Norway supports refugees in Greece

Norway supports Greece dealing with the asylum and migration situation by delivering beds and bed mattresses via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

The EU Civil Protection Mechanism can be activated by a Member State or a country outside the EU. The European Commission then coordinates the voluntary offers made by participating states, and can co-finance the transport of relief items and experts. Since December 2015, when Greece activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, Norway and 13 EU Member States have made offers of support, helping deliver over 87,000 items such as blankets, medical supplies, tents, beds and mattresses.

“Greece is in need of material support to handle the refugee influx in the best possible way, and we are happy to contribute”, says Norwegian Ambassador, His Excellency Jørn Gjelstad. The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection has so far contributed with 1,000 bunk beds (2,000 beds) and 2,000 mattresses to Greek authorities.

Thousands of people are forcibly displaced as a result of violent conflicts and natural disasters. Humanitarian assistance goes directly to people in distress, irrespective of their nationality, religion, gender, ethnic origin or political affiliation.

SOURCE: Embassy of Norway
PHOTO: Christina Sordina