Pikpa camp or Lesbos Solidarity, was a privately-run refugee camp near Mytilene on Lesbos.It had a capacity of 100-120 people, though it hosted hundreds more during times of acute need.[1] Its aim was to support the most vulnerable refugees who pass through Mytilene: families with children, the disabled, women who are pregnant, and the injured. The camp focused on humanitarian aid and on providing for the various needs of refugees, including food, medical assistance, clothing, and psychological support.[2][1][3][4]

History

The site of the PIKPA village was originally a children's summer camp.[5] In 2012 it was transformed by the Lesvos Solidarity Network (and with the help of local authorities) into "The Village of Altogether"—a safe haven for vulnerable refugees.[5]

In 2016, Lesvos Solidarity registered as an NGO to further organize resources following the growing refugee crisis on Lesbos arising from the March 2016 EU-Turkey agreement. That same year, the UN Refugee Agency recognized a leader of the Pipka Camp, Efi Latsoudi, with its Nansen Refugee Award.[6][5][7]

On 29 October 2020, its threatened sudden closure was at the last minute postponed, although the authorities stated that it would be closed "as soon as possible".[8] The next day the closure was enforced, and occupants were transferred to the "old" Kara Tepe Refugee Camp.[9]

See also

Other refugee camps on Lesbos:

References

  1. 1 2 "About Pikpa camp". www.lesvossolidarity.org. Retrieved 26 December 2020.
  2. ↑ "Mosaik Support Center". www.lesvossolidarity.org.
  3. ↑ Lesbos: Anschuldigungen gegen PIKPA vom Gericht zurückgewiesen (tr. "Lesvos: allegations against PIKPA dismissed by court") accessed 25 Mat 2021, www.borderline-europe.de
  4. ↑ Save PIKPA: refugee solidarity camp on Lesvos at imminent risk of closure 12 July 2018 www.amnesty.org, accessed 25 May 2021
  5. 1 2 3 "Greek heroes honoured at 2016 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award ceremony". UNHCR.org. Retrieved 26 December 2020.
  6. ↑ "History of Pipka Camp". www.lesvossolidarity.org. Retrieved 26 December 2020.
  7. ↑ Court, Alex. "Greek volunteers receive UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award". UNHCR.org. Retrieved 26 December 2020.
  8. ↑ Greek authorities postpone evacuation of 'PIKPA' migrant camp on Lesbos 29 October 2020 www.infomigrants.net, accessed 25 May 2021
  9. ↑ The eviction of Pikpa Open Refugee Camp Lesvos solidarity December 2020 Newsletter, accessed 25 May 2021
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