Hanako Peace-20/09/2020
A replacement camp was erected following the fire.
On the 9th of September 2020 the Moria Refugee Camp situated in Lesbos, Greece, was devastated by flames which have left thousands of displaced people completely homeless. The series of fires tore through Moria leaving
most of the camp burnt to the ashes. The inhabitants fled and headed towards Mytilene where authorities had erected roadblocks to stop people from entering the city; many slept outside on the floor. Moria Refugee Camp was already in terrible condition with mass overcrowding resulting in a lack of shelter
and medical services being spread incredibly thin. The camp which was meant to save those fleeing from war torn countries was already in a crisis and the fire has increased the state of emergency and caused immense devastation to its inhabitants.
Refugees forced to sleep in the streets in the
days after fire destroys Moria
Photo credit: Yousif Al Shewaili
What is the impact on Coronavirus?
The fire is believed to have broken out due to tensions created by the ongoing quarantine area at the camp. After the first case of Coronavirus was reported in the camp on the 2nd of September, 35 people had tested positive for the virus. It is speculated that the quarantined area was targeted by a series of fires which then began to spread rapidly. Moria Refugee Camp is at four times the capacity it was set at its opening in 2015, and medical services being sparse as it were, the spread of Coronavirus is a major health concern. With the fire disrupting the ongoing quarantine of Corona positive inhabitants, it is currently unclear how this will affect the spread of the virus among the vulnerable displaced.
What is being done?
Due to the tragedy caused by the fire the Government of Athens have announced a state of emergency. The Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, held a meeting to discuss the fire and how they will work to provide emergency shelter. A major concern is the camp’s large youth population as over 40% of the inhabitants at Moria are under the age of 18. According to the BBC around 400 teenagers have been flown to mainland Greece after the fire and ferries are being sent to try and help accommodate hundreds of homeless people.
The Pachamama Project took action by sending 12 large boxes of immediate aid to be distributed in partnership with The Azadi Project and the International Rescue Committee. The shipment contained 1,304 adult nappies donated by The Continence People 200 sanitary pads, 100 masks and a few packs of women's underwear, baby nappies and baby wipes donated by local community.
Due to fears of sexual assault and violence, many women in the camp are unable to leave their shelters at night to use the toilet, thus, the huge need for adult nappies.
In response to the rise of Covid in the camp, we sent over 200 soaps to be distributed by Becky's Bathhouse.
What can you do?
One of the best ways that you can help remotely is by making donations to foundations who are providing aid in Lesbos. Some good organisations are:
● Kitrinos- a not-for-profit that provides medical volunteers at camps in Greece and runs sites in Moria
● UNHCR- a UN refugee aid agency who have deployed their staff to support the Greek authorities
● Boat Refugee Foundation- an organisation that uses its volunteers to help refugees, In Moria they had set up a community centre with a school and library.
Of course, also, The Pachamama Project is always welcome to donations to help us, help others. The Pachamama Project is as always growing its network of volunteers around the UK to make reusable sanitary pads
for refugees. The Pacha Pads will be distributed in Lesbos, to the refugees housed in flats and temporary accommodation where they have appropriate washing facilities.
Contact thepachamamaproject@outlook.com to get involved.
The situation in Moria has been greatly intensified by the fire and people need our help, so please donate, volunteer, and help spread awareness.
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