UNHCR expresses serious concern over racist violence incident against refugee family

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is seriously concerned about today’s racist violence incident at an apartment hosting a refugee family, which is rented by its partner, the Athens Development and Destination Management Agency (ADDMA).

UNHCR Representative in Greece Philippe Leclerc on Friday “strongly condemned” any acts of violence resulting in refugees being injured or seriously hurt and their safety threatened. He said such attacks affected the very positive impact of the accommodation programme over the past two years. This programme has been warmly welcomed and supported by host communities and local authorities around the country, showing how people can live together in dignity and safety.

“Such an attack against people escaping from violence cannot be tolerated and it should be punished”, he said.

Stones were reportedly thrown through the window of the apartment where the family, which have been in the media spotlight recently, are living, while perpetrators also left a threatening note. “We are standing by the family and we will work with the Municipality of Athens and ADDMA to ensure that everything possible is done for the safety and welfare of refugees included in the programme.”