These past few weeks, I’ve been working on completing a paper about the history of camps in Greece. In the process, I’ve been sifting through old files, emails, and archived materials. Among the many things I (re)discovered was an announcement, dating almost 20 years back, published from the “Lathra?” initiative, a remarkably active solidarity group in Chios. It struck me in a peculiar way, reminding me how often we encounter academic publications on theoretical and abstract discussions about camps, while rarely shedding light on the ongoing struggles against detention itself. We tend to forget that the struggles against detention are as old as detention itself.
CHIOS: On the roofs of the deteriorating structures of the Mersinidi camp, detained migrants climbed today in protest of their living conditions.
On the roofs of the deteriorating structures of the Mersinidi camp, detained migrants climbed today in protest of their living conditions. In a letter, they denounce that the crumbling buildings are leaking water, that 21 refugees are crammed into each unit, 90 lack shoes, soap, and blankets, that they have no water, and that their food is of poor quality. They also face health problems, including skin conditions, and the ambulance provided by the Municipality of Agios Minas for their needs is broken.
These issues were confirmed by the Refugee Solidarity Committee, which calls on the Prefecture to address their problems, given that 197 people are currently “hosted” at Mersinidi under conditions that are unacceptable for our civilization.
The Deputy Prefect, P. Stefanou, communicating with RADIO – ALITHEIA, confirmed that the issue will be addressed today.
Below is a statement from the “Refugee Solidarity Committee.”
LETTER FROM THE CAMP
The refugees detained at Mersinidi gave us a letter, which we have translated word for word. All those directly or indirectly involved in refugee issues should take action and assume their responsibilities. However, they should not rush to politicize the matter or resort to vague statements. Hypocrisy has its limits. We simply note that the situation in the camp is explosive. Their own words vividly describe the reality they are experiencing:
“To whom it may concern,
We, the refugees in this camp (Mersinidi), have lost all hope, even the hope to complain, which is why we are turning to you as our last resort.
After many cries and protests about our conditions and situation here, no one has shown any interest. We are almost 225 people in this camp for two weeks, and 190 for a month, and we know that this camp can only accommodate 108 people. Almost 21 people stay in each unit, sleeping on top of one another. Nearly 90 lack slippers, clothes, cups, soap, and blankets. The toilets are broken, and many rooms are filled with dirty water, preventing us from even sleeping. Illnesses are multiplying, and no one cares for the sick, while the police give us ‘Panadol.’ Two meals are not enough. The bread is like stone, and sometimes the food is spoiled. The increasing number of detainees is creating more problems unintentionally.
We feel like we are in an isolated prison. No one speaks to us, and when we inform the police, they say it is not their responsibility. That is why we ask you to inform any Authority or Organization to save us, because the conditions have become unbearable, and our situation is inhumane.
We do not know what crime we have committed to deserve such punishment and harsh treatment. We fled war, poverty, oppression, and genocidal attacks and came here to find refuge in a land of peace.
We appeal to every Committee, the Red Cross, Human Rights Organizations, the United Nations, and every Authority.
We appeal to Greece and civilized Europe.
The detainees at Mersinidi.”
REFUGEE SOLIDARITY COMMITTEE
