Stories from Vathy camp

"I do not have words to describe the situation in [Vathy] camp," said Agnes, 43, who is seeking asylum from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). "There are rats and snakes. We have to queue for the toilet and the showers for hours. Sometimes we prefer to defecate in plastic bags . . . because there is no running water, or to avoid waiting in the lines. I cannot sleep at night because I do not feel safe. I want to ask the international community to stop treating us like animals."

Greece 2020 © Enri Canaj/Magnum Photos

"We only want a safe place for our children," said a father of six from Afghanistan. "We came here to save them from war and take them to school, and instead, we found ourselves in this camp waiting in limbo for almost a year."

Greece 2020 © Enri Canaj/Magnum Photos

“The living conditions in this camp are unbearable," said Aysha, 68, who is seeking asylum with her family from eastern Syria. "There are snakes and rats, we do not have electricity and often there are fights in the camp.”

Greece 2020 © Enri Canaj/Magnum Photos

“My only worry and my only wish is to see my children before I die," said Amira, 62, from southwestern Syria. "We escaped war and here I feel I am in another war. I cannot rest. I am so tired. I just want to have a peaceful life in a safe place."

Greece 2020 © Enri Canaj/Magnum Photos

“I am afraid of COVID-19," said Khalil al Khalil, 67, who fled eastern Syria with his son and daughter. "I know that if COVID-19 reaches the camp only God will save us."

Greece 2020 © Enri Canaj/Magnum Photos

“We came for safety and for a better future for our children," said Nabil Kabuli, 70, who shares a makeshift shelter with his 10 children and grandchildren. "If Afghanistan was safe, we would go back, but it’s not.”

Greece 2020 © Enri Canaj/Magnum Photos