UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has immediately responded to the fire that largely destroyed Moria’s Registration and Identification Center (RIC) on the Greek island of Lesvos last night.
There ara concerns for some 12,000 asylum seekers who live in overcrowded conditions within the camp, with more than 4,000 children and other vulnerable groups, including 407 unaccompanied children, pregnant women and elderly people.
So far no casualties have been reported, but most of the shelters and belongings of the asylum seekers have been completely destroyed. UNHCR is extremely concerned about the situation of those evacuated from the site and in urgent need of shelter – especially with the threat of COVID-19, since some 35 cases have been identified in the camp.
Australia for UNHCR’s National Director, Naomi Steer, visited Moria camp on mission in 2018, and saw firsthand the challenges faced by refugees and migrants living in a camp built for 3,000 people but until yesterday sheltering over 13,0000 people.
“My heart goes out to those affected by the fire in Moria. People had so little before this fire and I can only imagine the distress and hardship they are experiencing now as a result of this catastrophe,” she said.
“When you have lost everything, even very basic items such as cooking utensils, sleeping mats and jerry cans are very precious.”
“UNHCR has immediately deployed staff and offered assistance to authorities to support survivors with transport, emergency shelter and relief items, as well continuing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
UNHCR is working with partners to relocate unaccompanied children to a safer accommodation.
