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Long-Term Solutions Sought for Migrants Displaced by Fires on Lesbos Island

Lisa Schlein

   GENEVA - The U.N. refugee agency is calling for long-term solutions for
   thousands of migrants on Greek islands who were rendered homeless by
   fires that devastated the Moria asylum center on the island of Lesbos.

   An estimated 11,500 asylum seekers are living in the open since a
   series of fires, which started five days ago, ravaged Greece's Moria
   asylum center.

   No casualties have been reported, but the blaze destroyed everything,
   leaving everyone without shelter.

   The U.N. refugee agency reports thousands of vulnerable people,
   including very young children, pregnant women, elderly people and
   people with disabilities, are sleeping in the streets, fields, and
   beaches.

   UNHCR spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo says her agency is helping Greek
   authorities protect and assist asylum seekers affected by the fires.
   She says the UNHCR is providing emergency aid to ensure people do not
   sleep in the open.

   "The coronavirus pandemic also is adding to an already desperate
   situation. People tested positive [for] COVID need to be provided with
   special care, isolation and treatment arrangements and medical support.
   The UNHCR has advised all those previously staying in the center to
   restrict their movements until temporary solutions are found," Mantoo
   said.

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