Containment policy turning Lesvos into 'open-air prison,' HRW warns

The already grim conditions in the overcrowded Moria camp for migrants and refugees on the eastern Aegean island of Lesvos may deteriorate into a full-blown humanitarian disaster as winter approaches unless urgent action is taken, Human Rights Watch (HRW) warned on Wednesday.

"Thousands of people seeking protection in Europe are deprived of their most basic rights to humane and dignified treatment on Lesvos," said Todor Gardos, Europe researcher at the US-based watchdog.

"The EU-backed containment policy is aggravating long-lasting suffering of asylum seekers, turning Lesvos into an open-air prison," he said.

Under a containment policy enacted since the 2016 EU-Turkey deal, Greek authorities confine asylum seekers on the Aegean islands, including Lesvos, until their asylum claims are adjudicated, a process that can take months or even years.

Vulnerable...