greece

The UN refugee aagsncy says the Hellenic Coast Guard has shown exceptional dedication and courage to save countless refugee and migrant lives at sea, but reports indicate that several groups of people may have been summarily returned after reaching Greek territory.

As of early April, there were more than 5,200 unaccompanied and separated children in Greece in urgent need of relocation and family reunification.

The UN Refugee Agency is urging Greece to intensify efforts to address alarming overcrowding and precarious conditions for asylum seekers and migrants staying on the five Greek Aegean islands of Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Kos, and Leros.

Child refugees and migrants continue to face risks and hardship once in Europe, including unsafe accommodation, being incorrectly registered as adults, and a lack of appropriate care, says the UN Refugee Agency.