EU
Join hands with Amnesty International to demand accountability and better treatment for asylum-seekers at the Samos camp.
Source: www.amnesty.org