Tensions are high on the Greek island of Kos. Protests turned violent in the intense summer heat as around 50 migrants from Aghanistan, Pakistan and
ADVERTISEMENTTensions are high on the Greek island of Kos.
Protests turned violent in the intense summer heat as around 50 migrants from Aghanistan, Pakistan and Iran expressed anger that priority for applying for refugee status is being given to Syrians.
Under international law, Syrians have greater rights than economic migrants as their country is in the throes of a civil war.
Pakistani Mohammed Ali said he felt he was being ignored by the authorities:
“We have today ignoring [been ignored] and yesterday ignore, ignore. Why are we ignoring [being ignored]? We are not human beings? This is, go to camp, in camp there is no electricity, no water and no food.”
With hundreds of migrants arriving on the island each day, several thousand are now waiting to apply for papers.
Many hope to then find a route to northern Europe, where job prospects are considered better that in crisis-torn Greece.
However, Greek authorities are reportedly still debating how best to register the huge numbers flocking to Kos, meaning the wait for a passage off the island is likely to continue for some time to come.