“I will visit Lesvos to assess the situation and express my solidarity” Ban told journalists speaking at the United Nations headquarters in New York. “Hundreds of Syrians and other refugees and migrants continue to die in the Mediterranean trying to escape war and persecution” he added.
 
Before flying to the island where thousands of refugees and migrants are stranded, he will hold an official meeting with Prime Minister of Greece, Alexis Tsipras.

“On 17, June, the Secretary-General will travel to Athens, Greece, where he will meet with President Prokopis Pavlopoulos and Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, among others. He will then go to the island of Lesvos, on Saturday, 18 June, to meet with refugees, migrants and asylum seekers, as well as local volunteers and authorities” a press release issued by the UN on Thursday read.