From the Associated Press (reproduced online at the International Herald Tribune and Yahoo News)

Greek authorities are “systematically” endangering the lives of refugees trying to reach the European Union in boats, human rights groups said in a report issued Monday. Greece denied the allegations

Greek coast guards are being accused of using dangerous methods to prevent people from reaching the mainland. This includes circling boats (that are already dangerous in themselves) and creating waves that can cause them to capsize. The report also says that boats are being pushed out of Greek waters and in some cases rubber dingies are even being punctured.

I understand that the coast guards have a job to do and one of them is to prevent people entering the country illegally. But people are drowning on a regular basis and that must be unacceptable.

So far this year, 44 people have drowned and 54 are listed as missing

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is due to publish its own report next week on European asylum policy. It has expressed many concerns about Greek practices and about its treatment of refugees. I will post those findings when I get them.

Read the full article from the Associated Press here

Technorati: greece, immigration, asylum, refugees, coast guard