UNHCR worried about violence on Greece and Macedonia borders

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) expressed great concern over violence at Idomeni on the borders of Greece and the Macedonia, including the use of tear gas. "The extensive scenes we have all seen of teargas in use are a matter of great worry to UNHCR. It should be too for all who are concerned with Europe's response to the situation of refugees and migrants," UNHCR spokesperson Adrian Edwards said in a statement. 

    "Time and again in recent months we have seen tension unfolding at various European borders, between security forces on the one hand and people fleeing war and in need of help on the other. People get hurt and property is damaged. Harm is done to perceptions of refugees and to Europe's image alike. Everyone loses," he added.

    "We should not forget the many other refugees and migrants who continue to be affected by the situation, especially the nearly 46,000 on the Greek mainland who arrived before the agreement took effect," Edwards said.

    Greece on Monday also lashed out at Macedonia for using "excessive force" after police fired tear gas and rubber bullets on refugees trying to breach the closed border to enter the EU.

    Macedonian police accused crowds of hurling stones and other objects at them on Sunday in a bid to break down a fence at the border with Greece, saying they had used tear gas to protect themselves.

    Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said 260 people were treated for injuries: 200 for breathing problems, 30 for wounds caused by plastic bullets and 30 for other injuries.

Source: QNA