Situation in the Mavrovouni camp
22.2.2021
Priority question for written answer P-001027/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Janina Ochojska (PPE)
The Commission’s answer to my question of 28 September entitled ‘No more Morias’ (E-005288/2020(ASW)) states that ‘The Commission, together with international organisations, EU agencies and with the support of interested Member States, works with the Greek authorities to better manage migration and asylum processes and to set up new, up-to-standard reception facilities on the island.’
Unfortunately, many organisations which have so far been working at Moria do not have access to the Mavrovouni camp. New registration and certification procedures introduced by the Greek government are hindering the work of NGOs (especially small and medium-sized NGOs) and restricting freedom of assembly. If the government starts implementing the new law, some 20% of those operating there will stay in Greece. This might lead to a worrying humanitarian situation, as organisations often play a role which complements government action and addresses existing gaps in service provision, health care and human rights monitoring. See here for further information[1].
- 1.What has the Commission’s reaction been to the call by NGOs to the Greek government to implement the recommendations of the Council of Experts on NGO Law that the provisions on registering NGOs be brought into line with European standards?
- 2.Does the new law forbidding the sharing of information from the camp with the media, which impinges on everyone working and volunteering there, not violate the law on the transparency of EU activities?
- [1] https://helprefugees.org/news/statement-greek-ngo-registration