What is happening in the Moria refugee camp of Lesbos, Greece? April 8, 2020

Amanda Munoz De Toro is the executive director of Fenix Humanitarian Legal Aid, an NGO with a base in Lesbos Greece. This is the main point of entry for people crossing the Mediterranean Sea, many in rubber dinghies, to get to Turkey - 800 people arrived just in the month of March. Fenix Aid provides legal protection and information services to asylum seekers who live in Lesbos, mainly in the camp of Moria. Around 20,000 people live here in a camp made for 3000 people. The legal services Fenix provide are general information legal questions, family reunification from Greece to other European countries, interview preparation for the asylum interview and appeal support if they are rejected, and guardian procedures. Protection is more of a comprehensive approach to legal aid, complimenting the legal team where they create a wellbeing action plan for clients that includes referrals to psychological, psychiatrist, medical and accommodation services. This plan is designed to improve the client's wellbeing while they prepare for their asylum interviews. At this moment in time, Greece has suspended the application process for seeking asylum, people are not able to register for asylum. Those that have arrived in the last month are stranded on the beaches, or kept in a ferry in the port of Lesbos. They weren’t able to access any services or support and they can’t go to the camp. Currently, the situation on the island is incredibly precarious. Lillian Hanly spoke to Amanda to find out more about what is happening, and started by asking her what the normal process would be for people applying for asylum.

Following the interview with Amanda, Lillian came across an instagram video BBCNews had uploaded with footage from the camp. You can also find images of Fenix Aid's work on their instagram page, and make donations in support here.