Coronavirus Crisis: Europe's Migrant Camps

REPORTER Said Reza Adib

DIRECTOR Joe Plomin

PRODUCER Joe Plomin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Karen Wightman

EDITOR Rachel Jupp

Aired on
Mon 18 May 2020
19:30
BBC ONE

This episode of BBC PANORAMA which is called "Corona Virus: Europe's Migrant
Camps" is investigated by an Afghan journalist Said Raza ADIB. Panorama
investigates conditions inside Greek migrant camps. There are around 60,000
migrants held in 37 camps located at different parts on the borders of Greece in
Europe, while their immigration status of processed. These camps were locked
down as coronavirus spread across the world, 45% of recent arrivals are from
Afghanistan. The journalist Reza tells us that at the end of march the first
coronavirus case in the camps was confirmed in Arizona. In these migrant camps
fear of coronavirus spread like Wildfire. Social Distancing and regular
handwashing are difficult here. Drinking water and food there in show supply or
seeing a doctor is a real struggle. Refugees and migrants filming on mobile phones
reveal how vulnerable people have to share taps and toilets with those who have
tested positive for the virus, risking onward transmission. Strict quarantine is
enforced on camps where coronavirus cases are confirmed, leading to some
shortages in food, water and medical care inside. Fear of the virus and anger at
camp conditions have led to violence. Panorama hears from charity and public
health experts who warn that any failure to control the spread of the virus inside
the camps could lead to potentially dangerous outbreak. Moria is the Europe’s
biggest refugee camp in this camp 3,000 refugees came this year in search of
shelter. A student refugee Mila from Afghanistan tells the reporter that people in
camps are frightened due to coronavirus spread. Another refugee Masoud , who
lives in the camp of Moria tells that to practice social distancing in camps is very
difficult. Even people with little cough and fever are worried that what will
happen if they would diagnosed with the virus. The reporter tells that the
condition of the camps are very worst. There are about six to seven people living
in the camp of 3 square meters. It is very difficult for the authorities to tell people
to stay home when there is no home. The camps are considered as Quarantine
centers as there is no other place for them. There is no medical facilities in the
camps. Many people in quarantine says that they are trying to keep their spirits in
this pandemic. When the reporter Reza discussed this issue with representative of
UN’s International Organization for Migrants, he says that it provides site
management support for the Greek Government who are by law responsible for
the management of the camps. He also says that they followed the government
plans including setting up a quarantine and other hygienic plants like showers and
taps. At the end of the episode the reporter says that the Greek government is
taking different steps to control this pandemic not only in the camps but also in
the country. People in the camps should not be get angry in this situation because
it leads to much bigger problems. They should remain calm and quite and should
try to practice social distancing in their own capacity.