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.
Minnesota Uber and Lyft driver pay package beats deadline to win approval in Legislature
Alaska Airlines has brief ground stop due to technical issue
Hofstra's Tyler Thomas chosen as Haggerty Award winner
How much of England's motorway network has no hard shoulder? This map reveals all...
The fightback begins: Boss of London's Queen Mary University tells pro
Pilot who died last week in Indiana plane crash was Purdue student, authorities say
Myanmar's jailed former leader Suu Kyi moved from prison to house arrest
Maui Fire Department report details how it was no match for unprecedented blazes
Mohammad Mokhber: Who is Iran’s acting president?
Artemi Panarin has career year with MVP