The Lives Of Children Stranded In Idomeni, Greece

I often saw children staring into the distance, in a state of melancholy. But their difficult lives are punctuated with games, such as soccer. Despite the prevailing despair, such activities create an air of normality.
This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. If you need to flag this entry as abusive, send us an email.

The makeshift refugee camp in Idomeni, on the Greek-Macedonian border, has become synonymous with despair. It has become a testament to Europe's poor handling of the refugee crisis.

Several thousand refugees remain stuck in the makeshift camp -- hoping the Macedonian border will reopen so they can continue their journey into central Europe. Among the refugees stranded in Idomeni are thousands of children.

I took the photos below to show the joy and courage that these children hold on to, even as their lives are plagued with uncertainty. I saw them fetching water, food and firewood for their families in the camp.

I often saw children staring into the distance, in a state of melancholy. But their difficult lives are punctuated with games, such as soccer. Despite the prevailing despair, such activities create an air of normality. I was incredibly impressed by their perseverance.

I left Idomeni with mixed feelings. No one knows what will happen over the next few days. The Greek government has repeatedly threatened to evacuate the camp.

Gil Bartz
Gil Bartz
Gil Bartz
Gil Bartz
Gil Bartz
Gil Bartz
Gil Bartz
Gil Bartz
Gil Bartz
Gil Bartz
Gil Bartz
Gil Bartz
Gil Bartz
Gil Bartz
Gil Bartz
Gil Bartz
Gil Bartz

This post first appeared on HuffPost Germany. It has been translated into English and edited for clarity.

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot