The PIKPA project in Leros was made possible by the coordinated efforts of Matina Katsiveli and the members of the Leros Solidarity Network, with significant contributions by organizations and individuals who chose to invest their money in a project aimed at safeguarding the refugees’ basic human rights, treating them with respect and making sure that their stay on the island of Leros is as safe, humane and even pleasant as possible. As a collective, we have been opposed to the implementation of the so called “hot spots” from the beginning. We are opposed to the inhumane conditions often encountered in “hot spots” globally, and we are opposed to any structure that basically translates into a detention camp, often escalating to a “concentration camp”, complete with barbed wire, guards and everything. Below, on the first photo, you can see the entrance to the PIKPA building, a small child strolling in and out, playing around and feeling RELAXED. There is no need for guards or anything like that. For anyone who has spent time in PIKPA this is easily evident. PIKPA hosts approximately 160 people, mostly belonging to vulnerable groups (older people, children, the sick). People go in and out peacefully, fully respect the premises and the schedule, and even clean the rooms and the facilities themselves. I know I keep saying it, but these are great people, they have a great sense of humor (most admirable under the circumstances), they have lovely families (those families that make it all the way to Leros whole) and, seriously, they have the cutest kids. We wish we will be able to continue to do our work in PIKPA, complementary to the “hot spot” (the implementation of the hot spots is completely out of our hands), and to continue to look after vulnerable groups to the best of our abilities. We will fight for our right to do so, and against any breach of human rights that comes to our attention. Meanwhile, here are some photos: