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Description
Up to 30% of refugees worldwide are victims of torture and so are a significant portion of the refugees arriving in Greece from countries like Syria and African countries. However, and despite being part of a vulnerable group, they are not identified in time as their identification and certification requires specific expertise. Especially in cases where evidence of torture is hard to document, victims are at risk of losing access to international protection.
The project’s main goal is to support the protection of victims of torture through three complementary actions: a) the certification of victims of torture, b) the training of frontline actors, and c) raising awareness, informing and advocating.
METAdrasi is since 2013 the only actor receiving official referrals from the Asylum Service and the Reception and Identification Service, through which its experienced team to certifies victims of torture. This certification is given according to the procedure laid out in the Istanbul Protocol, and is aimed at asylum seekers, as the certificate constitutes legal proof that can be used in asylum claims. Additionally, training staff of the services involved in the asylum process constitutes an urgent need, so that the most evident cases of torture get identified immediately, and that the more complex cases are referred to METAdrasi for further investigation. The third pillar includes actions of monitoring and advocacy, with the aim to raise awareness about this particularly vulnerable group, both in the actors involved and in the general public, and to exert pressure to create an appropriate framework.
At the end of the project, 340 persons will have been certified as victims of torture, and will have access to international protection and other services. 70 workers from involved actors will also have been trained in identifying victims of torture. Finally, at least one (1) advocacy report will have been published, and one (1) awareness campaign will have taken place.
Summary of project results
The "Hope and Memory" project aimed to address the following challenges:
- Lack of Systematic Certification: Victims of torture face significant challenges in obtaining formal certification, which is essential for accessing medical services, preventing psychological re-traumatization, and defending asylum or family reunification rights.
- Insufficient Training of Professionals: There was a need for staff in institutional, health, and civil society organizations to be trained in the early recognition and appropriate referral of potential victims of torture.
- Awareness and Advocacy Deficits: Broader societal and policy awareness about the rehabilitation needs and rights of torture survivors was lacking, including gaps in legislative provisions and rehabilitation services.
The project worked across three interrelated pillars:
Certification Process:
- 665 referrals were processed, and 409 victims were certified as torture survivors.
- Six evaluation and certification missions were conducted in Lesvos and Thessaloniki.
- Beneficiaries from other Greek cities were facilitated in traveling to Athens for thorough evaluations.
Training of Professionals:
- Four two-day seminars were organized in collaboration with the Asylum Service and the Reception and Identification Service.
- 246 administrative staff members were trained to identify and refer potential torture survivors early and appropriately.
Awareness, Information, and Advocacy:
- Conducted an informational campaign in Syntagma Square, engaging more than 100 citizens.
- Published an advocacy report in December 2021 to highlight legislative issues concerning the certification process for torture victims through public and military hospitals.
- Established a network of volunteer doctors who provide monthly pro bono services to torture survivors, either in private practices or public hospitals.
Beneficiaries:
Victims of Torture:
- 409 individuals received certification, facilitating access to medical services, legal protections, and asylum or family reunification processes.
- Beneficiaries also gained access to a network of volunteer doctors for ongoing medical support.
Professional Staff:
- 246 administrative staff members across state bodies and civil society organizations were trained, enhancing their capacity to recognize and refer torture survivors.
General Public and Policymakers:
- Raised public awareness through the Syntagma Square campaign.
- Policy stakeholders received the advocacy report addressing legislative gaps.
Outcomes and Impacts:
- Improved Certification and Access: Enabled torture survivors to navigate legal and healthcare systems more effectively, reducing barriers to rehabilitation and rights protection.
- Capacity Building: Strengthened the knowledge and skills of professionals in recognizing and supporting victims.
- Awareness and Advocacy: Highlighted systemic gaps, informed policy discourse, and mobilized support for better legislative and service frameworks for torture survivors.
- Expanded Medical Support: Established a sustainable network of volunteer doctors, addressing the gap in rehabilitation services.
The project made significant strides in empowering survivors, building institutional capacity, and advocating for systemic reforms to enhance the rehabilitation and rights of torture survivors in Greece.