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IFRC calls for increased aid to vulnerable migrants in Greece

Xinhua, November 4, 2015 Adjust font size:

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) on Tuesday called for more to be done to respond to the needs of vulnerable migrants in Greece and across Europe as the scale of humanitarian needs increase.

Elhadj As Sy, Secretary General of IFRC, who has just concluded a two-day visit to Greece, said the related sides "have a double duty" to respond to humanitarian needs and basic health needs of the arrived and arriving migrants.

"Deteriorating health on the migratory route is a major concern," he said, adding that the chain of immunization for children is broken and people on the move are exposed to many health challenges.

"The Red Cross and Red Crescent, governments and humanitarian partners must maintain our efforts and respond effectively and efficiently, to save lives and protect people's dignity," he noted.

According to IFRC's latest figures, more than 600,000 people have arrived in Greece this year, making it the primary entry point into Europe for vulnerable migrants.

During his visit the secretary general met with the leadership of the Hellenic Red Cross, and visited the Eleonas accommodation center in Athens where the Red Cross is delivering relief items.

"The Red Cross volunteers and staff who I met are tremendously dedicated, and are treating people with empathy and care," he said.

"In a complex context they are demonstrating every day a commitment to our humanitarian principles. Volunteers are however overwhelmed, and we all must do more and do it faster to respond at the level which is commensurate to the magnitude of the challenges," he concluded.

On Oct. 23, the IFRC quadrupled its Emergency Appeal for Greece, and it is now seeking 12.6 million Swiss francs (12.72 million U.S. dollars) to support the Hellenic Red Cross in reaching 200,000 people with a range of interventions including first aid, emergency medical care, psychosocial support and search and rescue services.

According to IFRC, across Europe currently more than 25,000 Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers are providing support and protection to hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people on the move. Endit