Check out our monthly project update for January 2025 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 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, Sporos Regeneration Institute, 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 January, 315 people arrived in Lesvos, while around 1,136 departed*, bringing the camp population to 2,930. Meanwhile, 14 pushback cases** were reported in the Aegean Sea, involving 457 children, women, and men who attempted to reach safety in Europe.
The European Court of Human Rights has condemned Greece’s systematic illegal deportations, marking the first time it has been held accountable for a policy it has long denied. We hope this ruling could impact Europe's border migration policies, to stop human rights violations.
Overcrowding at the Lesvos CCAC remains a serious issue in January, with cramped living conditions persisting. While UNHCR and the camp authorities are working to improve the situation, repairs and maintenance—especially in WASH facilities—have finally seen progress thanks to the intervention of civil society organizations. However, the lack of locks in WASH facilities continues to pose safety risks, particularly for women.
Health services are under strain, with just one doctor and two nurses available. The team also includes two social workers and two psychologists, but limited interpretation services make communication difficult.
There is progress in social support, as people accommodated by NGOs can now apply for the Minimum Guaranteed Income. Additionally, vocational training and educational programs offered by NGOs active in the camp have expanded. However, administrative barriers prevent children born outside Greece from enrolling in nurseries.
Regarding the asylum process, some asylum seekers arriving in Lesvos for their applications are being detained and often transferred to Athens, though no clear policy exists. Legal aid organizations are monitoring the situation closely. Lastly, Greece has paused decisions on Syrian asylum cases, citing the need for more reliable information. In response, Syrians have staged peaceful protests on Lesvos and other islands, calling for the process to resume. Meanwhile, legal aid providers from NGOs face challenges, with staff reductions limiting support for asylum seekers.
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*UNHCR / **Aegean Boat Report
JANUARY IN NUMBERS
Highlight of the month
As we step into 2025 at Paréa Lesvos, we are excited to evolve and refresh our spaces to foster inclusive environments where everyone can feel safe, welcomed, and cared for.
We’re thrilled to announce the successful renovation of our beloved “Nest”! True to its name, the “Nest” is a warm and inviting space specifically designed for our youngest visitors—children. It’s a vibrant, colourful area stocked with toys and materials that cater to a range of ages and developmental needs thoughtfully designed to support various fun, creative, and interactive experiences, ensuring children have a joyful and engaging time.
Stay tuned for more updates—exciting things are on the horizon!
Faces of Paréa
For me, Paréa is a calm & quiet place. I can study and relax in the quiet corner. I liked the workshops for women like when we cooked together or we made beeswax creams. Also, I like it that we play games together. Nahideh - From Iran
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Meet our partner: Refugee Relief Doro Blancke
Refugee Relief Doro Blancke plays a vital role in supporting displaced individuals in 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), they run a barbershop and a cooking project with Makerspace. They also provide food distribution for self-accommodated asylum seekers and assistance to vulnerable individuals and other NGOs.
Through these initiatives, they assist people on the move by meeting basic needs and providing long-term integration support.
Welcome to our space: Library
At Paréa Lesvos, we believe in the power of reading to bring joy and strengthen community bonds. Our Library, located in the Main Hall, is open to everyone, offering a cozy space to borrow books or simply enjoy some quiet time with a good read.
We offer a diverse collection in multiple languages, catering to all ages. As part of our community services, the Library creates a welcoming space for exploration, learning, and relaxation.
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