As wars, dictatorships and environmental disasters continue to ravage countries worldwide, more and more people are going to seek safety in Europe. The influx of refugees arriving via Greece isn’t a temporary issue, it’s a long-term reality that demands leadership, compassion and real solutions. Yet, what we’re witnessing instead is denial, hostility and inhumanity. For those fleeing war and persecution, the short and long-term impacts of this cruelty is devastating.
Right now, I’m in Athens with fellow trustee Merel. We’ve met with at least nine of our grassroots partners so far to better understand the ongoing crisis facing refugees in Greece. Over three hot summer days, these incredible partners have shared their personal stories of struggle, revealing the harsh realities for life as a refugee in Europe. Despite years of work, these organisations are stretched to their limits as the need for support continues to grow. The truth is, the help we provide to them through forRefugees is more critical than ever.
Some of our partners have been with us for years, standing side by side in this humanitarian effort, while others we are meeting for the first time. What unites us all is the knowledge that people will continue to come to Europe because they simply have no choice. Wars, instability, and environmental crises across the world leave many no option but to flee their homes. Meanwhile in Türkiye, life for refugees is also becoming increasingly hostile, pushing more people to make the dangerous journey to Greece in search of safety in Europe.
But life in Greece is far from easy. Refugees here are among the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the world. Our moral compass urges us to welcome them, help people integrate by learning local languages and cultures, and support refugees as they work toward a new life in a new country. After all, these are human beings – families with hopes and dreams, just like us. The only difference is that they can’t live safely in their own countries, while we are fortunate enough to do so.
What we’re seeing on the ground in Greece is shocking. The gaps in support services are only growing, and it’s painfully clear that NGOs must step in where governments, the EU and absent large aid organisations are failing humanity. The meetings Merel and I have had with grassroots partners show how desperately these services are needed. Each organisation offers something critical – whether it’s sports activities for children, safe spaces for mothers and babies, Greek lessons, tailoring classes, or hot meals for 300-500 people every day. Shelters for abused women and safe housing for pregnant mothers are also essential services that are otherwise unavailable in Athens.
What’s even more heartbreaking is that these grassroots groups want to do more, but they simply can’t. Funding is drying up, resources are stretched thin, and while the demand for services is increasing, the ability to expand is diminishing. Refugees in Greece and across Europe are facing these unbearable conditions because Europe has failed to uphold its international humanitarian responsibilities. While NGOs continue to fill in the gaps, those gaps are only getting wider.
The need for action is clear. Europe cannot continue to ignore the realities on the ground while humanitarian organisations struggle to meet the growing demand for help. The world is watching, and so are the people fleeing to Europe for safety.
At forRefugees, we are doing everything we can to support the NGOs and grassroots organisations providing critical services to the world’s refugees in Greece. But we need your help. The services that we help fund are essential and, without ongoing support, thousands of refugees will be left without the basics they need to survive. From hot meals and language lessons, to shelters and safe spaces, with almost no government support, these programmes are lifelines.
In a world full of crises it can be easy to turn away and focus on the next emergency. But the refugee crisis in Greece isn’t going away. Every new conflict, every oppressive regime, and every environmental disaster will send more people fleeing for their lives. Many will continue to arrive in Greece and travel on to Europe including here in the UK. We must do all we can to help every person.
The situation is urgent, and it’s up to all of us to show humanity and compassion. By standing with refugees via the grassroots NGOs who are on the ground every day supporting them, we can ensure that women, children and men fleeing war and oppression are not left to suffer alone and unloved. With your support, forRefugees can continue funding the vital services these vulnerable people so urgently need.
People coming to Europe as refugees need solutions, not denial or hostility. It’s also time to demand positive action.
