Vincent Cochetel

To leave people who have fled war and violence in Libya on the high seas in this weather would be to inflict suffering upon suffering, they must be immediately allowed to dock, and allowed to receive much-needed humanitarian aid.

Vincent Cochetel

Sending back people who would not have access to protection in Turkey poses a certain number of problems in terms of international law and European law, i hope that in the next 10 days a certain number of supplementary guarantees will be put in place so that people sent back to Turkey will have access to an examination of their request (for asylum).

Vincent Cochetel

We've told the Greek authorities that if it was a natural disaster, there would be mobilisation of other assets including from the ministry of defence, so let's call it a civil protection emergency, let's mobilise those assets, because they have plans for that sort of natural disaster.

Vincent Cochetel

The level of suffering we have seen on the islands is unbearable. People arrive thinking they are in the European Union. What we have seen was not anything acceptable in terms of standards of treatment.

Vincent Cochetel

In terms of water, in terms of sanitation, in terms of food assistance, it's totally inadequate. On most of the islands, there is no reception capacity, people are not sleeping under any form of roof, so it's total chaos on the islands. After a couple of days they are transferred to Athens, there is nothing waiting for them in Athens.

Vincent Cochetel

We are concerned with the situation where no one is really assuming leadership in the response, which makes it very difficult for humanitarian operators to participate in the efforts.

Vincent Cochetel

This is a tragedy on an enormous scale and a stark reminder that more lives could be lost if those seeking safety are left at the mercy of the sea.

Vincent Cochetel