At the time of writing this report, there were in total less than 1000 reception places available for asylum-seekers in Greece, while 16,000 asylum applications were lodged in 2009, 10,273 during 2010, 9,311 in 2011 and 9,577 in 2012. However, asylum-seekers in Greece, including those transferred back to Greece or waiting for a transfer to another EU Member State under the Dublin Regulation, in most cases have in practice no material support, notwithstanding the legal obligation of the State to provide accommodation and minimum financial assistance laid down in legislation as described above. 69 In Greece, according to UNHCR latest report of February 2013 , there are fifteen centres open to asylum seekers and unaccompanied children, designed to accommodate altogether as a whole 1006 people. In view of the number of registered asylum seekers as well as the unknown number of persons in need of international protection but who are not registered as such for a variety of reasons on Greek territory, the number of available places falls short of the actual needs (See above under section A.2 – forms and levels of material reception conditions for more information). Aggravating the accommodation problem, the authorities at times evacuate sites where third- country nationals reside as squatters raising concerns of public health. Nevertheless, where this takes place, no alternatives to accommodation are given, leaving hundreds of people, including many asylum seekers with families, destitute and homeless. 4. Reduction or withdrawal of reception conditions Indicators: - Does the legislation provide for the possibility to reduce material reception conditions? Yes No Does the legislation provide for the possibility to withdraw material reception conditions? Yes No According to Article 15 of Presidential Decree 220/2007, implementing Article 16of Council Directive 2003/9/EC laying down minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers, the Aliens Police Directorate (hereinafter the ‘Central Authority’) in cooperation with the services of the Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity may reduce or withdraw reception conditions in the following instances: a. The asylum seeker abandons the place of stay indicated by the Central Authority without informing that authority or, where required, without obtaining permission, b. Does not comply with the obligation of declaring information or does not respond to a request to provide information or does not attend the personal interview within the deadline or c. Has already submitted an asylum application in the country or d. Has concealed his/ her recourses and takes advantage of the material reception conditions in an illegitimate way. There is no information if these provisions of the law are in practice applied. 5. Access to reception centres by third parties Indicators: - 69 Do family members, legal advisers, UNHCR and/or NGOs have access to reception centres? Yes with limitations No UNHCR Greece, Accommodation Centres in Greece, February 2013 (in Greek). 42