Situation of children in the Samos hotspot
22.7.2019
Question for written answer E-002345-19
to the Commission
Rule 138
Pietro Bartolo (S&D)
According to the criminal complaint submitted by the ‘Still I Rise’ organisation, there have been numerous and continued infringements of human rights to the detriment of unaccompanied minors in the Samos hotspot.
The Samos hotspot is seriously overcrowded. Toilet facilities and the provision of basic necessities, such as food and medicines, are insufficient, with consequent health risks. In addition, the registration and age verification system, as well as the systems for protecting and safeguarding children from adults unknown to them, are inadequate. The complaint also refers to cases of violence against children, serious self-harm incidents and cases of unaccompanied foreign siblings and cousins being separated.
Can the Commission therefore answer the following questions:
- 1.Is it aware of the situation in the Samos hotspot?
- 2.What measures will it take to ensure decent living conditions and genuine protection for unaccompanied minors in the Samos hotspot?
- 3.How does the Commission intend to check whether the EU funds that Greece is receiving are being used in an efficient way to improve reception conditions in hotspots such as the one in Samos?