Jan 27, 2017 - average number of daily arrivals decreased from 44 to 36. Meanwhile in Italy, 38 refugees ... Mediterrane
Bureau for Europe Weekly Report 16 01
22 01
Key Figures Mediterranean
3,899
arrivals by sea in 2017*
230
dead/missing in 2017*
Weekly Report
January 27, 2017 6:39 PM data.unhcr.org
Trends of Sea Arrivals Last week, 251 refugees and migrants crossed the sea to Greece from Turkey – a slight decrease from the 305 who crossed the previous week. The number of arrivals to the Aegean islands fluctuated from 0 (17/01) to 72 (19/01) during the reporting period. Chios recorded the majority of estimated sea arrivals (100), followed by Kastelorizo (61). Comparing with the previous week the average number of daily arrivals decreased from 44 to 36.
lations of prefab houses and heaters and distribution of winter clothes and footwear, especially on Samos and Lesvos, where the conditions were particularly challenging due to overcrowded sites. On Samos, UNHCR has assisted in the transfer of almost 700 persons to UNHCR accommodations on the mainland since October, majority of whom are vulnerable asylum-seekers. Additionally, to support those remaining in Samos UNHCR installed nine portable air conditioners (donated by IRC), which gave heating to 250 persons in unheated dormitories and two hot-air blowers for the outdoor police registration area.
Meanwhile in Italy, 38 refugees and migrants arrived by sea – a significant drop in the number of arrivals from the 1,625 who arrived the previous week. During the week, there were no recoded arrivals between Tuesday and Sunday. In January 2017 so far, 2,391 persons arrived by sea, compared to 2,486 arriving by 24 January 2016.
On the islands, refugees and migrants continue to try by all means to heat themselves inside tents and dormitories due to dropping temperatures. This is creating fire hazards amidst overcrowded situations at sites such as Vathy RIC in Samos. In addition to poor living conditions due to harsh weather, protection and security gaps remain of concern, particularly for those with specific needs including sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases and unaccompanied and separated children (UASC). UNHCR continues to carry out weekly focus group discussions on SGBV and cultural awareness, targeting women, girls, boys and men.
As of 22 January, there have been reports of 230 persons dead or missing persons at sea in 2017. Majority of these incidents (87%) have occurred along the central Mediterranean Sea route. Key Developments Situation in Greece As severe winter weather and freezing conditions continue to affect refugees and migrants across Europe, heavy snow storms have intensified challenges for people throughout Greece, particularly those on the Aegean islands. In view of this, efforts continued with the instal-
In the framework of its initiatives to alleviate crowding on the islands from 01 June 2016 until 20 January 2017 UNHCR transferred 4,325 people, 716 were supported
Arrivals to Greece and Italy per Month January 2016 to 22 January 2017
70,000
67,415 57,066
60,000
50,000
40,000
Greece
26,971
30,000
19,925
20,000
10,000
0
28,377 22,371
13,470
15,783 9,676 5,273
January
3,650
3,828 February
March
Italy 8,545
9,149
April
1,721
1,554
2,642
3,630
3,207
2,991
May
June
July
August
September
October
* data.unhcr.org/mediterranean as of 22 January 2017 1
27,313
23,423
2,353
2,391 949 698 November December 15 Jan 2017 22 Jan 2017
1,991
1,662
Bureau for Europe Key Figures
Greece
251
Total Weekly Arrivals to Greek Islands
16 - 22 January 2017
36
Daily Average Arrivals to Greek Islands 16 - 22 January 2017
Weekly Report
January 27, 2017 6:39 PM data.unhcr.org
in coordination with KEPOM (Central Coordinating Organization for Migration) and 1,836 were accommodated in Athens under the relocation/accommodation scheme. In addition to that UNHCR provided 1,773 ferry tickets for transportation. From Lesvos UNHCR has assisted in transferring 525 asylum-seekers to the mainland since September 2016. On the mainland, UNHCR has installed 819 prefab units as of 19 January and continues to procure more. Of the 15 sites assigned by Greek authorities to UNHCR for winterization,1 UNHCR has completed the original plan
for winter interventions in 15 sites and fully evacuated those in another 5 sites to alternative accommodation. Nonetheless, sites have still suffered damages caused by recent harsh weather, including to WASH and other technical facilities in several sites, particularly in Northern Greece. To address this, UNHCR focused its efforts to evacuate the warehouse sites on Vasilika/Raidestos, given the hash temperatures. Some 80 people were transferred from the site to hotels, while the remaining residents are awaiting transfer. In Nea Kavala, due to works that the public water company is conducting, the water provision is temporarily limited. Residents are us-
Daily and Weekly Average Arrivals to Greece 7 March 2016 to 22January 2017 3,500
3,000
2,500
36
43
Daily Average Weekly Arrivals 16 -22 January 2017
Daily Average Monthly Arrivals 16 - 22 January 2017
2,000
1,500
Italy
38
Total Weekly Arrivals to Italy
1,400
1,000 600 374
500
300 150 126 104 100 97 100 130 74 94 79 113 53 69 85 95 128 102 88 60 81 54 100 69 40 46 53 37 44 36 36 45 40 51 51 58 51 39 37 74 71 80 21
0
16 - 22 January 2017
5
Daily and Weekly Average Arrivals to Italy 7 March 2016 to 22 January 2017
5
109
Daily Average Weekly Arrivals 16 - 22 January 2017
Daily Average Arrivals to Italy
Daily Average Monthly Arrivals 16 - 22 January 2017
16 -22 January 2017 6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,374 2,075
2,000
1,758 1,457 1,118 1,000 620
619
0
2
1,013 920
879
56
399 368 88
88
96
588 154 232
267
507
1,165 848 307
804
848 254 291 279
570
450 146
337 58
109
431
514
604 366 307
266
122 154 104
232 5
1 Lagadikia, Nea Kavala, Alexandria, Vasilika/Redestos and Pieria (Petra Olympou) in northern Greece; Katsikas, Filipiada and Agia Eleni (new site) in western Greece; Kipselochori and Stylida (new site) in central Greece; Schisto, Eleonas, Elefsina, Rafina and Andravidas in Attica and Peloponnesus. 2 Thermopiles, Trikala, Tsepelovo, Diavata, Kara Tepe and Moria.
Bureau for Europe ing the chemical toilets provided by UNHCR, but also open air spots, which raises hygiene concerns. Samaritan’s Purse (SP), UNHCR’s partner, is looking into bringing water trucks to refill the tanks in the site as a temporary measure. UNHCR continues to offer its support to authorities in identifying more sustainable solutions.
Update on Returns from Greece to Turkey No return operations took place during the week.
In Evros, near the border with Turkey, Greek authorities confirmed the second death of an individual on 15 January due to adverse weather conditions. This is the second incident of this kind to occur in the same region during the last two weeks. According to medical officials the man aged between 20 and 25 years-old suffered from hypothermia. Meanwhile, capacity at the Registration and Identification Centre (RIC) in Evros is strained as slow procedures regarding the transfer of new detainees from the police station to RIC are still continuing. During a monitoring visit, UNHCR has identified those with specific needs and provided individual counselling on registration and identification procedures. Families and those with vulnerabilities were referred and prioritized to be transferred to the RIC from the police station. UNHCR has issued letters to relevant authorities highlighting the delays which result in unjustified detention and concerns around detention conditions, among others.
Situation in Serbia With more refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants seeking shelter and registration amidst harsh winter-weather the overall number of those in Serbia was 7,300. Among which, 85% are accommodated in 17 heated governmental shelters. However, an estimated 1,000 refugees and migrants are still sleeping rough in Belgrade’s city centre, including some who want to stay put despite efforts made by authorities, UNHCR and partners explaining their right to be accommodated in government shelters. UNHCR has also worked hard to identify unaccompanied children.
The Accommodation for Relocation project by UNHCR in support of the Greek government, funded by the European Union is providing accommodation to some 9,500 relocation candidates and 6,000 vulnerable asylum-seekers as of 20 January. Currently there are 19,294 places established for the purpose of accommodation for relocation and vulnerable asylum-seekers.
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Weekly Report
January 27, 2017 6:39 PM data.unhcr.org
The total number of readmissions to Turkey from Greece under the EU-Turkey Statement since March 2016 is 838 as of 17 January 2017.
The authorities, supported by UNHCR and partners, arranged an additional temporary emergency shelter by refurbishing a facility in Obrenovac near Belgrade, for the voluntary relocation of homeless refugees and migrants from Belgrade city centre. In support of the authorities’ efforts to put the facility into use as quickly as possible, UNHCR swiftly contributed all new clothing, blankets, bed sets and hygiene kits, cleaning services, 22 chemical toilets, two water heaters, water taps, 12 toilet water tanks and other items. On 17 January, authorities transferred 225 refugees and migrants (including 120 boys) from the Belgrade city centre to the new facility. UNHCR and partners continue working to establish further expansion of shelter capacities there and to ensure that all
Bureau for Europe necessary protection and other services, particularly to support UASCs, will be provided to all current and future residents of the new Obrenovac facility. While continuing support to authorities’ efforts in voluntary relocation from the Belgrade city centre, UNHCR and partners transported 81 more refugees and migrants, including some 40 boys, to several government centres with available capacity. At the same time, efforts are ongoing to identify remaining needs in the city centre. UNHCR and partners continue to provide assistance with food and non-food items, medical services, psychosocial and asylum counselling, interpretation, referrals and recreational activities. Community leaders are also encouraged to engage in various every day responsibilities ensuring community participation in the management of reception centres. Upon the request of authorities, UNHCR and partners continued to support the Centre for Social Work in conducting Best Interest Assessments for UASCs. The number of lodged intentions to seek asylum in Serbia in January 2017 so far is 432. Situation at the Serbia-Hungary Border During the week, Hungarian officials continued to admit up to 20 persons per day via the two ‘transit zones’ (10 in each transit zone), resulting in 101 people (mostly Afghans and Syrians) being granted access during the week to seek asylum in Hungary. With some 140 asylum-seekers awaiting admission staying at Subotica Transit Centre, fewer asylum-seekers camped outdoors at the border sites, with 22 in total (14 at Horgos and 8 at Kelebije) awaiting admission to Hungary. The waiting period for families to access the transit zones ranges from four to six months, while single men can wait up to seven months. On 23 January the Immigration and Asylum Office (IAO) staff confirmed that more extensive security screening interviews will be conducted with people entering the transit zones, hence the number admitted is expected to be further reduced to around 5 people per day in each transit zone. In light of extensive waiting periods, many continue to attempt to cross into Hungary irregularly. Last week, the Hungarian police reported 19 apprehensions for irregular entry, while 417 people were prevented from crossing the green border and another 417 people were intercepted inside Hungary and sent back to the other side of the border control fence. During the reporting period nine asylum-seekers were returned to Serbia from the transit zones after the court rejected their appeals (3 Afghans, 4 Pakistanis, and 2 Palestinian). Anxiety and uncertainty prevails among
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Weekly Report
January 27, 2017 6:39 PM data.unhcr.org
the 43 single men held in the transit zones due to the increased number of returns this week, heightened by the restriction of the Hungarian Helsinki Committee’s access to provide legal aid. UNHCR observed that IAO at Röszke started to advise asylum-seekers to use a short and standardized form, prepared by IAO, to appeal the inadmissibility decisions. The document is written in Dari and Hungarian and states that the person concerned disagrees with the rejection decision and appeals to the court so it does not allow the individual concerned to provide detailed information to the safe third country ground for rejection of their asylum application. The border police, the military, IAO, the Constitution Protection Office (CPO), and the Government’s Office (providing legal information) maintains presence inside the transit zones. UNHCR Hungary has been conducting daily visits to the transit zones and providing asylum-seekers with information and counselling on their rights and obligations, Dublin procedures and on the implications of the safe third country notion. Update on Relocation A total of 182 asylum-seekers were relocated from Italy to Norway (179) Romania (2) and Latvia (1). As of 23 January, a total of 2,917 persons (7.4% of the 39,600 initial target) have been relocated from Italy to other European states. No UASC have been relocated from Italy yet. (latest EC data, 23 January). A total of 172 asylum-seekers were relocated from Greece during the week, to Ireland (1), Latvia (29), Liechtenstein (10), Lithuania (15), Portugal (61) and Spain (56). As of 23 January, 7,619 asylum-seekers have been relocated from Greece since the beginning of the program, representing just 11% of the initial target of 66,400 persons foreseen. There were 80 new pledges from Ireland during the reporting period. In support of the relocation programme, UNHCR in Athens assisted 272 relocation candidates by providing them with accommodation and 233 received transportation services last week. EU Related Developments On 18 January, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) held a debate on “Emergency Aid for refugees and migrants facing severe weather conditions in European camps”. They urged EU and national authorities to provide emergency aid to help refugees and migrants to cope with the severe weather conditions in several parts of Europe, and called on Member States fulfil their commitments as part of the relocation scheme. They were also presented with the priorities of the Maltese Presidency by Malta’s Prime Minister, who stressed the need for “convincing replies to be provided on migration”.
Bureau for Europe
Weekly Report
January 27, 2017 6:39 PM data.unhcr.org
Timeline Overview Highlights
20 March
3 April
4 April
• Start of the EU-Turkey Statement .
• Greece implemented a new law highlighting the creation of the Reception and Identification Service, restructuring of the Asylum Service, the creation of an Appeals’ Authority, and the creation of new Regional Asylum Offices.
• First returns take place under the EUTurkey Statement: 202 people returned to Turkey from Greece.
27 April
7 April
6 April
• Turkey amended labour legislation to grant those holding subsidiary protection work permits.
• Turkish government amended the Temporary Protection Regulation regarding access to temporary protection for Syrian nationals who irregularly travel to Europe and who are returned to Turkey from Greek islands.
• The European Commission (EC) published Communication on reforms to Common European Asylum System (CEAS)
4 May • The European Commission released: • Proposals to reform the Common European Asylum System, with proposals to reform the Dublin Regulation, the EURODAC system and to turn the European Asylum Support Office into an European Union Agency for Asylum. • Third Progress Report by Turkey in fulfilling the requirements of its visa liberalization roadmap • Proposal to grant visa liberalization to Turkish citizens
13 July The European Commission released: • Its Proposals to recast the Asylum Procedures Directive, recast the Qualification Directive and amend the Reception Conditions Directive. • Its proposal on an EU Resettlement Framework • Its Fifth Report on relocation and resettlement.
23 August The Greek Asylum Service announced results of the pre-registration exercise, following its completion on 25 July.
28 September The European Comission released: • Sixth Report on relocation and resettlement • Third Recommendation in view of the resumption of Dublin transfers to Greece • Third Report on the progress made in the implementation of the EU-Turkey Statement.
06 October The European Commission officially launched the European Border and Coast Guard (EBCG) Agency,
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18 May • The EC adopted its third progress report on the EU’s emergency relocation and resettlement schemes. • The Turkish President approved the legislative framework regarding the EU-Turkey Statement with regards to the readmission of people from Greece.
17 June
8 June
The European Commission: • Released Fourth Report on Relocation and Resettlement. • Released Second Report on the Progress Made in the Implementation of the EU-Turkey Statement. • Adopted a recommendation on the specific urgent measures to be taken by Greece in the view of the resumption of transfers to the country under the Dublin III Regulation.
• The Greek Asylum Service started pre-registration for applications for international protection, supported by UNHCR and EASO
14 September The European Border and Coast Guard Regulation is formally adopted.
16 September Informal Bratislava Summit, whereby Leaders set out the priorities at EU-level for the next few months. On migration, they include further bringing down the number of irregular migrants arriving to the EU, controlling external borders effectively, cooperate with non-EU countries and “apply the principles of responsibility and solidarity”.
09 November The European Commission (EC) released their Seventh Report on Relocation and Resettlement
19 September United Nations General Assembly Summit in New York. Adopts the New York Declaration outlining key commitments to protect refugee and migrant rights.
20 September Leader’s Summit on Refugees was held in New York bringing together countries and international organisations, and announced pledges to increase efforts in support of refugees.
08 December The EC released • Its Fourth Report on the Implementation of the EU-Turkey Statement. • Its Eighth Report on relocation and resettlement. • A recommendation to Member States to gradually resume Dublin transfers to Greece under certain circumstances
