A few corners from Victoria Square is where the shocking world of sex trade and exploitation is located. The "industry" that has always existed in the heart of Athens, is now joined by a swelling number of teenage refugees arriving from the Middle East.
Many teenage boys are caught in the web of desperation, especially in "survival sex" trade. Social worker Tassos Smetopoulos told CNN, "There are older guys that offer accommodation, food and clothes. But of course the minors want money. That's the idea - to find money to go illegally to central Europe. It's a game."
One of those trapped in the sex trade game is Ali (not his real name), a 17-year-old from Afghanistan. He came to Europe hoping to get an education and eventually bring his mother over to join him. He arrived in Greece with only €270 and no place to stay, and later found himself in an environment conducive of drugs and prostitution. The reality of what the young man's life has become now is devastating, as he is dependent on drugs and money from clients.
Like many of his friends, Ali regularly goes to a nearby park, where deals are usually made with local men, between €5 to €12. He prostitutes himself daily for money and an opportunity of a warm bed too good to turn down. "Some will take you home, give you clothes and anything you like. They will treat you like their husband, or boyfriend, and they will give you €200, €300, €400," he says, describing the horror of sex trade.
The shocking rise in unaccompanied minors prostituting themselves into the sex trade of Greece came after a deal was clinched between the EU and Turkey in March. According to the UNHCR, Turkey would accept back migrants who had crossed the borders into Greece, while EU would adopt refugees directly from Turkey. However, the deal froze, leaving tens of thousands of refugees stranded in Greece, a country unable to adequately accommodate them. Apparently, 1,200 unaccompanied minors or more, are still waiting for their shelter.
The Greek police said in a statement that they have not received any reports of teenage refugees involved in the "survival sex" trade surrounding Athens, but assured that they are working on to address the problem. In the meantime, desperate teenagers like Ali, who don't have a choice but to live, continue to "do this job".
