Following the suspension of access to asylum for newly arriving persons from North Africa, the Greek Ombudsman sent a letter to the President of the Greek Parliament and the Government. While he welcomed the announcement of a first reception centre in Crete, considering it a positive step toward ensuring dignified treatment of new arrivals, he also reminded authorities about previous findings on deficiencies in existing Closed Controlled Access Centres, related to access to essential services, such as medical care and support for persons with vulnerability.
Regarding the legislative amendment which foresees a three-month suspension of access to asylum for people arriving to Crete from North Africa, the Ombudsman expressed concern about compatibility with international and EU law, and with the rule of law in general.