Description
This project aims to promote awareness on and the actual enjoyment of human rights, in particular, social rights among vulnerable groups, such as migrants, Roma and people in extreme poverty, in the Thriasian Plain, a cluster of underdeveloped municipalities in the west of Athens much hit by the financial crisis. The activities include advocacy initiatives based on a research study aimed to identify the reasons why these groups have limited or no access to social welfare services and benefits. Also, this project will provide training on human rights in general and civil rights in particular. It will provide support to and engage members of vulnerable groups to information activities, including the dissemination of practical knowledge on how to successfully claim services and benefits that ensue from social rights. Overall, the project aims at the creation of a "core knowledge" and promote mutual help within these groups.
Summary of project results
A significant part of the inhabitants of Thriasian Plain faces financial difficulties and social exclusion because of origin, poverty etc. and often experience social exclusion and incomplete and / or no access to relevant social services and benefits, because of the ignorance of their social rights and the relevant institutional framework. The project was a valuable source of information, education and support to social rights for the inhabitants of Thriasian Plain, contributing to the social need for equality and justice. Within this frame was conducted a research in order to identify the causes due to which vulnerable groups in Thriasian Plain have no or inadequate access to social services and benefits. Based on the survey results was compiled a Findings and Recommendations Report which was sent to the relevant authorities to undertake the necessary actions. At the same time, a Citizen Information & Support Programme and the related advocacy activities was developed. The Programme was staffed by employees and volunteers who were trained on human rights and social issues, with a view to provide practical assistance to the beneficiaries in order to claim their social rights. Moreover, in order to create "core of knowledge" and mutual aid within these groups, training sessions were carried out and relevant educational material regarding social rights and how can be pursued. More than 1,251 people were informed about their social rights and the available benefits and 51 incidents were supported by the Citizen Information & Support Programme. At the same time, the appropriate educational / promotional material in 6 languages was created and it was distributed in the region.
Summary of bilateral results