our inquiries about how much money has been allocated by Greece to ensuring appropriate accommodation for unaccompanied children. Nongovernmental organizations, along with the UNHCR, have established safe spaces in refugee camps as short-term alternatives to detention for unaccompanied children. Though such spaces lack the type of care and full range of services to which unaccompanied children are entitled, they offer a superior short-term alternative to detention, as children enjoy freedom of movement and can access the services provided to the general population at the refugee camps. According to EKKA, as of August 11, there were 110 places available in these safe spaces.11 While Greek authorities were not blocking the transfer of children out of detention and into these safe spaces, they were not organizing or facilitating the transfer either. According to EKKA, this was because the safe spaces did not meet formal standards for care.12 According to the Greek government, plans were underway to create 880 temporary places by the end of August 2016.13 At the safe space that Human Rights Watch visited, children were provided with educational activities, and on-site staff and volunteers were present to provide support specifically to unaccompanied children. Kaiman T., a 15-year-old boy from Afghanistan explained that since had been transferred out of the Mygdonia border guard station and to the safe space, he had been able to speak with a lawyer, learned about his rights to seek asylum and have a guardian, and participated in Greek and English lessons.14 11 “Mapping of Unaccompanied Children (UAC) shelter needs v.18” National Center for Social Solidarity, August 11, 2016. 12 Human Rights Watch interview with Christos Hombas, Head, Directorate of Social Intervention, and Kyriaki Triperina, Directorate of Social Intervention, National Center for Social Solidarity, Ministry of Labor, July 5, 2016. 13 Letter from Maria Dimitropoulou, director, to Human Rights Watch, undated, received August 9, 2016. 14 Human Rights Watch interview with Kaiman T., safe space for unaccompanied children, Diavata refugee camp, Thessaloniki, June 28, 2016. 11 HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH | SEPTEMBER 2016