Mental health crisis afflicting migrants in overcrowded Moria camp

Migrants living in Greece’s largest refugee camp, Moria, are under “enormous mental strain” according to the International Rescue Committee (IRC). In its report, ‘Unprotected, Unsupported, Uncertain’, IRC notes that about 30 per cent of its clients have attempted suicide and 60 per cent have contemplated it. The report goes on to detail the widespread mental health problems in the camp as a result of overcrowding, lack of security, uncertainty about the future and filthy living conditions including open drains and sewers.

More than 8,500 migrants, mostly from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, are currently living in the camp on Lesbos Island, one of the main arrival points in Greece for migrants travelling to Europe. This is more than twice the camp’s official capacity of 3,100. There is very poor hygiene in the camp, with more than 80 people sharing a shower and 72 people sharing a toilet.

On 10 September 2018, local authorities said the government had 30 days to clean up the camp or risk closure, citing horrific conditions such as poor waste management and overcrowding. Two weeks later, the Greek migration minister said that around 900 migrants had been moved to the main island and another 1,000 migrants were due to be transferred shortly.

“People living in Moria are in a constant state of insecurity, danger and fear. They left their country to feel safe and they have come to a place that doesn’t offer them safety,” wrote Kiki Michailidou, who leads the IRC’s response to mental health on the islands of Lesbos and Chios. “In many cases, they don’t even feel secure inside their tent because they are being harassed by the people they live with.”

The long asylum procedure for migrants in the camp, which can take months, can cause them to become desperate. Some attempt suicide when they see no hope of ever leaving the camp.

“Recently, one of my clients tried to kill himself. He, and two others, attempted suicide. One of them sadly died. All our clients are in a similar state,” wrote Kiki.

“Several times I have attempted suicide. The only reason I am glad I didn’t succeed is because of the children,” said Ahmad, a 35-year-old from Iraq and father of four children, according to the IRC report.

Small numbers of boats carrying migrants continue to arrive on the islands of Greece each week. The slow asylum process means it can take months for decisions to be delivered.

TMP – 31/10/2018

Photo Caption: Migrants live in overcrowded conditions in the Greek Moria camp