UNICEF welcomes Greek law protecting vulnerable refugees


A new Greek law which protects vulnerable groups from deportation, has been welcomed by the UN Children's Fund, UNICEF.

The newly-implemented agreement between the European Union and Turkey calls for the return of migrants and refugees from Greece to Turkey.

But legislation passed on April 4 in Athens, exempts groups such as unaccompanied and separated children; children with disabilities; pregnant women and women who have just given birth.

UNICEF said more than 22,000 children are stranded in Greece, and "more needs to be done" to safeguard them.

It's calling for a "well managed process" to be implemented that determines the best interests of each child, provides adequate resources and safeguards them from trafficking and exploitation.

"UNICEF is concerned about reports that some children are being detained due to their migration status" said Marie-Pierre Poirier, Special Coordinator for the Refugee and Migrant Crisis in Europe.

"Escaping war and seeking survival is never a crime," she added.



SOURCE: UN Radio