Emergency Food Distribution on Lesvos - Project Update

Dear supporters,

We are reaching out for the first time in this way - our work on the ground often makes it challenging for us to write regular updates or newsletters outside of Instagram. Unfortunately, the situation in Lesbos has gotten more difficult over the past few weeks, and we urgently need support.

Since last Wednesday, 571 individuals have been cut off from the official food and water distribution at the camp on Lesbos. The Ministry of Migration in Greece has decided that people with both positive and negative asylum decisions will no longer have access to the official supply chain. This new practice is intended to drive them out of the camp and the country, but it neglects the fact that people with positive asylum decision must wait for weeks and months for their documents before they can move freely. Those with negative decisions often have to appeal many times to have a chance for fair review of their case. All these people no longer have access to the official support and many are going hungry.

It doesn't end there. NGOs have been instructed not to distribute food to people with rejected asylum decisions - under threat of penalties, even to the point of being accused of facilitating illegal migration. The situation continues to be tense.

We will not accept this violation of fundamental rights and are setting up an emergency distribution of food packages for the 571 individuals at Paréa Lesvos, which will start in the coming days. Each food package for one person costs approximately €10 and provides the essentials for a week.

We kindly ask for your help so we are able to act quickly!

Warm regards from the Europe Cares Team at Paréa,

Lennard Everwien