Saturday 1 week in, 1 week to go

Things are very difficult for the refugees today as, unlike yesterday, there has been little or no transport.  Groups have started walking again even though it is very hot and they are already exhausted by their journey so far.  Again, many people sleeping tonight on pavements, on cardboard if they could find any.  There are no toilets laid on, and no running water because the council will not allow it.

We do not feel this is in any way acceptable or adequate.  Pregnant women are worried about their unborn children because of these conditions and no access to proper food.  Biscuits and the odd piece of fruit is not a balanced diet.  There are cafes, but not everybody can access them.

We are dumbfounded to witness how displaced peoples are disempowered in the receiving. (host) country and to see their disbelief at the situation is so distressing  This is trauma in action and so we have begun to build an initiative to join all the stakeholders together.  

At 6.30 we met a family of 14.  The English-speaking man was exhausted and at his wits end, but still decided to continue along the road into the night, instead of resting in the village until the morning.

We have bought brooms and bin bags and try to do some clearing up whenever we can and the refugees willingly help.  These two gorgeous children joined in