Migrant Point EKA

In recent years, Greece has been at the center of global interest because of the economic crisis. According to the data economic crisis has forced young scientists to emigrate in search of better conditions and has led tens of thousands of our fellow citizens live at risk poverty.

Since 2013, world opinion has turned her gaze back to Greece, this time because of the refugee crisis. The conflict situations in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan have forced millions of fellow citizens to turn to Europe to save their lives. Greece thus becomes the gateway for these people, and particularly the Greek islands near the Turkish coast.

This year alone over 750,000 migrants have arrived in our country, trying to go to the countries of northern and central Europe, but hundreds have drowned in the Aegean Sea. The refugee issue is now properly classified as a "matter of national responsibility" by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, but stressed that “our country should not and will not turn into a storehouse of souls”. The islanders receive huge flows, nevertheless the attitude shown the compassion and solidarity that should characterize us. The same happens in Athens and northern Greece.

The Athens Labour Centre (EKA) condemns the tragic situation in Eidomeni at the borders between Greece and FYROM. It is not possible countries of the European Union, to act against the principles of the European Union and to close their borders, lifting wire fences.

The Athens Labour Centre expresses its sympathy and solidarity with the refugees and welcomes any action in favor of rights and dignity of life of refugees.

After the recent tragedy in Lampeduza, deaths will not stop to happen in the Mediterranean Sea, as the number of immigrants, putting at risk their own lives to reach the countries of Southern Europe, is raising day by day. Thousands of people have lost their lives during the last years, many women and children among them.

Greece, along with the other countries of “the front line”, like Italy, Malta etc, bear a disproportionate burden compared to other European countries, as they’ve become “bin of human souls”.

Just the day after Lampeduza tragedy, three more people drowned in the island of Rhodes. The Coast Guard rescued 90 people and 95 more were rescued in Karystos...

The rescue operations are only the beginning of a long and uncertain way, as no one can guarantee what is going to happen to the immigrants next. Often these people are victims of trafficking.

Even though our country is facing an economical and humanitarian crisis, is forced to deal with the immigration issue as well.

It’s time for measures to be taken against the slavers and for the support of the countries of the Southern Europe in order to deal with the migratory flows.

Each life lost in the Mediterranean Sea is precious.

Shall we wait for another Lampeduza?

Friday, January 30, 2015

ATHENS CONFERENCE

EKA –INE/GSEE

"Trade Unions and Immigration: New challenges in times of economic crisis"

Hotel TITANIA, Panepistimiou 52

Participants: CGIL Rome and Lazio, CISL Rome, UIL Rome and Lazio, CCOO Madrid, UGT Madrid, CGTP Intersindical Lisbon, SEK Nicosia, PEO Nicosia, DEOK Nicosia and ETUC

Within the framework of the campaign organized by the Athens Labor Unions Organization (EKA) together with the regional Labor Center of Lavrion and supported by the Labor Center of Nafpaktia and Dorida, 3 tons of essential necessities (drugs, long-term food, winter clothes, blankets and tents) were collected for the people of Kobani, Syria, thanks to the sensitivity of the trade unions and the inhabitants of the area. A significant number of refugees, who live in the Reception Center of Lavrion are Syrian Kurds and they also took part into the campaign.

About 200,000 refugees from Kobani stay on the Syrian borders and are not able to return to their homes. Greek people, who are suffering by the economic crisis, stand by their side.

The Athens Labor Unions Organization will continue to collect essential necessities (3rd September, 48B, Athens) from Monday to Friday and from 09:00 to 19:00 and to distribute them in collaboration with the Union of the Palestinian Workers, to the refugees in need who live in Athens.