Some around Greece's governing party celebrate the fact that asylum claims by Syrians are being rejected en masse as inadmissible. That is because our authorities pretend that Turkey is safe for refugees.
They think it's proof their 'migration policy' works. But, thread. 1/6
They think it's proof their 'migration policy' works. But, thread. 1/6
Even though Greece rejects their asylum applications, it cannot return them to Turkey. In fact, there hasn't been a single return in over a year.
Therefore, people remain stranded on Greek islands – including Samos, where some 3,500 live in a camp designed for 650. 2/6
Therefore, people remain stranded on Greek islands – including Samos, where some 3,500 live in a camp designed for 650. 2/6
These rejections leave these Syrians with near-zero rights. No healthcare (during a pandemic), no right to work, no social security, no welfare.
In effect, they are stranded on Greek islands with no means to escape the humanitarian catastrophe that our camps are. 3/6
In effect, they are stranded on Greek islands with no means to escape the humanitarian catastrophe that our camps are. 3/6
Greece will not be able to return more than a small fraction of those stranded on its islands, if even that.
So what will Greek authorities do with these thousands of people, which in the end will be staying in Greece? 4/6
So what will Greek authorities do with these thousands of people, which in the end will be staying in Greece? 4/6
This is a classic example of how flawed government policy on asylum and migration can harm our societies.
Thousands of people forced into destitution in our own towns and neighbourhoods is bad for everyone, refugees, locals and authorities. 5/6
Thousands of people forced into destitution in our own towns and neighbourhoods is bad for everyone, refugees, locals and authorities. 5/6
Also, many of those celebrating Greece refusing refugees on the grounds that Turkey is safe are the same people accusing me and others of not talking about how Turkey systematically violates refugee rights.
Logic might be a Greek word, but it is sadly in short supply. 6/6
Logic might be a Greek word, but it is sadly in short supply. 6/6
Greece's migration minister went on camera today to ask for EU help to 'immediately' return 1,450 of these people to Turkey.
For a variety of reasons, that is unlikely to happen.
For a variety of reasons, that is unlikely to happen.
https://twitter.com/g_christides/status/1349616028934877185?s=20
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