We are a global community built of many beliefs. Just as April has seen Jewish people celebrate Passover and Christians enjoy Easter, the holy month of Ramadan is a special occasion for Muslims worldwide.
Here, a volunteer voice explains the dangers for those in refugee camps during Ramadan:
"Ramadan is a time for reflection, prayer, spirituality, charity, family, and community. For displaced people worldwide sometimes, when they have already lost everything, their faith is all they have left to hold on to.
When fasting lasts from sunrise to sunset, the body can develop mild health problems such as headaches, low blood sugar, and lethargy. Malnutrition and weakened immune systems are not uncommon among people living in the camps of the Aegean Islands where food is not readily available and involves waiting for hours. Residents cannot get to shops because of quarantine restrictions, so they are at increased risk. The weather is also getting warmer and drinking water supplies limited.
We must support displaced people with basic supplies that will give them some comfort and peace of mind and the right to practice their religion. But NGOs are unable to act.
Our NGO has been getting calls from people in camp desperate for staple food supplies, as well as Qurans and prayer mats. We face severe difficulties in providing any support despite exploring communication avenues with the authorities. Our ability to provide minimal/no support is frustrating not only for volunteers but dangerous and unsettling for those living in the camps.
One of the key elements of Ramadan is to remember those who are less fortunate and help those in need if you have the means to do so. Whether you are observing Ramadan or not, this principle is global and something we can all hold onto especially during a month which is special to millions of people worldwide.
This Ramadan let us not forget displaced people on the Agean Island camps.
Ramadan Mubarak to all."
Tell our EU leaders that this is not fair.
Not at Ramadan, not at any time.
Everyone has the right to religion.
People everywhere should be free to practice safely & securely.