Our MttW-member Jule was involved in helping refugees in the Paréa Community Center from March to April 2024 for the organization “Leave no one behind” (LNOB) and gained her own impression of the living conditions of refugees at the European external borders. You can find the appeal for donations for the MttW cooperation with LNOB on this page .
The community center is within walking distance of the camp on the Greek island, where many refugees arrive from Turkey and wait for their asylum decision. In the so-called Mavrovouni camp, the refugees live in very poor conditions in very close quarters with many people. The EU and the Greek government do not ensure that people are well supplied with basic materials (e.g. there is a lack of clothing, toothpaste, shampoo, washing facilities, food, etc.). The camp is a so-called CCAC – Closed and Controlled Access Camp. This means that only a few people other than the camp residents have access and high fences, cameras and police monitor everything. The area is by the sea, exposed to the rough winds that often come from the north. Photos and video recordings are prohibited. Under this link you can find a report on the conditions in the camp.
NGOs like Leave No One Behind are trying to close this gap in care. Seven different organizations work together in the center to compensate for the lack of medical, educational and social care provided by the EU and the Greek authorities. For example, there are no washing facilities for clothes in the camp itself, although scabies is spreading in the camp. That is why LNOB offers a laundry service, which is where Jule mainly worked.
Summary of the cooperation with LNOB 2024:
- A total of €2,289.50 was collected by MttW
- The entire amount was made available to LNOB for:
- the repair of the dryers
- Clothes rack, tape, gloves and filters
- Repair of the air conditioning in the laundry containers (here the difference between the costs and donations was borne by LNOB itself)
During her work, Jule was able to learn a lot about the fates and long journeys of some refugees, as they also work as community volunteers in the center. They all live in the camp and work voluntarily for a few hours, as they do not have a work permit and are therefore not allowed to earn money. At the center, they receive a free lunch. Most of the people Jule met have been on the run for several years, are politically persecuted or mistreated in their countries of origin, or no longer have a livelihood due to the climate crisis. Many of them have already lived in Turkey for several years and have also experienced violence from the police and authorities there. Some report having experienced several pushbacks by Frontex or the Turkish coast guard. And despite all these unimaginable hurdles and traumatic experiences, Jule was especially impressed by the extraordinary warmth, politeness and how committed and determined these people were. They report that they were carpenters, cooks or video producers in their countries of origin and that they want to work in Europe so that they can finally live in peace. At the same time, they sometimes wait months for asylum decisions and are afraid that they will not be granted asylum. With Jule, they took the opportunity to practice English or German and asked a lot about life in Germany.
Figures, data, facts about the situation on the ground
- At Paréa, laundry is washed for up to 500 people every month
- Approximately 1000 people will live in the camp in 2024 (fluctuating between 1000-1500 depending on the month and season), of which approximately 27% are children
- In August, 60 pushbacks were registered between the Turkish side and Lesbos
- In the camp itself, only 1 doctor works part-time in August to care for all camp residents
- In August, according to LNOB, the possibility of making cash payments and donations to active NGOs was partially suspended by the Greek authorities
Quotes from Paréa
“I come to Paréa to play table tennis with my friends. I feel safe in Paréa and the people are hospitable and helpful.” (Ahmed, Palestine)
“I come to Paréa because there is shade and cold water here, which we don’t have in the camp. And we get food regardless of our asylum status. I like playing table tennis, volleyball, basketball and board games here and meeting new people.” (Esam, Yemen)
“I like Paréa because it is a very happy place with lots to offer.” The main hall is nice and cool and there is shade. I can also learn German here. I really like the food and that they serve tea.” (Behruz, Afghanistan)
“I come to Paréa to have fun and meet people. The people here are very friendly and helpful. I like going to the “Women Space” where I can relax and feel good.” (Rabee, Iran)
Impressions from Paréa and pictures of the LNOB team on site
