Under both international and U.S. law, a refugee is an individual who had fled his or her country or origin because of credible fear of persecution on account of their race, religion, political opinion, national origin, or social group.
Over 60 million people across the globe have been forced to flee their homes due to violent conflict: Syrian refugees, families escaping violence in Mosul, Iraq, children in South Sudan, and many others.
More than half of these refugees and displaced people are children. Many of these children spend their entire childhood in a refugee camp— never going to a formal school, never having a permanent home, often in danger of exploitation.
War has forced millions to flee their homes. Tens of thousands risk death by taking to the sea as they seek refuge. These are families who have survived war, violence, persecution, torture and often decades living in camps. Below are some of the men, women and children I had the privilege of meeting while serving in a Greek camp- Moria.
Saif 21, Iraq
Nineva was very good before 2014. My mother was a teacher and I was in University. I was studying Medical when ISIS came to my town June 10, 2014 and closed all University. I moved to the capital to work alongside my Dad in government job. People did not understand what was happening in Nineva and did not want to know. ISIS watched my father closely because he was a writer. All family left Nineva to work in Baghdad. I thought ISIS would leave their control, but they did not and that is what caused me to leave Iraq. At that time I still want to compete my studies, but anyone 14-16 needed to start army and was strongly encouraged by government. Father told me to leave since it was too dangerous. I was encouraged to go to Germany so I began my journey there. I was connected with smugglers and that started my journey to Moria. Felt okay with the smugglers since they were connected by friends. Family was safe, but because of my age I would have to fight. What can I do in Nineva? Everything was destroyed. I wanted to go to Germany at first, but now I will go anywhere I can complete my studies. I just want to be safe. I was first one in school for the eyes. I had good grades and I had a future and ISIS took that away.
Saryas and Arsh, Iraq:
When there is war and kidnapping of kids was in school one day and at 3 and 4 we came back home and ISIS put tent in road. Family went to market and when they came back brother, mother, sister and father were killed. I was just 14 years old. I was about to start life but now how am I supposed to start life without mother and father. Every child needs a mother and father to care and love. They watch you to not make a mistake. 2011 when we came back to Kurdistan living with grandfather. He died by car accident. We had no one. Just one uncle who lives in UK who is useless. He doesn't care about anyone. They have kids and don't have time to think about anyone. I was in high school learning to read and failed and did not graduate. After 3 years there was a lot of problems so I joined the army. In army for 1 and a half years. Fighting with Isis. Nothing for military - no food. Fighting 24 hours. No water or food. Fighting during Ramadan. 10 soldiers and 1 captain and sometimes he left his gun. 3 times 1 took gun back. 2 time I went to roof and Isis shot a bullet and got in leg of friend. Captains not being responsible allow for people to get hurt. When we came back to the city (Julola) 24 hours with Iraqi soldier and he was good man. Sometimes we had no money to go back to Jalalabad. We would have to take out loans. They didn't pay soldiers so we had to take out loan. We saw people being killed and dogs were eating bodies. After this I decided to be alive for me and my brother. We came to Turkey for one month 29 March we came to this island. It has been three
months and we are here waiting for a solution for us. We meet a lot of people here - good and bad. Many who commit to here. I have found a family here. Especially Kent. When we become closer to each other we know them better but sometimes we get sad because they leave. We cannot get sad because they have a right to go home. They have the right to see their mother, father, sister and brother. It is so hard but we cannot do anything about it. The only thing I wish is that our stories go with them and they tell about us.
Adnan 19, Syria
First day the war start. It was okay at first. I go to school I was 14. The first war. I was playing soccer on the border of Syria and Turkey. I went to get water and a bomb came and killed my 14 friends. I went to Kurdish army. Isis went after government officials. I was 15 when I went to army. Training was 8 months. 6 months training of religion and 2 months army. In 2015 March 1 I lost more friends and a girlfriend. We were crossing the street and a sniper killed them. I left army in 15 April and went to Iraq. Finish school and start work in oil. Mother encouraged me to go to Europe. In Europe there is hope. On February 1 I went to Turkey. The first day I went to jail because I walked across border. 600Euro to cross border. Caught me after 9hrs in mountains. They saw my book about the war. They took me to an army place and the captain said to search my backpack. He found my book and read it. He found Kurdistan and had it translated. His face got angry and said no Kurdish and no Kurdistan. I said he is in Kurdistan and he punched me. They ask why you say that and I say it is the truth. I went to jail - nobody know I was in jail and they made fire on my
notebook. After 21 days I saw a dream. I saw a white horse and a man. I ran from the jail. 21 hours and went to Kurdish city. I went and saw people and asked to call parents. I came to Izmir from secret road 10 March stayed for 10 days. 15 March they take money 16 not good 19 March it is good and I come to Greece. First person I saw British woman photographer. She asked questions. I made her cry. We got on bus and came to Moria. Stayed from 3pm to 8am. Got put to level. First organization I saw was Eurorelief. I began to help translate. I was very angry and sad. I don't know how. I thought so many things every day. But friends from Eurorelief be help for me. Light for me. When they go they cry for me. I be happy when I speak to them. These months, the love I take from here change me. Only here in Moria I learn these things. I will miss everyone. Tomorrow I leave.
Tomorrow I don't know what I will do. I will continue my dream. Help people. Speak about peace and teach children. No smoke, no drink, no bad words.
A graveyard of lifejackets is found in a trash site near one of the ports on the Island. The thousands of life jackets represent individuals who either passed through or still remain on this Island. It is a sobering experience walking amongst these life jackets which once protected men, women,
children and infants from the raging sea that wanted to swallow them. It costs anywhere from 700-1,000 Euros per person to travel on the boats from Turkey to the Lesvos. Once on the boat, the refugees are given control to get the boat across the sea. Many boats capsize from minor issues that could be taken care of if only they knew simple boat handling skills. The Aegean sea continue to see much death.
