AHENS – The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) expressed its serious concern over the racist attack on Friday on the home of an 11-year-old Afghan student and his family.

UNHCR Representative in Greece Philippe Leclerc “strongly condemned” any acts of violence resulting in refugees being injured or seriously hurt and their safety threatened. He said such attacks affected the very positive impact of the accommodation program over the past two years. This program has been warmly welcomed and supported by host communities and local authorities around the country, showing how people can live together in dignity and safety.

“Such an attack against people escaping from violence cannot be tolerated and it should be punished”, he said.

Leclerc added, “We are standing by the family and we will work with the Municipality of Athens and Athens Development and Destination Management Agency to ensure that everything possible is done for the safety and welfare of refugees included in the programme.”

The Agency provided the rented apartment to the family.