A persecuted minority finds refuge in the shadow of Mt. Olympus
Yazidis who fled from "Islamic State" in Iraq have found shelter in Petra, a new camp established in early April specifically for refugees belonging to the Kurdish religious community. Jodi Hilton reports from Greece.
A remote camp, high in the hills
Hundreds of Yazidis who fled Iraq and "Islamic State" have found themselves stuck in Greece. Many from the Kurdish religious community agreed to be moved from Idomeni border camp, population about 12,000, to Petra. "We came here escape the problems at Idomeni," said community leader Tarik Ibrahim. Tensions had been running high at the overfilled camp.
Survivors in limbo
Nine hundred and sixty Yazidis have settled in Petra, which is meant to accommodate the survivors of the 2014 "Yazidi genocide," when 'Islamic State" fighters pushed through the region of Shengal, executing men and taking women, children and elderly people as prisoners.
Safety abroad
Kemal Shamo, 22, said his family had been split apart by the conflict and is now spread between Turkey, Germany, Greece and Iraq. Yazidis do not feel safe in Iraqi Kurdistan, he told DW, adding that Kurdish peshmerga fighters abandoned their positions when IS swept through Yazidi villages in 2014. "They left us with IS and now we can't trust them."
Yet another refugee camp
A Yazidi man carries a mattress found inside an abandoned hospital on the camp's premises. Since the camp was established, the new inhabitants have been working tirelessly to reinforce tents and create comfortable spaces. Many said they had already been living in refugee camps for years before arriving in Greece.
Short on supplies
Women line up to receive diapers and other necessities. The NGO CYCI has spearheaded efforts to establish and supply the camp. "We told the Greek government that we have many people that need to be moved to a safe place," said Vanessa Kunitz of CYCI. "Every day we bring something like Pampers and strollers."
Kids' camp
Children make up nearly half the camp's population. In many cases, father and brothers traveled ahead of the rest of the family and arrived in western Europe before the borders closed, leaving many women and children behind.
Risky games
Children bide their time playing on an industrial lift parked at Petra Camp, adjacent to the abandoned hospital.
Room with a view
Yazidi men sit in the shade of a military tent on the premises of Petra Camp, where they have a view of the surrounding countryside and down to the sea. "We have no hope," said Kemal Shamo.