The refugee camp Pope Francis visited in 2016 was destroyed by a fire in September of 2020.
It was the largest refugee camp in Europe. Some 20,000 refugees were crowded into an area meant for about 2,500.
Now there are about 3,000 people in the camp in Lesbos, living in deplorable conditions. They're isolated from the rest of the world, unable to leave the camp, and deprived of any form of support. It's what they call “limbo.”
AUGUSTO CEZAR MENEGUIM
Doctors Without Borders
'There are many people with post traumatic stress and serious depression. It's hard to think of just one story because there are so many. When people suffer from post traumatic stress, it's like they're living in a constant state of fear and have a hard time sleeping. It's very difficult for them to lead a normal life.'
On top of the forced standstill refugees experience is added the constant worry that they will be returned to their places of origin.
That's why Doctors Without Borders explain that what refugees most need is psychological help, especially children.
AUGUSTO CEZAR MENEGUIM
Doctors Without Borders
'Children, it's very important to say it, frequently show regressive behaviors, like aggression, incontinence and even cognitive development problems.'
There are another four refugee camps on the Greek islands in similar conditions.
Since 2014, more than two million refugees have arrived in Europe. This year alone, 109,000.
JRB
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