Human Rights Watch highlights problems faced by migrants with disabilities at Greek camps

The group cited a number of incidents where people with sometimes multiple disabilities were unable to see a doctor, while 15 cases were unable to use the camp bathrooms and toilets because these were not accessible.
After an investigation at camps in Greece, Human Rights Watch found that many asylum seekers and refugees with disabilities were not properly registered, partly because of the rushed registration process and partly because staff needed better guidance. According to the group, disabilities that were not immediately obvious were not recorded, so that the number of people with disabilities was underestimated.
It also noted that the infrastructure at camps was not designed to give disabled access, with only two of the 15 facilities visited having ramps for the toilets, while in most cases the rough terrain and large distances prevented people with disabilities from reaching toilets and bathrooms. In addition, the UNHCR, eight international humanitarian aid organisations and one local organisation working at Greek reception centres all said they had few or no targeted programmes to meet the rights and needs of people with disabilities and also noted serious deficiencies in the mental health services needed by migrants and refugees.
Human Rights Watch urged the European Union and its member-states to provide additional funds to Greece and ensure that aid is distributed fairly in all facilities, while also urging Greek authorities, the UNHCR and non-governmental organisations to ensure that people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups have equal access to help and essentials, such as water, hygiene, food, shelter and medical care. Failure to ensure this was a violation of the UN Convention for the Rights of People with Disabilities and EU law, it noted.