The first three families of Syrian refugees, nine children and six adults, arrived yesterday, 29 November 2016, in the town of Livadia. They were warmly recieved at the City Council Room of the city’s Old Town Hall by the Mayor Mrs Yota Poulou and the Chairman of the Board of the Benefit Corporation of the Municipality of Livadia (KEDHL), Mr Athanasios Alestas. Present at the reception were Deputy Mayors of the Municipality, Councillors, members of the Board of Directors of KEDHL, KEDHL workers, the Livadia Solidarity Network for Refugees, representatives of the Union of Secondary State School Teachers of Voiotia and UNHCR staff.
“Any feeling of hostility cannot but disappear before these families of Syrian refugees and small children” noted Mrs Poulou in her emotional welcome speech. She then informed the refugees on their stay in Livadia and thanked the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, for the support to KEDHL and the Municipality in order to accommodate refugees in humane conditions. She promised that all actors are constantly by the side of refugees in order to meet their needs. In turn, the President of KEDHL welcomed the families and promised to do whatever it takes to ensure the best living conditions for as long as the refugees will stay in Livadia.
Then one of the refugees took the floor. On behalf of all the refugee families he thanked everyone for the warm welcome and described the difficulties they encountered in their long journey. The refugee families received informative material that included city maps, useful tips and emergency phone numbers. Then, tired from the journey, followed by social workers, accommodation supervisors and interpreters, they were accompanied to three fully equipped apartments.
The “Accommodation of Asylum Seekers and Relocation Candidates in Livadia” program is implemented by the Welfare Corporation of the Municipality of Livadia, with the support of UNHCR, funded by the European Commission. Gradually, 55 apartments in Livadia will provide a home for more relocation candidates and vulnerable asylum seekers.
