would not believe me.”53 Similarly, Musa M., who arrived at the age of 16 and was registered as 18 years old, told us: “I told them how old I am. I also went to the Greek Council of Refugees (GCR) and said that they registered me at an older age but GCR told me it was not possible to change. I told the police my date of birth but I don’t know how it was translated.”54 The Case of Leros Island Authorities used medical tests to determine the age of a group of migrants, including a large number of unaccompanied children, who arrived on Leros Island between March and May 2008. The Greek Council of Refugees (GCR) interviewed all of them and concluded that out of 118 migrants, 32 were below age 17, and an unknown number were around 17 or 18 years old.55 Although GCR made its age assessment available, authorities nevertheless ordered X-rays of the wrist bones of an unknown number of persons.56 Following medical examinations and the departure of an unknown number of children, 22 children were transferred to care centers.57 The head of the Aliens’ Division within the Hellenic Police told Human Rights Watch that authorities intend to carry out age assessments more systematically throughout the country. 58 Yet he did not specify that a plan was in place or when such exams would be carried out. Moreover, when Human Rights Watch spoke to the Ministry of Health it was unaware of such plans. 53 Human Rights Watch interview with Hussein S., Samos, May 30, 2008. 54 Human Rights Watch interview with Musa M., Athens, May 28, 2008. 55 Human Rights Watch interview with Alexandros Anastasiou, June 6, 2008. 56 We asked the Ministry of Health for clarification on how many persons underwent an X-ray age assessment, and how many were found to be children during a meeting and in a follow-up letter. The Ministry did not tell us how many persons were subject to an X-ray or how many were ultimately considered to be children; Human Rights Watch interview with Maria Trochani, secretary general, Ministry of Health, Athens, June 12, 2008. Letter from Maria Trochani to Human Rights Watch, October 3, 2008. 57 Human Rights Watch interview with interview with Alexandros Anastasiou, June 6, 2008. 58 Human Rights interview with Constantinos Kordatos, commander, Aliens’ Division, Hellenic Police-Headquarters, Athens, June 6, 2008. Left to Survive 24