UNHCR calls for improved security at Greece-Macedonia border

The UN refugee agency UNHCR on Thursday said it is deeply concerned about the tension and violence at the border between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

It called on authorities in both countries to manage the border in a manner consistent with human rights and refugee-protection principles.

Tensions have been rising on the Greek side of the border in recent days as a result of restrictions by authorities along the Western Balkans route to the admission of refugees and migrants from countries other than Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq.

These tensions have led to violence on several occasions and a temporary closure of the border, with the latest death of a Moroccan man at the border Thursday under as yet unclear circumstances.

UNHCR said this new tragic incident further underlies the need for the authorities to take appropriate action, while calling on the Greek authorities to restore security as a matter of priority in order to ensure the protection of those in need and the safety of humanitarian workers and volunteers.

According to UNHCR, transportation has been made available for refugees and migrants who have been refused admission into the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to return to Athens.

In Athens, reception facilities and assistance is available and UNHCR staff is present to offer individual advice and legal counseling on a case-by-case basis.

UNHCR also reiterated its concerns over the consequences of border restrictions currently implemented by several countries in the Balkans, recommending profiling people based on their protection needs and not on their nationality.

UNHCR and other organizations have called on the concerned states to re-establish coordination and response mechanisms agreed at the Western Balkans Summit on Oct. 8 and the Leaders' Meeting on Oct. 25 2015. Endit