Leros
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The Leros CCAC receives individuals arriving not only on the island but also on neighbouring ones such as Symi, Rhodes, and Tilos. Newly arrived refugees typically stay in the facility for an average of 2–2.5 months.
Key statistics for the Leros CCAC
Testimony
“We feel like we’re in prison; the only thing missing is police dogs” – Ali*, current resident of the Leros CCAC
Severe water shortages
One of the most pressing issues at the Leros facility is the lack of access to hot and potable water, as well as malfunctions in the sewage treatment system. In recent months, the availability of running water has been particularly problematic. This shortage stems from the island’s acute water scarcity and maintenance issues with the desalination plant that supplies the facility.
The problem was especially severe during the summer months. In August, according to reports, the residents and approximately 300 staff members had access to running water for only two hours a day, which was insufficient to meet basic hygiene and cleanliness needs. In September, as observed during our visit, water was available only for a few hours in the morning and evening, totalling no more than 10 hours daily. We raised the issue with the Reception and Identification Service (RIS), which responded (dated 11/11/2024): “Due to the malfunctioning and overflow of the sewage system, water was provided at low pressure and in a controlled manner until 18/08/2024. The quantity supplied by the Municipality (until 18/08/2024) was sufficient to ensure water provision to the CCAC for six (6) to eight (8) hours daily. Since 08/10/2024, the CCAC has been supplied continuously for 16 hours daily, while at the same time, the new municipal desalination plant is now operational.”
Regarding potable water, the regulations stipulate that 3 litres per person per day must be provided. The RIS confirmed this was being met in its response to our inquiries. However, RSA recorded numerous testimonies from residents stating they received only 1.5 litres per day during the summer, despite the high temperatures.
Testimony
Abbas*, a Syrian refugee awaiting surgery, reported that even with his health condition, he was often given only 1.5 litres daily.
Challenging living conditions, insufficiencies in hygiene and basic necessities
The Leros facility faces significant challenges with cleanliness and hygiene. Residents reported non-functional toilets, lack of sanitation, cockroach infestations, and cases of scabies among children. The washing machines in the facility are not operational, and there are serious shortages of clothing and basic hygiene items. Many individuals are forced to walk around in flip-flops, even as the weather turns colder.
Testimony
“We were given soap and hygiene supplies just once” – Abu*, asylum seeker from Syria
The Leros Solidarity Network, the only volunteer group supporting refugees on the island, relies on private donations to provide clothes, shoes, and essential items for children and infants (e.g., nappies and clothing) outside the facility. Residents also mentioned broken beds and shortages of mattresses and sheets.
Testimony
“I don’t have my own sleeping space; I stay in a large shared room. They haven’t given me any sheets” – Abbas*
Many residents highlighted the poor quality of the food provided, which they found inedible. All meals are delivered once a day by a local catering company. Additionally, there were reports that breakfast was not consistently provided.
Testimony
“The food is terrible. We’ve all lost weight because we can’t eat it. We go to the supermarket to buy our own” – Naser*, young Syrian man
Throughout the day, it’s common to see dozens of refugees walking to nearby villages carrying bags of groceries. However, these items must first pass through an X-ray screening system upon entry to the CCAC. Food in metallic packaging, such as canned goods, is prohibited during the checks.
No Doctor, No Medication
The provision of medical services in the Leros CCAC is severely inadequate. The response we received from the Reception and Identification Service (RIS) (on 11/11/2024) confirms that the facility has no doctor. The medical staff comprises only six nurses, one midwife, one psychologist, and one social worker. Medical screening is carried out by the RIS medical unit, involving nurses and periodic visits by doctors to the island. This arrangement means that medical assessments for newly arrived individuals are essentially unavailable, making it impossible to identify potential vulnerabilities. Furthermore, due to the lack of personnel, accessing medical assistance for residents is extremely challenging.
Testimony
“You have to be dying to see a doctor” – Khalil* from Syria, living in the Leros CCAC
The staffing shortages render diagnosis, monitoring, and assistance for individuals with serious or chronic health conditions unfeasible. For example, in two cases of individuals with medical issues, RSA lawyers formally requested medical assessments and vulnerability evaluations. Although the CCAC administration referred these individuals to the Medical Control and Psychosocial Support Unit, no such assessments have taken place to date. One of these cases involved an individual blind in one eye and experiencing vision problems in the other, who had not been examined by a doctor since arriving in Greece in late July, with their health issues remaining unaddressed. When the individual sought help independently at the hospital, they were informed that medical examinations require a referral from the CCAC.
Refugees reported to us that hospital referrals, even for unaccompanied minors, are made only in very severe cases. Meanwhile, the Leros hospital itself faces significant staff shortages. In early August, the mayor of Leros stated:
Testimony
“All our lives are at risk from even the simplest medical procedure.” – Timotheos Kottakis – Mayor of Leros
We have also received reports of a lack of medicines, despite the presence of residents with chronic illnesses. A Syrian resident described desperately trying to help a friend with a heart condition purchase his necessary medications.
*Names of persons cited in this publication have been changed to protect safety and privacy.
Read also
Main report on all the islands
The situation in the CCACs in detail by island:
Available also in greek / Διαθέσιμο και στα ελληνικά
Our previous publication on the situation in Leros (2023)
Refugee Support Aegean (RSA), December 2024