Refugees on Greek islands continue to suffer: UN

By Furkan Naci Top

ATHENS

Thousands of refugees stuck on the Greek islands are still suffering from tough conditions ahead of winter, the spokesman of the UN Refugee Agency Greece said Thursday.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Boris Cheshirkov said more than 3,000 migrants on Lesbos, Chios, and Samos islands had been sleeping in camping tents not suitable for winter.

Earlier in October, the agency had urged the Greek authorities to accelerate winter preparations in the refugee sites on the islands.

The UNHCR said in a statement that many refugees in the state-run camps were living "in small tents and shelters unsuitable for the winter".

The agency said the Greek authorities should ensure adequate shelters and distribute winter aid items as "conditions are quickly deteriorating amid increased arrivals while harsh, rainy and cold weather is expected".