More than 1,000 unaccompanied minors sheltered in Greece

The Chief of Mission in Greece for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Mr Gianluca Rocco said on Monday that his organisation has offered accommodation to more than 1,000 unaccompanied minors since the beginning of 2018.

The EU-funded IOM programme offers accommodation and specialised services and this year has housed the 1,000 minors in 13 hotels located in Northern and Central Greece. Most of them arrive there either from one of the reception and identification centres located on the Greek islands or after having left protective custody.

“Providing shelter to unaccompanied minors arriving in Greece is one of the Greek government's main objectives. The IOM, with the support of the European Union, is implementing this program in order to provide temporary housing for those who cannot be immediately placed in one of the shelters,” said IOM Chief of Mission Gianluca Rocco.

“Providing adequate accommodation and living conditions for unaccompanied children arriving in Greece is one of the priorities of the government of Greece. IOM, supported by the European Commission, has set up this project to provide temporary accommodation for those who cannot be immediately accommodated in the shelters.”

According to the IOM through 31 October, most of the children came from Afghanistan (453), Pakistan (395), Syria (104), Iraq (36) and Morocco (20), from a total of 27 countries including Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia and Yemen.