Pics & Vids
17 Aug 21

WATCH: Afghan Refugees on the Greek Island of Lesbos Hold Solidarity Rally

With the Taliban returning to power in Afghanistan, the fears of those who left to seek asylum in Europe have been realised. Photos, video and text by Fellipe Lopes, reporting from Mytilini, in Lesbos, Greece.

The Afghan refugee community on the Greek island of Lesbos, organised a respectful demonstration last night, in support of their families and friends back in Afghanistan.

Following the deeply sad events which took place over the past few days in Afghanistan, around 300 people showed up at the centre of Mytilini in what was described as 'a rally for peace'.

Speaking with Afghan refugees in Lesbos, it is clear that they fear for the future of their families and friends. The concern is aggravated by the fact that the internet in Afghanistan is precarious, which means that many people cannot get news from home. The Afghan community in Lesbos is the largest of the refugee groups on the island. They tell me that their fear – that the Taliban would take control of the country – has now become a stark reality.

Some of these asylum seekers arrived here four months ago. Now, another large number is already on the way. These citizens of Afghanistan understand that – with the Taliban taking control – leaving their country is the only safe solution,. They also know, however, that the journey they have been forced to undertake is a complicated and dangerous one.

Efforts are being made to keep people from leaving Afghanistan, which worries the Afghans who live in Lesbos. Many of them have been waiting to have their asylum applications processed for years. The prevailing uncertainty, and concern for friends and family back home, makes their wait even more challenging.

Photos below were taken from the solidarity rally in Lesbos:

35-year-old Brazilian director Fellipe Lopes has produced photo essays and documentaries on human rights and environmental injustices for global organisations such as WWF Brazil, SOS Amazon, ICM Bio Brazil, IMC Acre, Forest Foundation, Irish Environment Network, Pieta House, World Vision, European Environmental Bureau and other NGO’s and Media outlets, striving to protect our future and report the injustices around the world. He has also tutored educational programs and workshops with NGOs and projects in Ireland for the likes of EcoUnesco, Dublin Business School, Irish Environmental Network, Sligo Environmental Network, Stand, The Humanist Association of Ireland, Concern Worldwide and Oxfam Ireland. To read more about Fellipe or explore his work, visit fellipelopes.com.