Lesbos – somehow I have come across this place again and again over the last few years. I read about the terrible conditions in Moria and the lack of humanity on Europe’s external border. The more I knew about the situation, the less I was able to let go of the whole thing. And at the same time, I was overcome by a feeling of powerlessness.
I went in search of a place of solidarity. I decided on the Paréa Community Center – a place of exchange and a small oasis at the same time. A wide variety of people come together here to create a place of encounter and diversity. I was allowed to help Leave No One Behind. There, you are mainly in the “Laundry” and involved in the “Freeshop” for hygiene articles.
The situation on Lesbos has faded into the background in the media. But unfortunately, not much has improved or changed. People are still arriving on Lesbos – in the hope of safety. At the same time, illegal pushbacks are taking place – an approach by the Greek coastguard that puts people fleeing in mortal danger and denies them their right to apply for asylum. Even after Moria, there has been no humane solution. In the Mavrovouni camp, refugees live in cramped conditions, directly exposed to the sea and the weather.
It’s only when I’m sitting on the plane and the island is getting smaller and smaller below me that I have the opportunity and peace to think about the month on Lesbos in depth. Every day was intense. And now I can leave Lesvos just as I came. I have the freedom to travel around. And why? Because I happened to be born in a place that, with citizenship, allows me to decide almost entirely freely where I want to go. What have I done for this? Absolutely nothing.
Fates become tangible on Lesbos
The fact that we are losing humanity in Europe has terrible consequences – consequences for people. I don’t feel any less powerless than I did before my stay. And I don’t understand how the politicians at Europe’s external border are dealing with the fates of refugees. The conversations on Lesbos make these fates tangible, the people affected are given faces. But I also gained courage, because I met many fighting, strong and inspiring people.
It would be utopian to think that my volunteer stay has changed anything about the political situation on Europe’s external border. But perhaps – and hopefully – projects like the Paréa Community Center create an alternative to political failure. The way I perceived Paréa, it is essential to maintain such places for people on the run.
I have once again been made aware of my privileges. My time on Lesbos showed me that I can use my privileges – and that I believe it is also my duty to stand up for humanity and against the European border regime.
You are also interested in volunteering on Lesbos? You can find more information here.
