Captive Without Care: The Humanitarian Farce in Greece

Amid another grueling week of acute starvation outside the UNHCR office and an unyielding absence of support, I endeavored once more on Wednesday, June 19th, 2024, to convey my dire need for nourishment to two passing receptionists who displayed stark indifference by neither halting nor engaging. Again, on June 24th, 2024, I faced a locked door and an unresponsive, seated receptionist who offered no acknowledgment. This increasingly callous neglect coupled with my gnawing hunger, compelled me to persistently monitor the passing by UNHCR staffers while engrossed in my overwhelming workload, to reiterate my profound need for nourishment and raise complaints about the receptionists’ uncooperative behavior while imploring for an end to my captivity in Greece. Upon encountering the first staff member on June 25th, 2024, I firmly expressed, “I need to speak with the UNHCR. I need food here. Are you criminals, why should I be struggling for food here every day?” His response was cold silence as he retreated into the building. Similar disregard was shown by the second staffer, who diverted to a secondary entrance, and again by a young employee accompanied by security, with the security personnel offering only a vague promise to relay my request. Even my encounter with their Kurdish interpreter led to no direct communication as he evaded the main entrance, opting for the side-street entry used for parking vehicles. Subsequent encounters with non-responsive staffers heading to the entrance after ATM withdrawals only resulted in a receptionist blocking me in the foyer as I demanded an explanation on their agenda and questioned if they intended for me to starve. Reflecting on my futile attempts to procure aid, the indifference from 83 humanitarian organizations in Greece over a decade stands stark. Including the UNHCR, the collective could have easily contributed a modest 20 euros each to my Fundraising Campaign, enough to prevent my unsheltered state and starvation. Yet, none have supported, exemplifying the severe hardship I’ve endured for ten years, as all combined failed to provide even that minimal sum. Your continued support remains crucial. Act now.🙏💔 🆘 #EndStarvation #HungerCrisis #HumanRights #Abuse #FoodInsecurity #UNHCR #CallToAction #GreeceRefugees #DemandJustice #SupportRefugees #EndCaptivity #BreakTheSilence #SpeakUp #HumanityFirst #FundraisingForLife