Greece has been criticised for plans to erect a floating barrier of nets on the border with Turkey in the Aegean Sea to deter people crossing by boat.
Pylons will be sunk into the ocean floor to create a 1.1-metre-high wall of nets, with half a metre of the barrier above the surface of the sea. Flashing lights will top the 1.7-mile-long wall, which the Greek government has budgeted ?500,000 (£424,000) to build.
Sea wall will pose danger to refugees
Human rights watchdogs have condemned the project. Amnesty International deputy director for research Massimo Moratti said the floating dam would target asylum-seekers and refugees and "lead to more danger for those desperately seeking safety".
"The plan raises serious issues about rescuers' ability to continue providing life-saving assistance to people attempting the dangerous sea crossing to Lesvos," said Moratt. "The government must urgently clarify the operational details and necessary safeguards to ensure that this system does not cost further lives."
Life jackets and boats on Lesbos from thousands of people trying to cross the sea to Europe. Photograph by Jim Black
In 2019, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) recorded the death of 66 people taking the eastern Mediterranean sea route to Europe.
The United Nations and European Union have reminded Greece to abide by international law. "Every state, including Greece, has a legitimate right to manage their borders," spokes...