"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," he told a news briefing.
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"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."
Greek authorities must "lead and coordinate the response", said Cochetel, a 30-year veteran of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees who said he had "never seen a situation like that".
"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," he said.
Cochetel voiced concern that the situation not degenerate in Greece or be "exploited" for political ends.
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"The top priority is not to let other Calais develop in other places of Europe," he added. Many migrants head for the French port, and at least 10 have died trying to enter Britain through the Channel Tunnel.
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