How to Help - Displaced Dishes

How can I find out more?

Understanding what is actually happening on the Greek Islands is the best starting point to finding ways in which you can help. We’ve gathered some recommended reading and listening.

Read first-hand accounts

The voices of those actually living in the new Samos Closed Control Access Centre (C.C.A.C) are often overlooked. Read first-hand accounts of life in the camp.

Voice of the Voiceless, a community newsletter produced by those living in the Samos C.C.A.C. It features writings, poetry, artwork and an incredible playlist of Somali music direct from the residents.

Samos Advocacy Collective 1 year report. Marking the first anniversary of the C.C.A.C’s opening, the report presents residents’ personal accounts and photos, as well as a timeline of key events from the first year.

Read NGO reports

NGOs working on the ground on the Greek Islands produce independent and accurate reports, and are perfect for gaining a reliable overview of what’s going on.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has been providing vital services on Samos since 2015. This report outlines their findings and recommendations, particularly concerning the mental health implications of the new camp’s extreme level of containment and surveillance.

Refugees International and Oxfam have both produced concise and up to date reports on the situation in Samos.

Many smaller NGOs on the Greek island also create monthly newsletters – a great way to stay up to date. Subscribe on their respective websites. The Lesbos Bulletin is an example by Greek Council for Refugees and Oxfam.

Learn about EU migration policy

Read and listen to good quality journalism focused on EU migration policy.

An illuminating article for The Conversation, written by a human rights lawyer present at the opening of the new Samos camp – it addresses the growing militarisation and use of surveillance technology at Europe’s borders.

London School of Economics podcasts regularly covers topics related to Europe’s changing policies and refugee matters. Their series ‘Beyond Eurocentrism‘ contains, for example, an excellent introduction to the situation in Europe as well as the historical context that led to it, featuring four experts and activists. Essential listening.

Listen to a recorded debate.

Notis Mitarachi, the Greek minister for Migration & Asylum and a proponent of the new C.C.A.C is robustly questioned by Maria Gavouneli a prominent Human Rights lawyer. A thought-provoking insight into the political dimension.

Update your social media channels

Update your Instagram or Twitter feed with interesting perspectives and inspiring campaigners.

Here are some suggestions below. If you have other recommendations, DM us on @displaceddishes as we are looking to build this list up!

How can I spread the word?

Many people aren’t fully aware of the increased militarisation of Europe’s borders and the inhumane treatment that people seeking asylum are facing.

Chatting to friends and family about what’s happening is important and doesn’t have to take the form of a long, heavy lecture. Any increased exposure can help people in your circle build their own interest in the topic.

You could gift a copy of our cookbook, recommend a good article or film you’ve seen on the topic, or invite people along to an event you’re attending.

How can I demand change?

Sustained political pressure to change the direction of European immigration policy is sorely needed.

Find out who your elected political representative is and contact them. Depending on your country of residence there are useful websites to make this process easier by simply typing in your postal / ZIP code.

For the UK

For the US

For Germany

Be persistent, make direct reference to the independent reports suggested above. Hold your elected representatives to account and demand change!

Where should I donate?

These are long term struggles, even a small standing order to a grassroots NGO is a very effective way to continually and directly help.
The website, Volunteering for Refugees (V4R), keeps an amazing database of smaller NGOs working both on the Greek Islands and further afield.

You could also donate to some of the larger Charities. Those carrying out important work in terms of advocacy and aid are Amnesty International, MSF and the International Rescue Committee.

It’s also possible you could help closer to home. Research refugee-led
organisations in your area. Often these groups are in need of funding or a space to hold their activities and meetings.

How can I volunteer?

Many smaller NGOs working in Greece are in need of volunteers.
Certain skills are highly sought after; such as legal training, or experience teaching or in logistics. However, anyone committed and motivated to help will undoubtedly be an asset, and training is always provided.

Fitting in a longer stretch of volunteer work is not possible for everyone. However, there might be organisations who need a once weekly, or monthly volunteer with your skills. For example, to help maintain a website or run social media campaigns remotely.