Greece has inaugurated the first “closed and controlled access” migrant camp. A model praised by Gérald Darmanin, who visited it, but whose philosophy of confinement is castigated by Sabine Gagnier, head of population protection at Amnesty International.
Each year, thousands of migrants travel to Europe via the Greek Aegean Islands. Gérald Darmanin went to one of them on Sunday in Samos. French Minister of the Interior had the chance to visit the newly opened camp, which was officially inaugurated in September. The new structure replaces Vathy’s slum, which was unsafe and unsanitary. Twelve thousand square meters lined with barbed wire, watchtowers and security cameras at the entrance… Similar sites will be created next month on the islands of Leros and Ksos.
For Gérald Darmanin, other member states in southern Europe should consider this solution. “If all countries were to work like Greece in controlling their external borders, then the problem of migration would be less serious in Europe.”He told AFP Monday that he agreed.
Sabine Gagnier, Amnesty International’s program leader to combat social, racial and gender discrimination, has criticized these “closed camps”. They put at risk the mental health and safety of vulnerable people.
Under penalty of disciplinary sanctions, migrants cannot leave or enter the camp after 8 p.m. They must show their fingerprints and an electronic badge at the entry. Is this a strategy for confinement?
Yes, and it’s illegal. While some migrants are there to seek work, many of them are also refugees. The asylum applications of the latter can’t be denied and they cannot be held indefinitely. It is against international law. Children are not allowed to be locked up under any circumstances.
Amnesty International condemns cruel and inhuman treatment. Mental health is at risk from being locked up. It will not only restrict the freedom of migration of migrants, but also make it difficult to access essential services. While we do not know yet if the camps are going to allow field associations to carry out their work properly, we are very concerned.
For Gérald Darmanin, it is precisely the renovation and gridding of the site that will put migrants to safety. The opening of areas for food, sport, and games was even celebrated by the Greek Minister of Migration during the inauguration.
Better conditions are better for migrants. However, it remains to be verified. Remember the situation in the former camps with regard to accessing water, food, or healthcare?
But, it is unacceptable to confine people. These people are often associated with criminals who need assistance. By speaking out in favor of the camps, Gérald Darmanin sends a deleterious message to neighboring states. France will take over the presidency of EU in the first half 2022, and France is a key player in the issue.
The 43 million euros needed for the construction of the camp was paid by the European Commission. Will you act if the Union decides that it will fund new ones.
Along with 45 civil societies organizations, we published a joint report on September 8. We called on all decision-making bodies at every level to abandon the detention policies at Europe’s borders. If Europe does not encourage the construction open-air prisons, then we will continue our advocacy campaigns and awareness.
Gérald Darmanin also said he was attached to the Frontex agency – the European agency for border and coast guards – to see its human and financial resources reinforced. There have been instances when the agency participated in violent pushbacks against the Turkish and Libyan border. Some even committed acts of torture. This is also something that the government ignores.