Stranded migrants protest in Greece, demand open borders

Aid packages are distributed in the makeshift refugee camp at the northern Greek border point of Idomeni, Greece, Saturday, March 26, 2016. Greece's border with Macedonia has been shut to refugees since earlier this month after a string of countries shut down the route which migrants used to go from Greece to central and northern Europe. Those stranded in the camp and surrounding fields have been living in dire conditions in small tents pitched in muddy fields. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) (The Associated Press)

A woman hangs clothing to dry in the makeshift refugee camp at the northern Greek border point of Idomeni, Greece, Saturday, March 26, 2016. Greece's border with Macedonia has been shut to refugees since earlier this month after a string of countries shut down the route which migrants used to go from Greece to central and northern Europe. Those stranded in the camp and surrounding fields have been living in dire conditions in small tents pitched in muddy fields. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) (The Associated Press)

A migrant boy holds a banner during a protest demanding the opening of the border between Greece and Macedonia in the makeshift refugee camp at the northern Greek border point of Idomeni, Greece, Saturday, March 26, 2016. Greece's border with Macedonia has been shut to refugees since earlier in March after a string of countries shut down the route which migrants used to go from Greece toward central and northern Europe. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) (The Associated Press)

Hundreds of migrants, egged on by activists, are protesting near the fence separating Macedonia from Greece, demanding that the border be opened to allow them to continue their journey into central Europe.

Greek riot police are standing between the fence and the protesters, who are chanting "Open the borders!" and holding placards. Macedonian police are also standing ready in case the border is breached.

About 11,500 refugees have been stranded in a makeshift camp in the Greek border town of Idomeni after the European Union effectively endorsed the Balkan countries' moves to seal their borders, shutting down the busiest migrant route.

The Greek government hopes the Idomeni camp will be evacuated by the end of April and that migrants will move to "transit centers" set up throughout Greece.