Check out our monthly project update for October 2024 at Paréa Lesvos

The word paréa in Greek means “company, circle of friends”: everyone is welcome in Paréa!
Located within walking distance from the CCAC (Closed and Controlled Access Camp) on Lesvos, our community center Paréa Lesvos offers a safe space where people on the move, locals and internationals can meet and spend time in a peaceful and welcoming environment.
Paréa is run by Europe Cares, responsible for the safety, major facility costs, maintenance and development of the center. It is also a home to another 11 civil society organizations: Artists Giving Back, Boat Refugee Foundation, Circus Lesvos, Collective Aid, Leave No One Behind, Makerspace Lesvos, ReFocus Media Lab, Refugee Assistance Doro Blancke, Sporos Regeneration Institute, Terra Psy and Yoga and Sport with Refugees. In a time of high political uncertainty and constant withdrawal of support and international attention from Lesvos, our network of partner organizations joined forces to offer people on the move a wide range of services including food and NFI distributions, legal and psychosocial support, education and social care activities. But first and foremost, we offer a sense of community and belonging.
We are one community in solidarity. Will you join us?

View of Mavrovouni Camp from Paréa Lesvos
LESVOS UPDATES
In October, 1,208 people arrived in Lesvos, increasing the camp population to 1,636 — a 26% rise in arrivals across the Greek islands compared to last year, which has stretched camp capacities. Meanwhile, 60 pushback incidents were reported in the Aegean Sea, affecting 1,750 people, including children, women, and men. Tragically, this month saw the drowning of two women and two young boys near Kos Island, while 27 people were rescued. Such incidents underscore the perilous journey faced by those seeking protection in Europe, who too often encounter violence and brutality.
Access to healthcare in the Aegean island refugee camps remains severely constrained. In Mavrovouni CCAC, only two doctors under the new Hippocrates program attempt to meet the camp’s growing medical needs, but with limited capacity and no interpretation services, many are left without adequate care. Additionally, the lack of transportation support for vulnerable cases compounds stress for people in need. Although some medical actors offer support, these gaps reflect a broader failure to meet essential needs, which should be addressed through more robust interventions.
The situation is particularly critical for unaccompanied minors. With shelters at full capacity, many children are detained in harsh conditions in the camp without support and basic non-food items. Meanwhile, Greece's asylum and reception services have been severely disrupted by a lack of interpretation services since May, due to delays in contract renewals despite EU funding. The absence of interpreters has had a direct impact on residents, leaving many without access to basic rights such as healthcare and cash assistance. Vulnerability assessments have become inadequate, and the asylum process has been delayed, with some individuals waiting months for interviews. This has contributed to a shift in the legal status of Lesvos’s camp population, with recognised refugees decreasing from 82% in July to 52%, and 43% now asylum seekers.
Further compounding the challenges, the camp faces a severe shortage of blankets, with supplies exhausted just as winter approaches. However, there was a small but significant improvement this month: a new laundry station was opened within the camp, restoring an essential service almost a year after the previous facility was closed. This development offers a measure of relief, though the overall conditions in Lesvos continue to demand urgent attention.

OCTOBER IN NUMBERS

Highlight of the month

In October, we held a series of workshops aimed at creating edible olives in collaboration with our partner organisation, Sporos. Participants had the opportunity to be involved in every step of the process, from the collection and ripening of the olives to their processing and distribution following a traditional recipe from Lesvos.
The workshops brought together 40 participants, resulting in the distribution of 77 jars of olives so far.
In addition to the delicious end results, the workshop united participants from different communities and fostered a sense of teamwork, joy and connectedness with the land.
Faces of Paréa

I enjoy being in Paréa because my son is happy here. He really enjoys the playstation and being around in the spaces. I am receiving welcoming and great services, for example drinking coffee in the Café and relaxing in the spaces. Mounira - From Syria
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Meet our partner: STELP
Our partner STELP provides vital humanitarian relief worldwide, distributing essential non-food items and supporting shelter, medical, and food programs in emergencies.
As a long-standing supporter of Paréa Lesvos, STELP strengthens our impact through critical funding and volunteer recruitment, which make our work possible.
In October, STELP partnered with Europe Cares and an artist from Gute Wolke to create a live mural at Paréa, inviting visitors to participate in the process. This beautiful, collective artwork has filled our shared space with even more color and vibrancy, celebrating our community spirit.

Welcome to our space: Sport Area
Our sports area features a basketball and volleyball court, providing a lively space for both physical activity and social interaction.
Designed to promote health and well-being, the space encourages visitors to participate in activities that enhance physical fitness while promoting mental well-being, community connection and cultural exchange.
Each month, approximately 90 people participate in sports trainings and tournaments organised by our partner organisation Yoga and Sports with Refugees.


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