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Description
The project will contribute to the protection of the fundamental rights of migrants and people seeking international protection. Particular emphasis will be placed on the protection of the vulnerable groups and the rights of children. Furthermore, the project will raise awareness of fundamental rights among all the relevant stakeholders, and will provide targeted fundamental rights advice, technical assistance and capacity building. The project will contribute to the protection of the fundamental rights of migrants and people seeking international protection. Particular emphasis will be placed on the protection of the vulnerable groups and the rights of children. Furthermore, the project will raise awareness of fundamental rights among all the relevant stakeholders, and will provide targeted fundamental rights advice, technical assistance and capacity building. The project will include the following main activities:
- On-site visits and observations at Reception and Identification Centres, closed facilities, temporary reception/ accommodation facilities and other relevant accommodation sites;
- Reports from on-sites visits with recommendations/fundamental rights advise;
- Conduct awareness raising campaigns;
- Conduct workshops and international conferences;
- Support to the Network for Safety and Fundamental Rights for Children;
- Recruitment of administrative and specialized personnel;
- Publication of a special report with results of the project.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several critical challenges within the Greek migration and asylum system, which had been strained due to increasing migration flows. Key challenges included:
- Inadequate Reception Conditions
- Rights Violations
- Limited Awareness and Capacity
The project intended to address these pressing issues by providing fundamental rights expertise, raising awareness, and building the capacity of stakeholders within the Greek migration and asylum system. The rationale for undertaking this project was based on the following expectations:
- Improved Rights Protection
- Capacity Building for Stakeholders
- Awareness Raising
- Policy Impact
The project’s objectives were closely aligned with the goals of the EEA Grants, which focuses on reducing economic and social disparities in Europe and strengthening cooperation between donor countries and beneficiary states.
The activities completed in the framework of Pre-defined Project 5 include the following:
- On-Site Visits to accommodation facilities for migrants
Greek Ombudsman (GO) conducted a series of on-site visits to Reception and Identification Centers, closed controlled access centers, controlled access facilities for temporary accommodation of asylum seekers and accommodation facilities for unaccompanied minors across Greece to assess the living conditions, reception procedures, and overall treatment of migrants and asylum seekers. These visits aimed to identify gaps in the protection of fundamental rights and provide feedback to the administration.
Number of visits conducted: 16
- Conference on Migration and Asylum Policies
The project included the organization of a two-day conference on fundamental rights in the fields of migration and asylum, titled "Migration and Asylum Policies: Challenges and Prospects," on April 3-4, 2024.
Wednesday, April 3, 2024: "The Challenge of Migration Flows and Refugee Protection: Reception Conditions and Procedures"
Thursday, April 4, 2024: "New Pact on Migration and Asylum”.
The conference brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, legal experts, and international organizations. The conference focused on discussing current challenges in the migration and asylum system, sharing best practices, and exploring future prospects.
- Publication of Special Edition on Migration and Refugee Protection
Greek Ombudsman (GO) drafted and published a special essay entitled "The Challenge of Migratory Flows and Refugee Protection – Reception Conditions and Procedures." The publication provided an in-depth analysis of the conditions in Greek reception centers, the challenges faced by refugees and migrants, and recommendations for policy and procedural improvements.
The main achievements of the Project include the following:
- Strengthened Stakeholder Capacity: The conference entitled “Migration and Asylum Policies: Challenges and Prospects” brought together key stakeholders, including government representatives, NGOs, and international organizations. The event fostered meaningful discussions on policy improvements and best practices for handling migration flows and asylum processes.
- Publication of Special Edition: The project produced a detailed printed edition titled “The Challenge of Migratory Flows and Refugee Protection – Reception Conditions and Procedures.” This publication provided comprehensive insights into the state of the Greek asylum and migration system and suggested concrete steps to improve both the conditions and the management of migration flows.
- Impact on Policy and Systems: The project has influenced migration and asylum policies, as proved by the fact that relevant government services and stakeholders have undertaken its recommendations. This is expected to lead to more effective and humane management of migration flows in the future.