A UNHCR team was found yesterday, 1 April, on the island of Crete (Chania region), where the 345 third country nationals who had been rescued at sea, following a coordinated operation of the Greek Coast Guard, were brought. The group, most of them coming from Syria and Egyt, including a significant number of minors, have been transferred to an area that was made available for the necessary procedures of initial registration and identification from the authorities. Present on site are also representatives of local authorities and agencies, non-governmental organizations and civil society groups, which contribute to the coverage of immediate needs.

UNHCR will provide first information to the group members, as well as interpretation through the services of an implementing partner. In addition, individual basic assistance packages (sleeping bags and hygiene kits) have been already sent.

The above operation highlights the significance of assumption of immediate actions on the part of the competent authorities for the protection of human life at sea, as well as of coordinated actions and cooperation among State and civil society actors in the framework of first reception.  In particular, there has been a successful response of the Coast Guard aiming at the identification and rescue of persons. The contribution of the tanker ‘Olympic Faith’ that collected and transferred the survivors to safe ground was also significant.  

UNHCR looks forward to the treatment of the group in accordance with the relevant provisions of national and European legislation, taking into account the status and special needs of each individual.  It also underlines the obligation of the State to allow full access to the asylum procedure for those who express the relevant request.