“The report documents concerning allegations. We expect those allegations to be investigated thoroughly,” stated a spokesperson for Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency.
This statement comes in the wake of serious accusations against Greek authorities regarding the treatment of asylum seekers. Jonas Grimheden, a representative from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, emphasized that, “These actions are attributable to the Greek authorities.” He further noted that the officers did not intervene to stop the violence perpetrated by masked individuals described as ‘Afghan’ paramilitaries, suggesting a troubling level of control over the situation.
In 2015, Greece emerged as a primary gateway for hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing conflicts, particularly from Syria. Since then, organizations like IRC Hellas have played a crucial role in providing support. IRC Hellas began operating in Greece in 2015 and has directly assisted over 125,000 individuals in the past decade, including 31,000 children.
In addition to direct support, IRC Hellas has facilitated access to financial assistance, business grants, and skills training for more than 15,000 people, enhancing their prospects for integration. Their Mental Health and Psychosocial Support programme has reached over 9,000 individuals, addressing the psychological needs of those affected by displacement.
Moreover, IRC Hellas has provided services to over 6,000 children and parents, including 2,156 unaccompanied minors, and has supported more than 4,000 survivors of gender-based violence. The organization has also trained over 3,500 professionals working in public institutions and NGOs in Greece, enhancing the capacity to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations.
Despite these efforts, the recent allegations against Greek authorities highlight ongoing challenges in the treatment of asylum seekers. Grimheden noted, “The authenticity of the video footage was not disputed by the Greeks,” indicating a need for accountability.
As the situation develops, there are calls for thorough investigations into these allegations to ensure the protection of human rights and the safety of asylum seekers in Greece. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the incidents reported.