Stefan Cramer, Programme Officer at Al-Khair Foundation, relays his experience of the shocking humanitarian crisis faced by the refugees in the Idomeni Camp at the Greece-Macedonia border.

[column width=”1/4″ title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]

[/column]

[column width=”3/4″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]

.

Greece has suffered greatly since the economic collapse, with their situation only exacerbated by the refugee crisis that has so affected Europe. Greece, alongside Italy and to a lesser extent Spain, have experienced an influx of refugees from the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa. These countries already faced difficult challenges, with the refugee crisis only making their situation worse. The Chairman of Al-Khair Foundation Imam Qasim, Monirul Islam and Abusaleh Masum from IQRA Bangla and I were dispatched to assess the situation, the conditions and the AKF programmes in Idomeni refugee camp on the Greece-Macedonia border.

[/column]

[column width=”3/5″ title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]

.

Entering the Idomeni Refugee camp

Driving towards the Idomeni camp, the reverberation and immediate consequences of the EU-Turkey deal became immediately apparent. The road had been blocked by protesting refugees at the deal and at the continued closure of the borders across the now well tread route through the Balkans.

We travelled down the narrow, winding dirt road towards the refugee camps. In the fields either side refugees were traversing the landscape, moving through the crop fields looking for firewood or simply walking to the camp. This landscape had changed completely, its function shifted. What had once been farmers land, has become an unofficial refugee camp on the Greece-Macedonian border. As we drove, the extent of the camp became clear. With the backdrop of snow topped mountains, the camp consists of rows upon rows of small camping tents and enormous MSF built temporary structures that house many refugees.

[/column]

[column width=”2/5″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]

[/column]

[column width=”1/3″ title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]

[/column]

[column width=”2/3″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]

As you enter the camp, Al-Khair Foundation’s mobile kitchen is immediately at the entrance providing the suffering refugees with the support they so desperately need. Between 8,000 to 10,000 meals are cooked and distributed to the nearly 14,000 refugees residing inside Idomeni. The impact that such a programme h as is incalculable, with people across the camp thanking AKF for its efforts and complimenting the food. The mobile kitchen is making a tangible, real difference to lives of nearly all that reside in the camp.

Privacy is a luxury not afforded to these people, especially to the many that live in the large temporary structures sleeping in bunkbeds, with at least 40 beds in each structure housing two people per bed. There are porta cabins and shower facilities, yet these are too few in number and people are still left wanting. As this is an “unofficial camp??? (how nearly 14,000 people living in an area can be unofficial is ridiculous), conditions are still poor with inadequate shelter and cleaning facilities.

[/column]

[column width=”3/5″ title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]

.

Lives at the centre of the Idomeni Refugee camp

As you walk into the centre of the camp, the road is lined with small camping tents, originally suitable for a maximum of two to three people, that are now occupied by entire families of five to six. What is striking, and becomes immediately apparent, is the sheer number of small children running around the camp. I was taken aback by the large proportion of small children, the large majority below the ages of five. They run around and frequently grab your hand, asking for a photo or to be picked up.

There is one occurrence of this that stands out. One small girl, no more than 4 or 5 years of age, held out two pictures that she had drawn, took my hand and placed them in my open palm. She then looked up at me and ran away. As I opened them, it dramatically hit home what these children had already experienced, even at such a tender age. The first drawing is of a dinghy collapsing with people crying as they drown in the sea. The other was of a family – assuming that this is a representation of her family – walking between trees whilst a soldier opens fire on them. How can the imagination of a child be so traumatic and dark? The notion of childhood has been completely shattered, with these young people thrown into the worst situations and having to live through events that no person should ever have to. Unfortunately, this is no isolated case. Many children have been traumatised, and are facing this ordeal without any proper psychological assistance or proper education. There have been echoes and proclamations of a “Lost Generation???, and this certainly seems to be the case.

[/column]

[column width=”2/5″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]

[/column]

[column width=”2/5″ title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]

[/column]

[column width=”3/5″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]

There are, however, tiny glimmers of humanity and hope. Small independent organisations such as Solidaritea are providing children with entertainment to ease their mental trauma. There are areas where children can listen to music, can draw and play football. A reprieve and escape from their past experiences and terrible situation they find themselves in. Children and volunteers constructed an umbrella out of sticks, once again creativity and constructive activities enter their troubled lives. All of the amazing work of small independent organisations and the fantastic volunteers makes a truly profound impact. However, like many crises, there is much more that can be done.
Progressing through the camp, tents flanking you on either side, the true extent of the camp becomes clearer. What is visible from the entrance is but a small percentage. In every direction, it extends with vast areas covered by a sea of tents. To the left of the centre lies Idomeni train station. The carriages have been dormant for weeks now. No trains are running and the station is at a standstill. Refugees are sleeping in the carriages and across the railway track. On the right hand side is the border between Greece and Macedonia. Parked across the border entrance is a riot police van, flanked by riot police scouring the area. Barbed wire surrounds the fence that stretches as far as the eye can see. A Macedonian light armoured vehicle is stationed on the parallel sid e of the border. The authorities, it seems, are worried. But so are the refugees.

[/column]

When the early evening arrives, the camp is illuminated by small fires, families huddle around them. These are hastily constructed and are significant health hazards, as refugees scavenge and burn anything that is readily available. Plastic and other harmful materials are frequently used and emit hazardous fumes that many are breathing in, no doubt adding to the respiratory problems that are extremely prevalent. Small children play next to these fires, with the toxic fumes surrounding them. Another obstacle to their healthy development.

[column width=”2/3″ title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]

.

.

Reflections on the Future for the Idomeni Refugees

There are discussions in the EU and Greece to move these people in the “unofficial??? camp to military camps across Greece. Having spoken to refugees on the ground, they are of course greatly concerned. Ahmed from Jabal Shu’ab al Hasa, Damascus, Syria and Mohammed from Mosul, Iraq both expressed the following fears. Since people have fled from war and violence in the Syria, Iraq and elsewhere, they were afraid of the result of moving to these camps. Two main concerns were expressed by both men; first that they would be simply be forgotten in these tightly controlled fenced areas, and second, that families being guarded by military personnel would bring back memories from their homeland, where they had fled due to the presence of soldiers, policemen and conflict. In particular, the mental impact on children was deeply expressed, being once again exposed to military personnel and the horrid memories that are associated with them.

Hope is almost non-existent. No way forward, no desire or will to return. Many have lost too much to simply turn back and return to either Turkey or their original destination. This loss manifests itself in several forms; monetary and asset loss, but more importantly, the human loss and mental anguish that these people have collectively suffered. To even begin to contemplate that these families, as well as others continuously arriving on the Greek islands, will return to Turkey voluntarily is absolutely and completely detached from the reality on the ground. The EU-Turkey deal does not even take into account the suffering of the people, the sacrifices they have made, and continue to make, to reach a safe haven in Europe. These families are just numbers, figures that detach any notion of humanity from them. After the initial welcome from sections of the European community, the door has been soundly slammed shut. Now, any credible European solidarity seems wishful at best.

[/column]

[column width=”1/3″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]

[/column]

There is an expectation these people will simply disappear, and vanish from sight; out of sight, out of mind. Yet this crisis is ongoing. War, untold violence, persecution and deep economic depravity still exist across much of the world, especially in the Middle East and North and Sub-Saharan Africa. Persistent issues such as these, among a host of others, are driving people from their homes. Now they find themselves abandoned on European soil, kept forcibly at arm’s length. What is left for the refugees of Idomeni?

Since travelling to Budapest, Athens and Lesvos late last year, it seems that the situation after briefly improving has once again deteriorated. As each day passes, there are more protests and frustration begins to build. Desperation is now coming to the fore. The International community can and should do much more to assist these people in every capacity available. Seeking refuge is now being punished by inaction. What is the alternative for those fleeing warfare and destruction? How are families expected to live in these conditions? These are questions that must be answered, not by rhetoric, but by action. International, local and independent charities/groups are providing these families with a brief reprieve from the suffering. These people deserve, above all else, dignity through a long term solution. Until this happens, if it ever does, suffering will plague these people indefinitely.