On the 8th and 9th of September 2020, the notorious Moria migrant camp was burned to the ground in what later became a symbolic moment showing the total failure of the EU hotspot approach on the Greek islands. One year after the EU promises of a fresh new start on migration, European and Greek leaders continue to deny basic dignity to asylum seekers and migrants searching for safety in Europe, while the hideous plan to construct prison-like camps in the five North Aegean islands is moving forward. Our patients continue to report how the limbo situation on the islands, the arbitrary and fast track asylum processes, the fear of deportation and the precarious living conditions contribute to the deterioration of their health and mental health.



In Lesbos, children seeking mental health support to our clinic often display trauma and fear-induced symptoms triggered by the environment in the camp. Some stop speaking or eating and they have nightmares. Post-traumatic stress disorder and depressive disorder are among the most predominant symptoms reaching close or more than 50% of presentation among both our child and adult patients on Lesbos.