Mayor Ludwig and Vice Wiederkehr: Conditions in the Greek refugee camp “Shame for the EU”; Criticism of the federal government, which blocked Vienna’s offer of help to accept 100 children
Vienna (OTS / RK) – The City of Vienna will support Caritas, Diakonie and Arbeiter-Samariterbund with a total of 300,000 euros – the money will go to help the people in the refugee camps on the Greek islands, specifically for those families and children living in inhumane conditions in Moria or on Lesbos have to live. Mayor Michael Ludwig and Vice Mayor Christoph Wiederkehr announced this today, Wednesday.
With the money, the City of Vienna wants to provide immediate help “for those people who have to live under the most difficult conditions in the refugee camps,” said Ludwig. “The conditions in the refugee camps are untenable. It is a shame that there is something like this on the soil of the EU, ”said the mayor. Ludwig recalled the offer by the City of Vienna to take in 100 children from the Moria refugee camp. “We are ready. The offer of help fails but because of the federal government, which is responsible for the right of residence, “said Ludwig.
Vice Mayor Christoph Wiederkehr also criticized the conditions in the camps and thanked the NGOs for their commitment: “It’s a shame what happens in the camps.” The refugee camps are not winter-proof, people have to endure the cold wind and rain. “The aim must be to give these people dignified accommodation. It is our responsibility to do that. While the federal government allows these unspeakable circumstances and blocks offers of help, we as the City of Vienna want to make at least a financial contribution, ”said Wiederkehr.
The 300,000 euros from the City of Vienna will be distributed equally to Caritas, Diakonie, represented in Greece, and the Arbeiter-Samariterbund. “We don’t want a PR campaign with planes full of objects that don’t arrive,” said Ludwig. The money should be used on site and benefit people directly.
“We are very grateful to the City of Vienna and the other federal states for this important support,” said Claus Schwertner, Managing Director of Caritas in the Archdiocese of Vienna. “We very much hope that the federal government will also follow the example of the federal states and, in a next step, support those communities throughout Austria that, like Vienna, have agreed to take in families with children.”
“The refugee camps in Greece are still completely overcrowded. The situation is very critical not only on the islands, but also on the mainland. Thousands of migrants are homeless and winters in Greece are often cold, wet and windy. Thanks to the support of the City of Vienna, together with our local partners, we will be able to support people with food, warm clothing, hygiene items and basic medical care in the coming winter months, ”explains Andreas Balog, management of the Samariterbund.
“Winter has already come on Lesbos. The tents are under water because of the winter storms. The situation is particularly unbearable for the many families with children. With the emergency aid of the Diakonie, only the most urgent improvements in the camp can be achieved. In fact, however, we are calling for the camp to be evacuated immediately in order not to endanger the life and health of the residents even further, ”says Christoph Riedl, Diakonie Österreich.
Further information: Paul Weis, media spokesman for Mayor Michael Ludwig, Tel +43 1 4000 81846; paul.weis@wien.gv.at (closing) ato
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