Human Rights Watch warns of danger surrounding thousands of Syrians in Greece
Human Rights Watch announced that thousands of refugees and aid workers are at risk of being poisoned in the new migrant camp on the Greek island of Lesbos, which was built on the grounds of a former military firing range after the fire that destroyed the Moria camp.
The organization said in a statement: “Relief workers, the United Nations and European Union employees are also at risk of lead poisoning, because shooting ranges are contaminated with dangerous materials due to ammunition.
It explained that the Greek authorities hid all unexploded mortar shells and live small arms ammunition, according to what the organization reported about migrants who had moved to the site, and the Greek Ministry of Asylum and Immigration had begun major construction work at the end of November, to construct the Mavrovoni camp, without conducting adequate soil tests. Contaminated with lead, which puts residents and workers at great risk.
She noted: “The camp currently houses 6,900 people, including at least 118 pregnant women and 2,552 children, while at least one pregnant aid worker is present inside the camp on a regular basis.”
The Greek Ministry of Asylum and Immigration had begun major construction work at the end of November to construct the Mavrovouni camp, without conducting adequate tests for the soil contaminated with lead, which puts the population and workers at great risk.
