IFRC calls for quadrupled emergency funding to meet urgent humanitarian needs in Greece

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) on Friday launched a revised emergency appeal, quadrupling the funds needed to support the Hellenic Red Cross as it assists thousands of people moving through Greece.

The revised appeal for 12.7 million Swiss francs (12.9 million U.S. dollars) will enable the Red Cross to assist 200,000 vulnerable migrants over the next seven months.

Statistics showed that more than 502,000 migrants have arrived in Greece in 2015, more than ten times the number of total arrivals in 2014 (41,038). Recently, the average number of daily arrivals has risen to up to 8,000 people.

"The Hellenic Red Cross has been responding to the humanitarian needs of migrants since the onset of the emergency on the islands of arrival: Kos, Lesvos, Samos, Chios, Crete and Rhodes, at Idomeni by the northern border, as well as at transit points in Athens," said Angelica Fanaki, who is responsible for international relations at the Hellenic Red Cross.

In addition to the increasing influx of arrivals and longer stays in Greece, the approaching winter season will dramatically increase people's vulnerabilities.

The appeal anticipates these challenges and will support the Hellenic Red Cross in reaching vulnerable migrants with food, water, hygiene kits, and other essential goods.

The Red Cross will distribute high insulation thermal blankets, mats, clothes and backpacks, as well as provide hot meals and beverages at entry and transit points.

IFRC has launched six country-specific emergency appeals totaling over 70 million Swiss francs to support humanitarian responses in Turkey, Italy, Greece, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia, and Hungary. Endit