Greece in 2016: Vulnerable People Left Behind

Seven months after the signature of the EU/Turkey deal and despite the huge amount of funds pledged by the EU, more than 50,000 migrants and refugees still live in substandard conditions in Greece and lack proper access to health care.

MSF is especially concerned for the most vulnerable, including victims of violence, those with chronic diseases and psychiatric disorders, people with mobility limitations, (unaccompanied) minors, pregnant women and newborn babies, whose specific needs are not cared for and whose health is particularly at risk.

MSF urges the Greek authorities to live up to their responsibilities in terms of assistance to a population in danger in its own territory and provide , with the support of EU member states,   adequate response based on  individual needs and not just the nationalities of the people.

In the report “Greece in 2016: Vulnerable People Left Behind”, MSF highlights the gaps within the current system that mean vulnerable people are firstly not properly identified and secondly do not receive appropriate protection and care.

“It is appalling that seven months after the EU/Turkey deal vulnerable people are still not properly cared for in Greece. The hotspots on the islands are at 200% capacity and the services in the mainland camps sub-standard”, says Loic Jaeger, MSF’s Head of Mission in Greece. “The EU funded response is too slow and the public health system in Greece is overwhelmed. As a result, the most vulnerable people are left without the care they desperately need”.