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Description
The project “Contingency planning, risk management techniques and mitigation actions for migrants arriving at Greek regions with no established reception facilities” is a collaboration between NORCAP (part of Norwegian Refugee Council) and the Ministry of Migration and Asylum (MoMA) in Greece. By deploying experts to the MoMA, NORCAP will together with the MoMA research the procedural landscape for contingency planning in the reception system and develop relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for inflows of migrants and asylum seekers that take place unexpectedly in regions with no existing reception facilities. NORCAP experts will organize two seminars, with the participation of academic and educational institutions to take into account different perspectives in the design of SOPs and related tools provided for emergency planning.
Summary of project results
Due to its geographical location, Greece has long been a transit country for refugees and migrants. However, since 2016, asylum seekers have been applying for asylum and staying in Greece. Considering these irregular and unexpected migration flows, enhanced strategic emergency planning is of utmost importance.
The project aligns closely with the objectives of the EEA Grants programme, particularly within the framework of strengthening national asylum and migration management systems.
More particularly,The project enhances Greece''s capacity to respond to emergencies related to irregular migration by developing Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) and conducting workshops to improve coordination among national authorities, NGOs, and other stakeholders. This
directly contributes to the EEA Grants’ goal of improving national responses to migration challenges and asylum system capacities.
The project fosters collaboration between governmental bodies (e.g., Ministry of Migration and Asylum, Greek Police, Coast Guard) and non-governmental organizations. This is in line with the EEA Grants’ objective of promoting stronger partnerships and synergies between public entities and civil society, helping to address migration issues more effectively.
- Deployment of 3 experts to MoMA
NORCAP deployed three experts experienced in migration and migrant reception to collaborate with the Ministry of Migration and Asylum. The primary objective was to address gaps in the reception system, especially in areas where Reception and Identification Centers (RICs) were not available. The project emphasized improving the emergency response through risk management and the creation of mitigation measures, ensuring the efficient and humane handling of migrant arrivals. The project achieved to foster the sharing of specialized knowledge and best practices between public authorities and NORCAP experts, enhancing the capacity of local institutions to respond effectively to migration challenges. In parallel the collaboration of public authorities and civil society was promoted, for ensuring comprehensive support for migrants, particularly in areas without established reception facilities, by combining resources and expertise from both sectors.
- Organization of 2 Workshops
Two key workshops were organized in Athens on April 18 and 19, 2024, under the auspices of the General Secretariat for the Reception of Asylum Seekers. These workshops brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including national authorities such as the Hellenic Coast Guard, Greek Police, and the Reception and Identification Service, as well as representatives from academia, government, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
The goal was to improve the coordination between these entities during emergency migrant reception operations.
The first workshop on April 18 focused on developing "3W" (Who-When-What) tables to enhance stakeholder coordination and ensure the swift completion of necessary procedures during migrant arrivals. Participants developed response plans for emergency situations and worked on aligning responsibilities across various organizations.
The second workshop on April 19 concentrated on identifying and managing vulnerable individuals, providing temporary accommodation, and facilitating their safe transfer to designated reception facilities. Action plans for different reception scenarios were drafted to ensure preparedness for potential influxes in remote areas.
- Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs)
Following the workshops, three standardized operational procedures (SOPs) were drafted and delivered to the Ministry of Migration and Asylum to improve readiness in remote locations:
-Readiness Resources: Detailed procedures for immediate preparation and response, including guidelines for identifying areas for care provision, storage and distribution of essential items, and mapping services near arrival points.
-Collaboration Structures: Methods to facilitate cooperation among various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Citizen Protection, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, the Ministry of Health, local authorities, and civil society organizations.
-Continuous Evaluation: A standardized form to assess and evaluate the management of emergency situations, ensuring continuous improvement of response strategies.
The project delivered concrete results for the improvement of the coordination, readiness, and efficiency of national and local stakeholders in responding to migrant arrivals in areas where formal Reception and Identification Centers (RICs) do not exist. The outcomes can be categorized as follows:
1. Improved Emergency Preparedness
One of the most significant achievements was the development of Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) for emergency preparedness in areas without formal reception facilities. These three SOPs provide clear guidelines on how to handle the arrival of migrants, including the location of temporary stay areas, distribution of essential items, and identification of nearby services and resources. This enhances the ability of local authorities and organizations to respond swiftly and effectively to new arrivals. Beneficiaries: Central and Local government authorities, civil society organizations, and NGOs that are the first responders to migrant arrivals in these remote areas benefit from having a clear, structured response plan. It also benefits the migrants themselves, ensuring that they receive timely assistance and care upon their arrival.
2. Enhanced Collaboration Between Stakeholders
The project fostered better cooperation between various stakeholders involved in migration management, including national authorities such as the Greek Coast Guard, the Greek Police, the Reception and Identification Service, and the Ministry of Migration and Asylum. The workshops held as part of the project, which focused on strengthening coordination and developing a unified approach to managing arrivals, were instrumental in achieving this. The 3W tables (Who-When-What) created during the workshops helped define the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder in emergency situations.
Beneficiaries: National authorities and local stakeholders, including municipal authorities and NGOs, benefited from the improved collaboration mechanisms. This collaboration will lead to more efficient management of resources, faster decision-making, and a reduction in overlap or gaps in service provision during emergencies.
3. Standardization of Procedures for Vulnerable Individuals
Another critical outcome of the project was the design of clear procedures for identifying and managing vulnerable individuals among newly arrived migrants, such as unaccompanied minors, women, and the elderly. This includes providing temporary accommodation and facilitating their transfer to RICs in a safe and dignified manner. The development of SOPs for managing vulnerable groups ensures that their specific needs are addressed in a timely and effective way.
Beneficiaries: Vulnerable migrants, such as unaccompanied minors and women, are the primary beneficiaries of this outcome. By creating a standardized approach to managing their care, the project ensures that their rights are protected and that they receive the appropriate assistance and protection in emergency situations.
4. Creation of Temporary Stay/Residence Areas
The project also focused on establishing best practices for creating temporary stay or residence areas in regions where no formal reception centers are available. This includes specifications on sanitation, safety, and the provision of basic needs such as food, water, and medical care. The focus on creating safe and dignified living conditions for migrants in transit or awaiting further processing is a major step forward in improving reception conditions across Greece.
Beneficiaries: Migrants arriving in remote areas without formal reception facilities benefit directly from this outcome. The availability of temporary stay areas that meet basic humanitarian standards ensures that they are provided with shelter, food, and medical care upon arrival.
5. SOP on Service Mapping and Resource Allocation
A key outcome was the guideline for mapping of local services near arrival points, which includes health services, legal aid, and psychological support. This service mapping allows authorities and NGOs to better allocate resources and ensure that migrants receive the necessary support in a timely manner. Additionally, the creation of a standardized evaluation form for continuous assessment of emergency responses helps identify areas for improvement and ensures that lessons learned from each event are integrated into future plans.
Beneficiaries: National and local authorities, including the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, benefited from understanding the need to have a clear mapping of available resources and how to utilize them most effectively. Migrants also benefit by having faster access to essential services.
Long-Term Impact
The long-term impact of the project is multifaceted and will likely be felt across several key areas of migration management in Greece.
1. Sustainable Emergency Response Mechanisms
By developing SOPs and fostering inter-agency cooperation, the project has established a sustainable framework for responding to emergencies in areas without formal reception facilities. This framework ensures that, even in the face of fluctuating migration patterns, the Greek authorities and their partners are equipped to respond quickly and efficiently to new arrivals. Over time, this will lead to a more stable and predictable emergency response mechanism that reduces the risks of poor management and ensures the safety and dignity of migrants.
2. Strengthened National Migration System
The project contributes to the overall strengthening of Greece''s migration management system, particularly in areas that are typically underserved or overlooked. The improved readiness and coordination among stakeholders will help prevent overcrowding in certain regions, reduce the strain on existing reception centers, and ensure that migrants are provided with the care they need, regardless of where they arrive. This aligns with Greece’s long-term goals of improving its asylum and migration management infrastructure, making it more resilient to future migration crises.
3. Enhanced Protection for Vulnerable Groups
The focus on developing procedures for the care and protection of vulnerable individuals will have a lasting impact on Greece''s ability to safeguard the rights of these groups. In the long term, this will lead to better outcomes for vulnerable migrants, including unaccompanied minors, who are at a higher risk of exploitation and abuse. The standardized procedures developed during this project will continue to ensure that these individuals are treated with dignity and receive the protection they deserve.
4. Increased Institutional Knowledge and Expertise
The project has significantly contributed to building the knowledge and expertise of both national authorities and local actors in managing migration flows in emergency situations, including through the assignment of the three NORCAP experts at the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, which consisted an innovative approach for capacity strengthening. This increased institutional knowledge will continue to benefit Greece in the future, enabling the country to better handle migration-related challenges. Moreover, the collaboration between national authorities and NGOs, fostered through the workshops, will likely continue to improve and deepen over time, leading to more effective migration management.
Conclusion
The project’s outcomes and long-term impacts benefit not only the immediate stakeholders involved in managing migrant arrivals but also the migrants themselves, particularly those in vulnerable situations. By strengthening emergency preparedness, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and creating standardized procedures for managing arrivals, the project has laid the groundwork for a more effective and humane migration management system in Greece. These achievements will have lasting impacts on the country’s ability to respond to future migration challenges, ensuring the safety and dignity of all those involved.