Monthly Report: Paréa Lesvos August 2025

Check out our monthly project update for August 2025 at Paréa Lesvos

Laughing at the water games happening in Paréa.

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 10 civil society organisations: Artists Giving Back, Boat Refugee Foundation, Collective Aid, Leave No One Behind, Makerspace Lesvos, Refocus Media Labs, Refugee Relief Doro Blancke, TerraPsy, 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 organisations 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, Lesvos recorded 238 new arrivals and 61 departures, according to Aegean Boat Report (ABR). By the end of the month, 806 people* were living in the Lesvos Closed Controlled Access Center (CCAC).

Across the Aegean Sea, ABR documented 19 pushback incidents in August alone, affecting 615 people—among them children, women, and men. Each case is not just a statistic, but a person denied the right to seek protection, a fundamental guarantee under international law.

The Greek government is moving to tighten control over NGOs working with migrants: organisations that oppose state migration policy, challenge decisions in court, or misuse funds risk being removed from the official registry, which blocks their access to government-run facilities where most migrants are hosted. Alongside audits and new laws — criminalizing irregular migration, ending the path to papers after seven years, and imposing electronic bracelets on rejected asylum seekers — Minister Plevris has announced new “administrative controls” that would deregister NGOs challenging migration policies, a move aimed less at regulation than at silencing those exposing abuses.

The budget cuts for the Official Development Assistance (ODA) introduced by the Trump administration last year, have directly affected UNHCR’s work worldwide. It is estimated that between 11 and 12 million people could lose access to direct assistance**. As a result, the UNHCR office in Lesvos has been forced to reduce its staff to the bare minimum, maintaining only an administrative presence.

Since July, the coordination meetings that brought together numerous governmental and non-governmental actors —including Europe Cares— have not taken place. These meetings served as a space to present and discuss the main challenges directly impacting the lives of residents in the Mavrovouni camp.

It now appears that these meetings will resume, but inside the camp itself, with access limited exclusively to organizations registered to operate there. If confirmed, this measure would exclude all those providing services and support outside the camp, thereby restricting the diversity of voices and services represented in these discussions.

__________________

migration.gov.gr/statistika  *UNHCR

AUGUST IN NUMBERS

Highlight of the month

A visitor dances at the talent show.

This year’s Paréa’s Got Talent was a wonderful day of fun, laughter, and community spirit. We began with a playful water challenge: two teams sat in a row, passing water along with cups without looking back, racing to fill a bucket. It was fun and full of laughter - and a refreshing way to cool down before the main event.

The talent contest that followed was a celebration of creativity and diversity. The stage featured traditional dances from our visitors, showing a variety of steps and rhythms. Hip hop performances brought energy and movement, with both group and solo acts. Cretan dances  shared familiar local traditions. And a musical act with guitar and singing invited everyone to join in, creating a shared, joyful moment.

Every performance was warmly received. To honor the spirit of participation, all performers were awarded medals, emphasizing that the day was about sharing talent and enjoying the experience together. The audience laughed, clapped, and cheered throughout, making the atmosphere lively and welcoming. With music in the background, laughter throughout, and a strong sense of community, Paréa’s Got Talent was a truly memorable day.

Faces of Paréa

What I like about Parea is the people here. In Parea, there are good people and everyone respects each other and me. I like coming to Parea with my friends to play board games and join the beauty day at the Women Space. The food is really nice, and my favourite drink from the café is hot milk, which I have every day. Parea is where I meet more people and make new friends! Abigiya - From Eritrea

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Meet our partner: Refuge Relief Doro Blancke

Refugee Relief Doro Blancke plays a vital role in supporting displaced individuals on Lesvos through a diverse range of services such as education, aid, and community services. 

In Paréa Lesvos center they offer English and German classes for adults, legal support in collaboration with Defence for Children International (DCI) and run the very popular barbershop.

Outside of Paréa, they provide food distribution for self-accommodated asylum seekers and assistance to vulnerable individuals and other NGOs. As well as support other NGOs on the island, such as Safe Shelter Lesvos, covering the monthly rent for the women's shelter, and some of the running costs.

Through these initiatives, they assist people on the move by meeting basic needs and providing long-term integration support.

Welcome to our space: Women's Space

This month, our Women’s Space has continued to be a vibrant and supportive environment for the women who visit Paréa. Every day, we offer a different activity, creating opportunities for learning, creativity, and self-expression - from beauty day to jewelry making, embroidery, and arts and crafts.

We have also recently introduced a weekly Women’s Circle. This is a dedicated time for community building, conversation, and mutual support. Activities vary each week, and have included the communal cooking and sharing of a delicious Syrian meal, the making of stress balls out of floor, rice and balloons, and the gardening and planting of flowers around the space. 

Most importantly, the Women’s Space continues to be a place where women can come as they are—to relax, connect, and feel part of a community. Whether through creative projects, shared meals, dancing, or quiet conversation, the space continues to foster a sense of community, belonging, and well-being.

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