LESBOS, Greece (AP) — Most drowned making the hazardous sea crossing from nearby Turkey, while others died of natural causes in migrant camps on the Greek island of Lesbos.
After years of neglect, a makeshift burial ground for migrants on the island has been cleaned up and landscaped to provide a dignified resting place for the dead, and for their relatives to visit.
Earth Medicine, the Lesbos-based charity that handled the project near the village of Kato Tritos, formally handed over the redesigned cemetery to municipal officials on Wednesday.
“We wanted it to be clear that this was a burial ground, (mostly) for people who died at sea — some of whom have been identified while others have not,” Earth Medicine spokesman Dimitris Patounis said. “It used to be just a field.”
For years, Lesbos has been a major destination for people seeking a better life in the European Union. They leave Turkish shores crammed into small, unseaworthy vessels provided by smuggling gangs. About 3,800 people have made the journey so far this year.
Two more people sentenced for carjacking and kidnapping an FBI employee in South Dakota
Students Learn Bamboo Weaving Skill in South China's Guangxi
Xinjiang's Kashgar Witnesses Rapid Development as Gateway for Opening Up
China Achieves Full Coverage of Educational Assistance
Why International Criminal Court has Israeli officials worried
Protection, Inheritance of Cultural Heritage to Be Enhanced
(COP28) Climate Summit Launches Partnership to Promote Women's Climate Resilience
Chinese Language Day celebrated at UN with cultural exhibition
Ministry Protects Disadvantaged Children's Basic Rights, Interests
8th Aswan int'l women film festival opens in Egypt
Southwest University to Conduct Study to Assist Children's Development in Remote Areas