Award of Excellence

"Untitled"

Solitary migrant is illuminated by his mobile phone screen. With journeys lasting weeks or even months communication with family and friends remains vital. In 2015, Idomeni, a small village close to Greek/Macedonian border, became an informal crossing point for thousands of refugees travelling the so-called Balkan Route. When Macedonia closed its borders for asylum seekers and migrants in March 2016, those who were denied entry set up camp in the vicinity of the railway station, hoping the border would open soon. Unofficial camp quickly grew to accommodate as many as 12-15 thousand people (according to different accounts). On May 24th, 2016 Greek authorities began moving refugees out of Idomeni Camp to various facilities, mostly in and around Thessaloniki.