10 Syrian asylum-seekers returned to Turkey from Greece, UNHCR concerned

Description

This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Adrian Edwards – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

By: Adrian Edwards

UNHCR is seriously concerned by the return of Syrian nationals from Greece to Turkey. According to the information we have received, a group of 91 people arrived on the island of Milos on 9 October. On October 14th, the group was subsequently transferred to a Reception and Identification Centre on the island of Leros, where they formally expressed to the responsible authorities their will to seek asylum in Greece. Among the group were 10 Syrian nationals who were transferred to Kos and subsequently readmitted by plane to Adana, Turkey without due consideration of their asylum claims. UNHCR has sought clarification with the Greek authorities about the incident.

UNHCR is also concerned about a separate incident involving a group of 131 people who arrived in the Peloponnese on 8 October. UNHCR has sought information about the whereabouts and legal status of 33 of them who were taken to an unknown location. UNHCR and their legal representative have been denied access to these 33 individuals.

For more information on this topic, please contact:
In Geneva, William Spindler, spindler@unhcr.org, +41 79 217 3011
In Athens, Roland Schönbauer, schoenb@unhcr.org, +30 69 48 088 544