Give a chance to the brothers of Ailan: reception of refugees in Greece

February 1, 2017 by The Sting's Team Leave a Comment

Dimitris Avramopoulos, Member of the EC in charge of Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, travelled to Lesbos to visit the refugee camp of Karatepe municipality. Visit of a refugee camp in the Karatepe municipality: Dimitris Avramopoulos, in the middle, meeting with refugees. Date: 18/01/2017 Reference: P-033444/00-16 Location: Lesbos. © European Union , 2017 / Source: EC – Audiovisual Service / Photo: Nikolia Apostolou.

This article was exclusively written for the Sting by Ms Michaella Alexandrou. The writer is a first year medical student at the University of Athens, Greece. She is also affiliated to the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA). However, the opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one. Our age has been declared a period of confusion, because, even though after the formation of the EU people expected a high standard of living, real democracy and respect towards human rights, the harsh reality is a climaxing humanitarian crisis, with the refugee crisis being its latest sign. Thousands of people have found a wrongful end in the Mediterranean, and even the cold winter has been unable to stop the migrating populations. Whoever manages to survive this risky journey, overcoming the dangers of the sea and the smugglers, aka “dealers of hope”, are now gathered in camps which resemble “concentration camps” more than temporary accommodation. From there on a new Odyssey for these people begins: a battle with their health. The healthcare services and psychosocial support in the camps are provided from the Ministry of Health in collaboration with humanitarian NGOs (Doctors without Borders, Doctors of the World, International Red Cross etc) and international institutions, like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Although there have been serious efforts to cover basic health needs, accommodation facilities are less than sufficient to house the ever-growing population of refugees coming to Greece, which poses a great threat to their health status. ΚΕΕLPΝΟ (Center of Screening & Prevention of Diseases of Greece) has made numerous warnings for the possibility of an outbreak of contagious diseases among refugee populations, like intestinal infections, tuberculosis, hepatitis and malaria, because the uncontrollable mass cohabitation in inappropriate living conditions creates aν ideal environment for the outspread of such diseases. As the Doctors of the World state in their report, the health of the refugees can be considered in good condition at the beginning of their journey, but health issues appear during their efforts to reach their destination country, mostly due to the sanitary and living conditions. The most common diseases that were recorded in the report were infections of the respiratory system (25%), orthopedic incidents (13%) and dermatological problems (13%). Apart from these, however, we cannot overlook the psychological disorders, which, even though are rarely statistically analyzed, are considered the most common health issue these people face, as witnesses of war and death. [1] The big question is what can be done now for them, for their better health and a hopeful future. In order for such a solution to be considered feasible, the problem has to be addressed neither as a Syrian, nor as a Greek one, it has to be faced as an international one, with implications for every one of us. Although international (Geneva Convention) and European law (Dublin Regulation) have created legal obligations that bind all the European nations to respect and take care of asylum-seekers and refugees, in reality, during situations of crisis the reception countries have to face way more difficulties in contrast to the destination countries, which results in inhumane camps, like the ones currently operating in Greece. Therefore, a righteous allocation of the populations, according to each country’s GDP, and at the same time acceleration of the relocation mechanism, is required. In addition, an upgrade of the reception system and the current situation in the temporary accommodation facilities are important in order for the refugees to be offered the necessary healthcare services and living conditions, so that they have a chance to live a life in dignity. What is pre-required is that we overcome our illogical egocentrism that nowadays suppress the humanistic values. Especially us, as medical students all over Europe can advocate our governments and claim respect towards everyone’s’ human rights, and especially for vulnerable groups. We have to remember that medicine is no simple profession, but requires great responsibility. As the brave of the islands that save refugees prove every day, what remains in this harsh reality is our humanity. [1] Médecins du Monde in Greece: A strong partnership with EU to assist refugees, http://mdmgreece.gr/app/uploads/2016/11/PRESS-RELEASE_Medecins-du-Monde_refugees-program_2016-2.pdf About the author Michaella Alexandrou is a first year medical student at the University of Athens, Greece. She is an active member of HelMSIC (Hellenic Medical Students International Committee) and a Local Officer on Human Rights and Peace. She strongly believe that we all have to stand up together for human rights and «be the change we want to see in the wosrld». By taking action against human rights violations, a safer and more humane world is possible! The translation was made by Nikolas Karvelas (HelMSIC NORP).

Discover more from The European Sting - Critical News & Insights on European Politics, Economy, Foreign Affairs, Business & Technology - europeansting.com

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

© UNOCHA/Alina Basiuk A school in Ukraine lies in ruins after being hit by a missile.

Ukraine war ‘a human rights catastrophe’ that must end, says Türk

October 5, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. Human Rights The war in Ukraine is a human rights catastrophe that is “growing and intensifying by the week” and threatening an even greater disaster across the region, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said on Friday. Addressing the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Mr. […]

UN News Massive tent settlement of displaced residents extends along the damaged Gaza coastline.

Palestinians yearn for ‘a return to normal life’, says top Middle East peace envoy

October 2, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. The UN is continuing efforts to support Palestinians in Gaza amid major challenges to humanitarian access, reconstruction and the restoration of essential services, according to Ramiz Alakbarov, Acting UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process. Speaking to UN News on the margins of the UN […]

©UNIFIL/Tilak Pokharel UNIFIL personnel distribute food kits to displaced families in Saida, Lebanon (file).

Lebanon: One in five children goes to bed hungry, says UNICEF

October 1, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. Four in five households in Lebanon struggle to afford basic necessities today, with children increasingly going without food, missing school and being pushed into work as conflict compounds years of economic crisis. “I wanted to buy clothes for my children, but I could not. I also wanted […]

World News in Brief: Deadly Myanmar strikes as Malaysia begins deportations, new emergency funding released, Gaza and West Bank update

September 30, 2026

The UN chief on Tuesday strongly condemned an airstrike that reportedly killed at least 50 people at a market in Myanmar’s Rakhine state and called for those responsible to be held to account. Forces from the military junta reportedly hit Kyauktaw township around midday on Monday, when the market’s more than 200 shops were busy […]

This article is published in association with European Investment Bank.

EU provides €61 million in humanitarian aid amidst rapidly deteriorating situation in Ethiopia

September 29, 2026

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. Amid fears of renewed conflict in Northern Ethiopia, the European Union is providing €61 million in humanitarian funding to help the most vulnerable people in Ethiopia affected by conflict, displacement, disease outbreaks and climate-related hazards, including the impact of El Niño. The European Union […]

© UNDP A worker installs solar panels in Lanao del Sur in the Philippines.

From energy crisis to energy transition: How renewables are reshaping energy security

September 29, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. The continuing conflict in the Middle East is disrupting global energy markets and pushing up fuel prices, with knock-on effects far beyond the region. For Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the crisis is also reshaping how the world understands the phrase […]

Countries adopted on Saturday a new global blueprint for tackling rapidly evolving forms of crime, as the UN’s largest gathering on crime prevention and criminal justice opened in Abu Dhabi with a call for stronger international cooperation. The Abu Dhabi Declaration was adopted by acclamation at the opening of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, bringing governments together around challenges ranging from cybercrime and fraud to the growing criminal exploitation of digital technology. The Declaration highlights an increasingly complex landscape in which services, infrastructure and technology can be exploited by criminals, including emerging trends described as “crime as a service” and “violence as a service”. At the same time, countries committed to making greater use of technology themselves, including by digitalizing justice systems and harnessing artificial intelligence in criminal justice responses. The Declaration stresses that safeguards must accompany those changes, including human oversight, transparency, due process and data protection. ‘Justice cannot be a privilege’ In a video message to the Congress, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said the meeting was taking place at a time of profound change. “Justice cannot be a privilege. It must protect every person, uphold every person’s rights and leave no one behind,” said Ms. Mohamed. “This Congress is an opportunity to renew our shared commitment to justice and the rule of law, and to translate that commitment into action.” Countries are already being encouraged to put the Declaration into practice through the voluntary Pledge4Justice initiative, under which participating governments are announcing concrete, time-bound actions on crime prevention and criminal justice through 2031. The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre with its curved glass tower and surrounding buildings reflected in calm water at dusk. UNODC The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre where the 15th UN Crime Congress is set to take place. From Kyoto to Abu Dhabi Opening the Congress, UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Executive Director Monica Juma framed the gathering as both a response to a changing criminal landscape and a test of international cooperation. “Today, the world convenes in Abu Dhabi to reaffirm that the rule of law and criminal justice are essential to the safety and security of people and the planet,” said Ms. Juma. “At a time when confidence in multilateralism is faltering, let Abu Dhabi be a testament to international cooperation.” Five years after the previous Congress in Kyoto, Japan, Ms. Juma said the world had reached another “inflection point”, with technology and artificial intelligence advancing at extraordinary speed. The same platforms connecting billions of people can also connect criminals, she warned, while digital currencies can conceal illicit profits and digital tools can be used to deceive, manipulate and exploit. Technology, she argued, is not simply accelerating crime but changing its character, while organized criminal networks increasingly exploit weaknesses across borders and institutions. Tweet URL Protecting people as the ‘north star’ Behind those broad trends, Ms. Juma urged delegates to focus on the people most exposed to harm, including children recruited by gangs, women facing violence at home or online, people unable to obtain legal assistance and young people lured into scam networks with promises of a better future. “Protecting these people must be the measure against which we judge our efforts over the coming week,” she said. “It must be our north star.” She called for laws and institutions capable of keeping pace with changing threats, greater access to justice and legal aid, and technology that serves as “a force for good” rather than an accelerator of harm. And while welcoming the Abu Dhabi Declaration as a starting point, Ms. Juma stressed that its impact would ultimately depend on implementation. A week focused on justice Hosted by the United Arab Emirates, the Congress runs through 1 October under the theme Protecting People and Planet in the Digital Age. Some 119 countries are represented, alongside more than 40 justice ministers and other senior officials, with over 5,100 participants from governments, civil society, academia and the private sector. Plenary meetings, workshops, side events and exhibitions will run throughout the session. Organizers are also billing this as the most youth-inclusive Crime Congress yet. Young people are participating in workshops, contributing to follow-up efforts and taking part in a dedicated Youth Lab and art exhibition, following a Youth Forum held ahead of the Congress on 24 and 25 September. UNODC serves as secretariat of the Congress and will support implementation of the Abu Dhabi Declaration.

Countries adopt global blueprint to tackle fast-evolving crime in digital age

September 28, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. Countries adopted on Saturday a new global blueprint for tackling rapidly evolving forms of crime, as the UN’s largest gathering on crime prevention and criminal justice opened in Abu Dhabi with a call for stronger international cooperation. The Abu Dhabi Declaration was adopted by acclamation at the […]

United Nations President Mahmoud Abbas of the State of Palestine addresses the General Debate of the UN General Assembly’s 81st session.

Palestinian existence under threat, Abbas tells UN, warning of ‘another Nakba’

September 25, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. Israeli policies now threaten “the very life and existence of the Palestinian people on their homeland”, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told the UN General Assembly on Thursday, urging the world not to allow “another Nakba”. Mr. Abbas addressed the Assembly’s annual debate via pre-recorded video after his […]

© UNICEF/Oleksii Filippov A rescue worker stands outside a residential building in Kyiv’s Solomianskyi district that was severely damaged during a massive overnight attack on the city.

World News in Brief: ‘New intensity’ to Russian attacks on Ukraine, Yemen, Gaza and Colombia updates

September 25, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. Russian armed forces have carried out repeated attacks across Ukraine over the past several days, killing and injuring civilians and damaging homes, hospitals, shops and workplaces, UN human rights monitors said on Thursday. The attacks have involved ballistic and cruise missiles, drones and guided aerial bombs. Between […]

UN Photo/Loey Felipe President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine addresses the General Debate of the UN General Assembly’s 81st session.

Zelenskyy urges stronger pressure on Russia, warns war’s impact is spreading beyond Ukraine

September 24, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday called for intensified pressure on Russia to end its war against Ukraine, arguing that Moscow continues to incur massive losses while prolonging a conflict whose consequences are increasingly being felt far beyond the battlefield. Addressing the UN General Assembly’s annual debate, […]

UN Photo/Loey Felipe President Donald Trump of the United States addresses the General Debate of the UN General Assembly’s 81st session.

Trump defends military action against Iran, Venezuela, and calls for rebrand of AI

September 23, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. US President Donald Trump used his address to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday to defend recent military action against Iran, urging countries to maintain economic pressure on Tehran – and declaring that he now faces a choice between making a deal, or taking far more drastic […]

© UNICEF/Oleksii Filippov An injured girl climbs the partially collapsed stairwell of a building in Boryspil, Ukraine, following a missile strike.

‘Nowhere is safe’: UN experts detail Ukraine war’s toll and Russia’s reach beyond its borders

September 22, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. UN Human Rights Council-appointed experts on Monday laid out a grim picture of the human cost of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with a spotlight on civilians facing a third wartime winter as well as the intimidation of Russians who have fled abroad. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry […]

© UNICEF/Robic Upadhayay Aid workers transport supplies past a flood-damaged house in Nepal.

Nepal floods: ‘Apocalyptic’ destruction signals wider climate threat across Himalayas

September 21, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. The catastrophic flooding that swept away entire villages in northern Nepal could occur again in the country or elsewhere in the Himalayas due to climate change. The warning comes from Sara Netzer, regional director with UN field operations office UNOPS, which provides infrastructure, procurement and project management […]

World News in Brief: Winter aid for Gaza, West Bank; Haiti food production; migrant deaths at sea; human rights funding

September 18, 2026

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is seeking to raise $97.5 million to protect 540,000 children and their families in Gaza and the West Bank from harsh winter conditions in the coming months. Nearly 84 per cent of Gaza’s population – more than 1.76 million people – live in overcrowded displacement sites or damaged shelters, leaving […]

© UNRWA Search-and-rescue operations continue following the collapse of a war-damaged building in Gaza city.

Gaza: At least 20 killed in deadly building collapse, search for survivors continues

September 17, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. Search and rescue operations continued in Gaza City on Wednesday following the collapse of a bombed-out building that killed at least 20 people, according to reports. The incident has highlighted the precarious situation of displaced Palestinians across the Gaza Strip who shelter wherever they can, including in […]

UN News/Nargiz Shekinskaya The UN HQ (Secretariat) building in Manhattan.

The world comes to New York: What’s at stake at UN General Assembly high-level week

September 16, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. Each September, New York becomes the centre of global diplomacy as presidents, prime ministers, ministers and diplomats from around the world gather at United Nations Headquarters. At a time of mounting geopolitical tensions and overlapping global crises, leaders will tackle a packed agenda that includes conflicts and […]

Six UN staff killed in Gaza school strike; Lebanon violations mount

September 15, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. Israeli strikes killed six UN workers and civilians at a school sheltering displaced families in Gaza as needs grow, according to the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA. At least 220 agency staff have been killed in Gaza since the Hamas-Israel war began in October 2023. UNRWA Acting […]

‘Where do we go?’: How Israel’s ‘yellow line’ is closing in on Palestinians

September 14, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. Ola Ishtiwi sits with her children in front of the remains of her home in the Al-Tuffah neighbourhood in eastern Gaza City, a few metres away from a series of painted cement blocks Israel has placed to mark what has become known as the “yellow line”. Initially set up following the announcement of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire […]

© UNDP/Oleksandr Ratushniak A substation in Ukraine damaged during ongoing strikes in the war with Russia.

Ukraine: Drone attacks on Chornobyl are ‘gambling with the safety of millions of people’

September 11, 2026

This article is published in association with United Nations. A drone strike on the protective structure at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant could have endangered the safety of millions of people, UN Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Alexander De Croo told reporters via video link from Kyiv on Thursday. He is visiting Ukraine, with his mission focused […]