Project Lesvos

During the height of the European refugee crisis, the Geneva School of Diplomacy responded to the urgent humanitarian emergency unfolding on the Greek island of Lesvos.

Situated in the Northern Aegean Sea at the eastern edge of the European Union, Lesvos became one of the primary arrival points for refugees fleeing conflict and instability, particularly from Syria and neighbouring regions. At the peak of the crisis, approximately 5,000 refugees were arriving daily by sea, placing immense pressure on local infrastructure and humanitarian response systems.

In 2015, emergency reception and registration facilities were rapidly established in Moria and Kara Tepe, both of which became central refugee camp sites during the crisis. As the humanitarian situation escalated, immediate support and coordinated action became critical.

It was in this context that the Geneva School of Diplomacy stepped in, demonstrating its commitment to humanitarian engagement beyond the classroom and responding to one of Europe’s most significant displacement crises since the Second World War.

This initiative reflected GSD’s values of international solidarity, humanitarian responsibility, and practical engagement with global challenges.

Project Details

• Location: Lesvos, Greece
• Year: 2015
• Focus Area: Refugee Response / Humanitarian Aid / Emergency Relief
• Project Type: Past Humanitarian Initiative