Comhlámh condemns attacks on humanitarian workers in Greece; offers practical support in Ireland

Comhlámh condemns the recent spike in attacks on humanitarian workers in Greece.  We have witnessed volunteers attacked in their cars, solidarity support projects burned to the ground and organised intimidation of people assisting those arriving in Greece.  This includes volunteers who are, or have been, engaged in vital efforts to support people fleeing from persecution and war. 

Caoimhe Butterly states:

The mental health impacts of the current escalation of violence on the Greek islands are numerous, and damaging- to both refugees and volunteers. In Moria refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesvos, home to over 20,000 women, men and children, NGO staff speak of an overwhelming scale of psychological trauma.  Suicides and attempted suicides of minors have risen dramatically, and self-harm is reported in children as young as seven years old. Mental health teams report the prevalence of panic attacks, elective mutism, outbursts and repetitive nightmares amongst the children they engage with. There needs to be proactive safe-guarding of those in the front line of this crisis- both refugees and asylum seekers, and those who work in solidarity with them, providing vital medical, educational and psycho-social supports”


We urge all EU member states to step up to their responsibilities vis a vis expanded relocation and resettlement programmes and to ultimately provide Safe Passage to those seeking refuge.

Suicides and attempted suicides of minors have risen dramatically, and self-harm is reported in children as young as seven years old. Mental health teams report the prevalence of panic attacks, elective mutism, outbursts and repetitive nightmares amongst the children they engage with. The attacks on refugees, NGO workers, medics, volunteers and journalists over the past two weeks has added to this atmosphere of anxiety and fear. In recognition of these extremely difficult circumstances – alongside expressing gratitude and support to volunteers who have been working in frontline situations in Greece – we are offering practical assistance in the form of debriefing.

Comhlámh Programme Manager, Dervla King states

“We express our solidarity with volunteers who are, or have been, engaged in vital efforts to support people fleeing from persecution and war.  We commend their compassion and humanity in response to an unprecedented situation within the EU. Anyone who would like to access this network of trained debriefers with international experience, can get in touch with Comhlámh, who will arrange a confidential, free of charge session in a group or individual setting”

Comhlamh is also working closely with partners in Greece, Italy and Spain to develop psychosocial supports for volunteers and civil society staff, to assist them to continue their work. This is rooted in a recognition of the importance of their actions as an expression of practical solidarity in the face of overwhelming need

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