Border violence erupted yesterday at Macedonia (former Yugoslav Republic) and Greece, near Eidomeni. UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Spokesperson, Adrian Edwards, expressed grave concern.  According to today’s reports on the BBC, there was extensive use of teargas and plastic bullets.  Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders cited children and pregnant women among those affected by this indiscriminate use of force from security forces when civilian camps were hit.

Tensions have been high following the European Union – Turkey agreement and its implementation for refugees and migrants, including the 46,000 on the Greek mainland before its implementation, with despair and dashed hopes raising the bar of distress.

Adrian Edwards: “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.” (See: “Violence, Use of Teargas at Greek Border Matter of Great Worry” )

For More Stories: See: Diplomat Artist Category Archives “Global Citizen”
“Does this Citizen Look like an Undesirable to be Sent Home?”
“#Refugees – Defying the Odds for Life”