Nine park refugees moved to hostel, doctors arrive

As authorities seek alternative housing for dozens of Syrian and Afghan refugees who have been camped out at the Pedion tou Areos park in central Athens for several weeks, municipal officials said two Afghan women and the seven young children they have between them have been transferred to a hostel.

It was decided that the nine refugees, including a 1-month-old infant, should have priority for health reasons.

Efforts are under way to relocate dozens more refugees who are living in tents in the park with inadequate sanitation, in conditions aggravated by a heat wave.

According to a count by aid groups earlier this week, a total of 202 people, including 103 children, have been camping at the park. A mobile unit of pediatricians and lung doctors was set up in the park Thursday to conduct checks on the residents.