UNHCR: Asylum safeguards must prevail

A Syrian refugee family walks at the head of a column organised by the Croatian police, one kilometre from the border crossing with Serbia. They are being moved to buses that will take them to Opatovic Transit Center.

UNHCR works to support vulnerable families on the move, especially the many unaccompanied or separated children at risk of sickness, trauma, violence, exploitation and trafficking.

We are particularly concerned about the welfare of unaccompanied boys and girls on the move and unprotected across Europe, many of whom have experienced the horrors of war and considerable hardship in making these journeys alone, says UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Protection Volker Türk. ; More than 643,000 refugees and migrants arrived in Europe via the Mediterranean sea this year, including 502,500 in Greece only. Many of the refugees and migrants are desperate to move quickly onwards to Western Europe, fearing that borders ahead of them will close.

UNHCR: Asylum safeguards must prevail

19/03/201620/03/2016 ENstaff EU, European Council, Turkey, UNHCR

The way the EU – Turkey plan will be implemented is crucial. The response must be about addressing the compelling needs of individuals fleeing war and persecution, UNHCR said.

european union foreign affairs

EU and Turkey reach agreement on refugee issue

19/03/201620/03/2016 ENstaff Donald Tusk, EU, European Union, Greece, refugee crisis, Turkey

According to European Council president Donald Tusk, the agreement aims at stopping the flow of irregular migration via Turkey to Europe.

events sports

More than 18.000 participants at the 2016 Athens Half Marathon

18/03/201618/03/2016 ENstaff 2016 Athens Half Marathon, City of Athens, SEGAS

The Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS) and the City of Athens are co-organizing in the event.

culture events

The 9th Poetry Recital in Athens

18/03/201618/03/2016 ENstaff Elia Ramirez, Latin America, Mexico, poetry, Portugal, Spain

The Poetry Recital will include poetry reading in Greek, Spanish, Portuguese and Ladino and a concert of folk music from Latin America.

european union foreign affairs

EU-Turkey Summit: Negotiations on the refugee crisis to resume on Friday

18/03/2016 ENstaff Ahmet Davutoglou, Donald Tusk, EU, Jean Claude Juncker, refugee crisis, Turkey

A meeting of the European Council President Donald Tusk, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu is expected take place in Brussels.

destinations

Chios: The area of Kampos among the most endangered heritage sites

17/03/201617/03/2016 ENstaff Armenia, Estonia, Europa Nostra, Finland, France, Greece, Spain, Turkey

Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank Institute announced the seven most endangered heritage sites in Europe in 2016.

european union

European Council to examine agreement with Turkey on refugee issue

16/03/2016 ENstaff borders, EU, European Union, Greece, migrants, refugee crisis, Turkey, Tusk

Tusk: “The objective is clear: an agreement acceptable to all 28 Member States as well as to our Turkish partners. Work is progressing but there is still a lot to do.”

culture events

Ambassadors in Concert

16/03/201617/03/2016 ENstaff Ambassadors in concert, Australia, Austria, Estonia, Georgia, Ireland, Japan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic

Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps will perform along with professional musicians and singers to support the SOS Children’s Villages in Greece.

culture events

The 3rd Storytelling festival currently underway in Athens

16/03/2016 ENstaff City of Athens, Storytelling Festival

The 3rd Storytelling Festival, entitled “Athens…a City of Tales,”opened its doors on March 15th and it will last until March 20th.

society

UNHCR Special Envoy Angelina Jolie Pitt visited Greece

16/03/2016 ENstaff Alexis Tsipras, Angelina Jolie PItt, refugee crisis, UHCR

UNHCR Special Envoy Angelina Jolie Pitt met with Prime Minsiter Alexis Tsipras and discussed the current refugee crisis and the situation in Idomeni.

interviews people

Ambassador of Norway:”The challenge for the Greek economy is its competitive edge and its business climate” [interview]

07/06/2016 ENstaff

The Ambassador of Norway in Athens, His Excellency Jørn Eugene Gjelstad, spoke to EmbassyNews.net and commented on the current developments in Greek and European politics, the economy and the refugee crisis.