Minister Melgosa reiterated the need to create humanitarian corridors and ensure safe transits after the visit to the island of Lesbos

• The delegation of the Basque Government concluded its trip to Lesbos by demanding respect for human rights and compliance with international agreements in all areas
• During its stay in Lesbos, the delegation learned first-hand about the work of the NGO Zaporeak, which is responsible for distributing healthy food rations to refugees in the Kara Tepe II camp, and the work of organisations such as When We Band Together and Because We Carry, that offer safe spaces for women and children
• “We have witnessed very difficult and challenging situations, but we have also seen the resilience and hope in the eyes of people looking for a safe place to rebuild their lives,” said Nerea Melgosa, Minister for Equality, Justice and Social Policies of the Basque Government

During their stay in Lesbos, the Basque delegation led by the Minister for Equality, Justice and Social Policies, Nerea Melgosa, and the Director of Migration and Asylum, Xabier Legarreta, was able to see first-hand the conditions in which refugees and migrants find themselves on the island. This direct testimony has reinforced the Basque Government's determination to advocate for more effective and humanitarian solutions to this crisis.

"We have held visits with the local authorities and in each of them we have defended the need to create humanitarian corridors and guarantee safe transits, thus fulfilling the commitment made in the Basque Social Pact for Migration," said the Minister Melgosa.

The Basque delegation left Lesbos with the firm conviction that the Basque Country's reception model is an example to follow, based on solidarity and empathy. The focus on safe humanitarian corridors, the humanisation of migration policies and individualised attention to people seeking refuge have proven to be effective in integrating these people into the host society.

“After what we have seen during our visit, representing the Basque Government, we once again firmly demand respect for the human rights of all people and compliance with all international agreements acquired in this matter,” said Minister Nerea Melgosa.

The NGO Zaporeak will continue to work on the island, preparing more than 2,000 daily rations for refugees in the Kara Tepe II camp, as well as for other social organisations based in the area.

“After spending three days with Zaporeak at street level, we can say that we are very proud of their professionalism, their recognition among other local agents and we see the need for their mission in Lesbos,” said the Minister.

This trip represents the Basque Government's effort to continue working closely with the Greek authorities and other European institutions to promote long-term solutions that more effectively address the migration crisis and respect the fundamental rights of displaced persons.