Monthly Report: Paréa Lesvos July 2026
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Updated: 6 hours ago
Check out our monthly project update for July 2026 at Paréa LesThe smiles vos
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 centre 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, which is responsible for the safety, major facility costs, maintenance, and development of the centre. It is also a home to another 9 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
July, Lesvos recorded 92 new arrivals (1). With this, the number of people living in the Lesvos Closed Controlled Access Centre (CCAC) has increased compared to last month. By the end of June, 296 people (2) were recorded in the camp by the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum. During the same period, there have been 26 transfers (3) from Lesvos to the mainland. Aegean Boat Report have registered 4 pushback cases in the Aegean Sea, involving 99 children, women and men who tried to reach safety in Europe.(4)
In the first half of 2026, arrivals of refugees and asylum seekers in Crete and Gavdos reached 8,552, underscoring a sharp two-year rise. In mid-June, the Ministry of Migration and Asylum acknowledged that Crete has become Greece’s main entry point, with around 70% of arrivals now heading there. Yet, despite this increase, the state still has not established adequate reception and accommodation facilities on the island, and plans for such structures continue to be delayed amid repeated unfulfilled promises and a lack of social consensus. By the end of June, the Reception and Identification Service responsible for the temporary facility in Agyia was still not fully staffed, leaving the prompt identification of vulnerable people uncertain.
Greek lawyers who provide free legal advice to asylum seekers under a government scheme will receive a bonus if they persuade certain applicants to withdraw their asylum claims and return to their countries of origin. Under a ministerial decision published on July 2, they will get 250 euros plus VAT for each case that ends in voluntary return, in addition to the standard fee of 160 euros plus tax for their legal advice.
After many arrivals in Ceuta, the EU calls for even stronger border controls. Ursula von der Leyen called for “united action” in regard to the crossings from Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. The official death toll: Spanish count 80, Moroccan count 11, but NGO monitoring place a considerably higher number.
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JULY IN NUMBERS
Highlight of the Month
On 27 July, ReFOCUS and EC organized a party together. During the event, ReFOCUS displayed photographs and video installations of their work, so people could walk around, look at the images, and engage with the different faces and stories represented.
There was also a portrait corner where anyone could have their picture taken. People could dress up, choose accessories, and put on make-up before posing for the camera. Kids especially went all out with glitter and sparkles.
A lot of people participated, and the atmosphere was very lively. We spent time experimenting with the cameras, taking pictures of each other, playing around, and simply enjoying being together.
Later, there was a DJ set and the whole space gradually became very energetic, with people moving between taking photos and dancing. It was a nice example of how photography and music can create opportunities for participation, self-expression, and social interaction within Paréa.
Faces of Paréa
There are places you visit, and there are places that become part of your heart. For me, Paréa is one of those special places. Every time I come here, I forget the stress and worries of life, even if it’s just for a little while. I always leave with a smile, happy memories, and positive energy. It is a place where I can relax, laugh, meet wonderful people from different countries, and feel that I truly belong. I am deeply grateful to everyone who makes Paréa such a warm and welcoming place. Your kindness, friendship, and generosity mean more than words can express. Thank you, Paréa, for giving me happiness during difficult times, for bringing amazing people into my life, and for reminding me that there is always kindness in the world. I will always be grateful, and Paréa will always have a special place in my heart.
Osama from Sudan
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Meet Our Partner: ReFOCUS Media Labs
ReFOCUS was founded in Lesvos in 2017 in response to the absence of opportunities given to people on the move to build professional skills in media through photography, video and other forms of visual media. Since then, ReFOCUS has provided its students with valuable training which has led to the creation of stunning photographies and films. It also gives them the tools to reclaim the narrative on how mainstream media tells the stories of people on the move.
We were grateful to have ReFOCUS, one of our dearest and most longstanding partners, say goodbye to the island by offering captivating workshops in Paréa one last time. Participants had the chance to get familiar with cameras, experiment with photography and video, and learn through practice in a relaxed and creative environment. The sessions were also a nice opportunity to connect with others, exchange ideas and explore different ways of expressing and sharing individual perspectives through visual media.
Welcome to Our Space: The Nest
The Nest is the place that continues to be welcoming and safe for the children who join us in Paréa. The inside of the Nest is designed to engage children’s aged 3 to 12 physical and emotional wellbeing, with a focus on developing practical and artistic skills, through activities such as painting, building blocks and a play kitchen. The playground is also an integral part of our community, as it creates a space that allows children to be children, to play together, to be messy and have fun. One of the most important purposes of the Nest is that it allows parents to take a break and enjoy a drink at the café, or just relax during the afternoon, while being sure that their children are safe and well taken care of.
This month Terrapsy has been an integral support to our team, aiding us in organising a more structured routine for the children, reflecting on individual needs and expectations. Most notably, during the ReFOCUS event, together with the children we put on make-up, dressed up and spent the day enjoying the music and experimenting with different creative outlets.
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