At least 19 people, believed to be asylum seekers, have lost their lives in the wildfires that continue to devastate Greece. Amnesty International has linked these tragic deaths to the injustices faced by refugees and migrants in the country. The fires have been ripping through an area that has become a crossing point for thousands of people seeking refuge in Europe. However, their arrival has often been met with forced returns at the border, denial of the right to seek asylum, and violence. This tragic situation highlights two of the great injustices of our time: the catastrophic effects of climate change and the lack of safe and legal migration routes.
Authorities in Greece are working to identify the charred remains found in the dense forests along the country’s northeastern border with Turkey. As there were no reports of missing people in the area, it is possible that the victims had entered the country irregularly as asylum seekers. Alarm Phone, an NGO, has highlighted the presence of hundreds of asylum seekers in the fire-ravaged area. Pleas for help from these individuals have gone unanswered for days, leaving them in fear for their lives as the fires draw nearer.
Refugees and migrants are facing a hostile environment in Greece, where authorities increasingly seek to deter migration. This has led asylum seekers to hide in the forests instead of seeking safety, out of fear of being deported or pushed back to Turkey. The risks they face are amplified by the dangerous wildfires. Additionally, there has been a wave of racist incidents, fueled by baseless claims on social media that accuse refugees and migrants of starting the fires. Far-right MPs and others have targeted asylum seekers, leading to arrests and investigations into alleged racist violence.
The Greek Supreme Court prosecutor has ordered an investigation into these incidents, recognizing the need to address the issue of racist violence. The situation highlights the urgent need for a more compassionate and inclusive approach to migration management. There should be an emphasis on providing safe and legal routes for people on the move, instead of relying on exclusionary and deadly deterrence policies.
The tragic link between the wildfires, the injustices faced by refugees and migrants, and the implications of climate change demands attention and action. Greece, along with the rest of the international community, must prioritize the protection and well-being of asylum seekers and ensure their access to legal and safe migration routes. Additionally, efforts to combat climate change, reduce the risk of wildfires, and mitigate their impact must be intensified. The lives and safety of vulnerable individuals should never be compromised in the face of these interconnected challenges.
