The Hope Project

20/06/2026

Every year on World Refugee Day, I struggle with the contradiction of it.

A day when the world pauses to say it cares about refugees — while too often ignoring the wars, policies, and choices that force people to flee in the first place.

This year, the contradiction feels impossible to ignore.

The week that was meant to honour refugees was preceded on 12 June by the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum — introducing measures including offshore “housing and processing” of people seeking protection, alongside new pre-entry screening procedures.

Then, during Refugee Week, the European Parliament voted to expand the use of detention for people seeking asylum, including women and children. As the vote passed, far-right MEPs in the chamber shouted “send them back”.

There is nothing to celebrate in that.

Instead of creating safe and legal routes for people fleeing war, persecution, and unimaginable circumstances, Europe has chosen to build a stronger fortress. A fortress built on borders that continue to kill thousands of people searching for safety every year.

And with every new barrier, every new restriction, every new policy designed to push people away, more lives are placed at risk.

We are travelling far down a road fuelled by fear and hate — and it feels increasingly desperate.

Is this really the Europe we want to leave for our children?

We will keep holding on to hope. We have to.

But every day, it feels a little darker.
Philippa Kempson
Painting by Razieh

12/06/2026

🚨 The EU Migration & Asylum Pact is now in force.

Presented as a way to create a faster and more efficient asylum system across Europe, the Pact has sparked serious concerns among refugee-rights organizations, legal experts, and humanitarian groups.

Under the new rules, many asylum seekers may face accelerated border procedures and be required to remain in border facilities while their claims are processed. Critics warn that faster procedures can mean less time to access legal assistance, gather evidence, and properly present complex asylum claims.

Human rights organizations argue that these changes risk undermining the right to a fair and individual assessment of each case. For people fleeing war, persecution, torture, gender-based violence, or political oppression, procedural barriers can have life-changing consequences.

The Pact also expands border screening and confinement measures. Rights advocates warn that children, families, trauma survivors, and other vulnerable individuals could face prolonged restrictions on their freedom while awaiting decisions, often with limited access to healthcare, legal support, and adequate living conditions.

Another major concern is the expanded use of "safe country" and "safe third country" concepts. Critics argue that broad country labels can overlook individual risks and may result in people being denied meaningful access to protection despite facing genuine danger.

Human rights groups also warn that faster deportation procedures could increase the risk of wrongful returns, exposing people to persecution, violence, exploitation, or other serious human-rights abuses.

The debate ultimately comes down to one question: Can Europe create a more efficient migration system without sacrificing fairness, due process, human dignity, and the right to seek asylum?

01/06/2026

🏳‍🌈 This Pride Month, we stand in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ refugees around the world — people forced to flee their homes simply for being who they are.

At The Hope Project, we believe that safety, dignity, and love are human rights — not privileges. Every story deserves protection. Every identity deserves respect. Every person deserves a place to belong.

As we celebrate Pride, we also honor the courage of those rebuilding their lives far from home, often facing discrimination, displacement, and uncertainty. Your resilience inspires us every day.

This month and every month, we remain committed to creating safer spaces, amplifying voices, and building communities rooted in inclusion, compassion, and hope. 🌈✨

You are seen. You are valued. You belong.

07/05/2026

With summer just around the corner and the weather finally starting to feel like spring, we’ve all been busy with a big seasonal tidy-up here at The Hope Project 🌿☀️

Our women’s space is getting spruced up and reorganised, the library has had a good sort and tidy, summer clothing is being prepared and organised, the garden is getting some much-needed attention, and our music room — along with all of our guitars — has been cleaned, cared for, and restrung ready to make more music 🎶

A huge thank you to everyone who continues to support our work. Your kindness, donations, time, and encouragement help us keep creating warm, welcoming spaces for our community ❤️

03/04/2026

30/03/2026

It feels like we are living in some of the darkest times. And in dark times, all that is left is Hope.

Today we are asking for your help to keep Hope alive.

Right now, we only have enough funds to keep our services running for another two months. Without urgent support, Hope Project may have to close. This is incredibly difficult to say, especially at a time when we feel our work is needed more than ever. This should be a time when we are increasing services, not making more cuts just to survive.

Every donation, no matter how small, helps keep our basic services running — food, hot showers, a washing machine, a safe place to come, the basics that should never be a luxury.

Bombs produce refugees. War has consequences. And when people arrive here, they still need support, dignity, and humanity. That is what Hope is here for, but we cannot do it without you.

If you can help, please consider making a donation or sharing this post.

PayPal: paypal.me/Hopeprojectlesvos15
Donation page: https://hope-project-10th-anniversary.raiselysite.com/

Without your help, Hope will not survive. With your help, Hope lives.
(Photo from archives)
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18/03/2026

Food is a basic human right. Food is dignity.

At The Hope Project, we provide 3 fresh, nutritious meals every day to everyone who comes through our doors. It’s one of our biggest commitments—and one of our biggest challenges.

Right now, we spend around €200 every single day just on food.

Today alone, we spent nearly €300 at our local wholesaler on fruit and vegetables for the week. These are essential supplies that allow us to continue offering healthy, nourishing meals to people who need them most.

But we cannot keep going without your support.

Hope is under threat. Without urgent help, we simply won’t be able to continue providing this vital service.

If you believe food is a right, not a privilege—please stand with us.

💛 Help us continue:
PayPal: paypal.me/Hopeprojectlesvos15
Donation page: https://hope-project-10th-anniversary.raiselysite.com/

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps keep our kitchen running and our community fed.

Thank you for standing with us.

17/03/2026

We are deeply alarmed by the arrest and detention of our friend and colleague Tommy Olsen, founder of Aegean Boat Report.

Tommy was arrested today in Tromsø, Norway, on an international warrant issued by the Greek authorities. His alleged “crime”? Saving lives.

Since its founding, Aegean Boat Report has been a lifeline for people crossing the dangerous waters at the borders of Fortress Europe. Operating a 24-hour emergency hotline, Tommy has supported those in distress at sea and those who have just reached Greek shores. After receiving calls for help, he alerts the relevant coast guard authorities to initiate rescue operations — actions that have helped save thousands of lives.

This arrest is yet another example of the growing criminalisation of humanitarian work in Greece. It comes only months after the conclusion of an eight-year prosecution of humanitarians in Lesvos, in which all defendants were acquitted.

Saving lives is not a crime.

We stand in solidarity with Tommy and all those who continue to act with humanity in the face of fear and injustice.

15/03/2026

This week, our co-founder Philippa Kempson attended the 2026 International Medi Conference in Livorno, Italy, titled “Cities Want to Live.”

During the conference, Philippa spoke about the current reality at Europe’s borders and posed a question that resonated deeply throughout the room:
“How can our cities live when people are dying to enter them?”

She highlighted the ongoing tragedies unfolding on our borders — the loss of life at sea, the daily violations of international law, and the human rights abuses faced by people seeking safety. These are not distant issues; they are happening now, and they challenge the very values our cities claim to uphold.

At The Hope Project, we believe that cities truly “live” when they show compassion, protection, and dignity for every human life.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible community of Sant’Egidio in Livorno for organising yet another inspiring conference. Your hard work, warm welcome, and spirit of solidarity remind us that hope grows stronger when communities come together.

Thank you for your friendship, your dedication, and the shared belief that another future is possible.

Sant'Egidio Livorno

15/03/2026

This week, our co-founder Philippa Kempson attended the 2026 International Medi Conference in Livorno, Italy, titled “Cities Want to Live.”

During the conference, Philippa spoke about the current reality at Europe’s borders and posed a question that resonated deeply throughout the room:
“How can our cities live when people are dying to enter them?”

She highlighted the ongoing tragedies unfolding on our borders — the loss of life at sea, the daily violations of international law, and the human rights abuses faced by people seeking safety. These are not distant issues; they are happening now, and they challenge the very values our cities claim to uphold.

At The Hope Project, we believe that cities truly “live” when they show compassion, protection, and dignity for every human life.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible community of Sant’Egidio in Livorno for organising yet another inspiring conference. Your hard work, warm welcome, and spirit of solidarity remind us that hope grows stronger when communities come together.

Thank you for your friendship, your dedication, and the shared belief that another future is possible.