Why #OpenTheCamps?

​

The threat of coronavirus somehow united us as a human family. We all faced enforced detention, restriction of movement, community hygiene issues and the inability to connect with family & friends.

 

This month, restrictions have slowly eased around Europe and in Greece. Greeks are allowed out again. However, access to freedoms are decided upon by  country of origin. Greece will open its borders again whilst, at the same time, hotspot camps will remain locked arbitrarily. Conditions are worsening.

Europeans bask in newly returned freedoms. Camp residents continue to be trapped. As Europe negotiates its way out of lockdown, Greece must not turn its back on its humanitarian principles. It must duly weigh up obligations to both public health and human rights. The EU's silence in the face of deteriorating shelters, double standards, insufficient medicines & hygiene, no possible social distancing, mass asylum rejections & increasing reports of illegal pushbacks is deafening & distressing.

​

On the 20th June cities around Europe will unite. Join us as we call out our EU leaders who ignore their duty of care. We will show them that these arbitrary measures amount to a violation of European law on detention, particularly the EU Directive on International Protection (2013/33 art. 8). We have events planned and we will Act. Come with us as we bring colour to the streets through chalk figures, raise camp residents’ voices using video projections, pin posters saying #WeHaveSpace.

​

Let this World Refugee Day be the last one where European citizens are ashamed of our leaders and figureheads. Let’s educate and energise, tell them #EuropeMustAct and #OpenTheCamps!