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Monthly Report: Paréa Lesvos August 2024

Check out our monthly project update for August 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 August, 478 people arrived in Lesvos, bringing the population of the camp to 1,051 people. Last month 60 cases of pushbacks were recorded in the Aegean Sea, involving 1,720 children, women and men trying to reach safety in Europe. The number of people pushed back is the highest number recorded in 2024. Moreover, this month a passenger of a boat trying to reach the Aegean island of Symi was shot and killed by an officer of the Greek Coast Guard who opened fire on a boat carrying 14 displaced people, including children, in an attempt to immobilize the engine. This is not an isolated case, but another proof of the fatal consequences of this illegal practice and the overall EU ‘migration management’ policies that are proven to cost lives.


Since mid-August there has been a huge increase in the number of Syrian people arriving in Lesvos, representing now more than 45% of the Mavrovouni CCAC. At the same time, Greece is one of the European countries pushing for Syria to be recognized as a safe country, which raises concerns about the consequenses for Syrians seeking asylum if this decision is reached.


Residents of the camp still face extreme temperatures, and there are still 236 people without any access to state assistance including food, water, cash and medical care due to their legal status. 

In addition, at the moment there seems to be only one part-time doctor working in the camp. Since EODY stopped providing medical services in the camp at the end of June with the takeover of IOM, the recruitment process  is still ongoing. The process applies to all camps in Greece and, while some doctors seem to have already been recruited, this is not the case on Lesvos. Many attribute the unsuccessful recruitment process to the very low salaries that do not match the specialties and responsibilities of these roles. Meanwhile, as the availability of treatments for skin conditions in the camp was still unclear, MSF began to conduct a scabies campaign in partnership with other actors working in the camp to screen the entire camp population and treat those in need. This situation highlights once again the huge gaps in the provision basic needs left by the government and consistently being filled by NGOs.  


Finally, there is unofficial information that the Helios integration and housing program might be discontinued for the time being, to the detriment of people already benefiting from it or planning to stay in Lesvos. This represents a further obstacle creating uncertainty and anxiety while highlighting that the integration mechanisms are still largely unsuccessful after so many years.





AUGUST IN NUMBERS



Highlight of the month


Starting from August 1st, a new free bus service is available for our visitors, providing a much needed connection between the camp and Paréa. The service runs daily, and its impact has been significant. We are seeing the bus utilized to its full capacity, with a noticeable increase in the number of women and children visiting Paréa.


The bus service is especially important as it prioritises visitors with higher vulnerability, ensuring a safe and reliable transportation. The road leading Paréa is not very long; however it can be particularly challenging under the intense summer heat or rainy days, making this service crucial for the inclusivity and accessibility of our center.



Faces of Paréa

I come to Paréa, so I can play Ping-Pong with my friends. I feel so safe here, and the people are very welcoming and helpful The best part is for sure the Paréa Club, where we dance and sing. Ahmed — from Palestine


IN THE SPOTLIGHT



Meet our partner: MAKERSPACE LESVOS


Our partner organisation Makerspace is dedicated to repair electronics and bicycles, as well as offer carpentry and other technical services for people on the move and the organisations supporting them. 


The services provided by Makerspace are essential, particularly as phones and bicycles offer a minimum of independence for displaced individuals. Given the high cost of repairs, Makerspace plays a vital role in bridging this gap, ensuring access to communication and transportation for our visitors. 


In Paréa, Makerspace also provides technical assistance to partner organisations, enabling them to operate their projects more effectively.




Welcome to our space: BARBER SHOP


Our partner organisation, Refugee Relief Doro Blancke, has recently opened a new service in Paréa: a barber shop! A barber shop in Paréa or elsewhere is not just a place to get a quick trim; it’s a spot where friends catch up, where various topics are discussed, and where everyone feels at home.


Operating two days per week, the barber shop provides men with an opportunity for self-care, relaxation, and a boost in self-confidence in a very uncertain time of their life. 


The consistently full appointments underscore the high demand for this service and highlight its significance to the individuals we support.












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