An outpouring of goodwill has seen volunteers flock to the Greek island, but the mayor says the presence of unregistered NGOs is more disruptive than useful Moria refugee camp, on the Greek island of Lesbos, is full of volunteers who have come from all over the world to help displaced people. Burly Dutch men carry huge water tanks, Cypriot doctors erect a new medical tent at the foot of Afghan Hill and major organisations such as Médecins Sans Frontières and Action Aid make their presence felt. But locals are anxious – they’re worried this huge influx of international volunteers is creating more chaos on their small island rather than a coordinated response, resulting in refugees being given bad information and the Greek community’s needs going ignored. At last count there were 81 NGOs operating on the island, and local media say that just 30 have registered with the local authorities. The island has a population of about 90,000, yet saw almost 450,000 refugees pass through during 2015. Related: Lesvos: where holiday paradise and refugee crisis converge Related: Six reasons why Syrians are fleeing to Europe in increasing numbers Continue reading...
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