Category: ΔΕΛΤΙΟ ΤΥΠΟΥ

Completion of the “Step-by-Step” program by SolidarityNow for the unaccompanied children

Posted on Monday April 18th, 2022

“Every child received individualized care, because every child is unique”

From September 2020 until March 2022, SolidarityNow provided care and support to 86 unaccompanied children, under the “Step-by-Step: Supported Independent Living Apartments for Unaccompanied Children aged 16 or more” program in Athens and Thessaloniki. The program (MIS:5063334) was funded within the framework of the National Program of the Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund and the European Union and implemented with the support of the Special Secretariat for the Protection of Unaccompanied Minors.

Empowerment and confidence

Building together with the children the foundations of trust and autonomy, elements necessary for their later life, the specialized staff of SolidarityNow provided the children with various services, such as psychosocial support, legal assistance, interpretation, escort to medical services. At the same time, specially designed actions were implemented -educational and recreational activities, vocational orientation courses- which contributed to the empowerment and development of life skills (soft skills). The aim of the above is the smooth social integration of children in Greek society, but also into adult life. Through these actions, we discovered and encouraged Ahmad’s talent for painting and comics, Mohamed’s love of football that led him to join a sports club, while we are proud of Javid completing his secondary education and dreams of helping others – he wants to get involved in the medical field. 

“Every child received individualized care because every child is unique. Each child has its own dreams, talents, skills, needs and experiences and we focused on exactly that. We built relationships of trust and security. We supported the children with love and care and together we achieved a lot. We focused and strengthened their positive elements, we supported them to discover their desires and talents; overcome experiences of the past; make dreams for their lives. They believed in themselves and their abilities and received the tools to walk their path and claim a better future, a better life. The life they deserve. We are very proud of these children and we thank them for this whole journey, for the precious moments and the strong emotions that we shared”, Giorgos Tsouros, Program Manager.

The next step

Upon the completion of SolidarityNow’s Step-by-Step program, most of the children were transferred to other semi-autonomous living structures with the assistance of the Special Secretariat for the Protection of Unaccompanied Minors, and those who became adults were transferred to ESTIA apartments.

#InternationalRomaDay | Roma is the plural form of Rom. Rom is a synonym of (hu)man.

Posted on Thursday April 7th, 2022

by Giorgos Tsitiridis, Project Coordinator of Roma projects, Northern Greece, SolidarityNow

Roma is the plural form of Rom.

Rom is a synonym of (hu)man.

April 8, the International Roma Day, is a day of celebration for the world’s gypsies in commemoration of their First World Congress, held in London on April 8, 1971, which set the foundation for claiming rights by the international community. There, representatives of 14 countries chose the name Rom (singular of Roma) as the international name for Gypsies. The word Rom is synonymous with Dom, the word used by the Indians for “man”.

They also set up five committees to deal with the main issues: education, housing, language, culture and civilization.

Greek Roma do not recognize themselves as a minority and call themselves Greek Gypsies. Nevertheless, April 8 is celebrated not to highlight the diversity, but to project the issues that concern the Roma, the history, the culture, the civilization, and their contribution to Greek society. 50 years after the London conference, we are at a critical point with many difficulties, but at the same time with lots of opportunities so as to solve chronic problems regarding the Roma in Greece.

Following the announcement of the new National Roma Strategy 2021-2030 by the Secretary General for Social Solidarity and Fight Against Poverty of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs Mr. George Stamatis, we are all called to help end stereotypes which for years recreate suspicion, fear, inequality and strive for the effective social inclusion of all Roma without discrimination.

SolidarityNow through its Solidarity Centers in Athens and Thessaloniki has offered its services to many of Roma who needed it. At the same time, through collaborations with associations, centers and communities, SolidarityNow has been present and has implemented programs for young Roma, women and children.

For example, the cooperation of SolidarityNow with the Katerini Community Center and the Roma branch, from December 2021 must be mentioned. Initially, the cooperation took place in the framework of the program “MAMA: Postnatal Care and Support” regarding the implementation of informative activities on child nutrition, women’s health, parenthood, pregnancy. Subsequently, as a result of the warm response of the interested parties, a collaboration was established that continues to this day, with the presence of the SolidarityNow team in the settlement of Pelekas.

Moreover, SolidarityNow participates in the National Partnership of the Roma Civil Monitor 2021-2025 coordinated by the Roma Women Association of Dendropotamos. The aim of this Partnership is the monitoring of the National Strategy and its harmonization to the European strategy.

At a time when Europe’s borders are often hostile to people in need, the Roma and their wanderings on the European continent teach us that barriers, conditions and conventions can be bypassed or even better, evolve, according to the people’s needs and global social changes. The special conditions for the Roma, who are a historically nomadic people, is that they always become more vulnerable in times of unrest, war, refugee waves. In fact, they are almost always the first victims of such tragic historical events, experiencing torture and persecution.

SolidarityNow supports the efforts for the integration of Roma into the Greek society, but also creates interventions at the local level, with the long-term goal of changing the attitude of the host populations and presenting ways of harmonious coexistence with respect for diversity, which can ultimately offer mutual benefits for all parts. After all, history teaches us and the current conditions confirm it, that the differences based on dialogue and equality are the ones that develop us both as individuals and as societies.

SolidarityNow stands by the Ukrainian Refugees

Posted on Thursday March 17th, 2022

As of February 24, 2022, Europe and the world are facing one of the greatest refugee crises of the century. According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, more than 3 million people have fled Ukraine to neighbouring countries in less than a month. Most of them are women and children.

At SolidarityNow, we express our support for the Ukrainian people, who are facing a severe humanitarian catastrophe. War is not a way to resolve disputes. Every war only has losers, leads to the displacement of people, the destruction of infrastructure, cultural heritage, and the natural environment, destroying the people’s prospects for a better future.

We support the stance and the rapid responses of the European and Greek authorities towards the Ukrainian refugees. We stand side by side with those at risk and seeking protection and we consistently work to ensure that the solidarity which has been shown at the national and European level with the current crisis, applies to all people fleeing persecution and whose rights are violated, indiscriminately.

  • In the Athens Solidarity Center (2 Domokou str.), the organization offers pro bono the following services: legal aid, social support, psychological support, accounting, employability.
  • In the Blue Refugee Center of SolidarityNow in Thessaloniki (25D I.Koletti str.) the organization offers pro bono services of legal aid, psychosocial support, support to parents and children, employability, non-formal education (for adults and children).
  • Through the “All Children in Education” project, SolidarityNow is ready to support the integration of refugee children in the Greek education system. The project implemented with the collaboration will be implemented in 6 regions across mainland Greece, namely: Attica, Central Greece, Central and Eastern Macedonia, Epirus, and Peloponnese.

The organization is collaborating with the Ukrainian Community in Athens, the Consulate of Ukraine in Thessaloniki as well as the Ministry of Migration and Asylum and other stakeholders and participates in the coordinated efforts to support people in need. SolidarityNow is already assisted by a significant number of volunteers.

Contact details:

Athens Solidarity Center

2 Domokou str. (opposite Athens Railway Station, 2nd floor)

Monday-Friday 9:00-19:00

210 8220883, Fax: 210 8250986

Email: athens@solidaritynow.org

Blue Refugee Center, Thessaloniki

25D Ioanni Koletti str., Thessaloniki

2310555263, 2310555264

Email: thebluecenter@solidaritynow.org

*From 1/8/2021 till 31/7/2022, the Athens Solidarity Center’s operation is supported through a grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) in the framework of its global COVID-19 Relief Initiative.

**The Blue Refugee Center is supported by UNICEF Greece. 

A New Era for SolidarityNow with new leadership

Posted on Wednesday March 9th, 2022

The current geopolitical challenges and the expected increase in migration flows, create new conditions and priorities for humanitarian organisations and have called for the management restructuring of SolidarityNow. The position of General Manager, previously held by Prof. Antigone Lyberaki, is assumed by Mrs Marilyn Polena (economist), following many years at the organisation as Programme Director. Mrs Fay Koutzoukou (lawyer) will be taking on the role of Deputy General Manager while Mrs. Ioanna Fourkiotou, Regional Director for northern Greece and Lily Sklavi, Finance Director, remain in their positions.

The priorities of the new management team will be to continue the excellent work carried out by the organisation to date as well as the development of new interventions to support those affected by the continued economic crisis, the pandemic and global disruptions. SolidarityNow has supported more than 320.000 beneficiaries throughout its ten years of contribution to society.

Commenting on the new structure, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of SolidarityNow, Stelios Zavvos, stated, “On behalf of SolidarityNow’s Board of Directors, I would like to thank Professor Antigone Lyberaki for her work and dedication over the last five years as General Manager. I welcome Marilyn Polena and Fay Koutzoukou to their new roles as General Manager and Deputy General Manager of SolidarityNow. Marilyn, Fay, Ioanna and Lily are core and tested members of SolidarityNow’s team, with a longstanding experience in programme design and implementation. The new team will ensure the continuous quality of the interventions amidst the new contextual challenges to support our fellow citizens, enabling them to become self-reliant and take their lives in their own hands. SolidarityNow will continue the great humanitarian work carried out to date in the years to come.”

JOINT STATEMENT: Implementation of the safe third country concept in Greece

Posted on Tuesday March 8th, 2022
Copyright Giorgos Moutafis for SolidarityNow

27 Civil Society Organizations, SolidarityNow among them, have sent a letter to EU Commissioner, Ylva Johnasson, asking for a lawful implementation of the notion of “safe third country.”

Through the joint letter the 27 NGOs wish to convey to the EU Commissioner our concerns regarding the systematic non-compliance by Greece with the Asylum Procedures Directive as regards the safe third country concept.

The Greek asylum authorities systematically apply the safe third country concept based on Joint Ministerial Decision 42799/2021 vis-à-vis applicants originating from Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia, Pakistan and Bangladesh, leading to a large number of applicants having their claims dismissed as inadmissible and being ordered to return to Turkey, without any prospects of such a readmission.

The practice exposes applicants for international protection to a legal limbo whereby they are never granted access to an examination of their applications on their merits, contrary to the purpose of the Geneva Convention and of the Asylum Procedures Directive. It also leads to exclusion of people from reception conditions, resulting in inability to have access to dignified living standards and to cater for their basic subsistence needs, including health care and food.

Read the full letter here.

SolidarityNow Survey: “The vaccination status of refugees and migrants against Covid-19”

Posted on Tuesday February 22nd, 2022
Copyright Steven Tagle for SolidarityNow

Access to vaccines for Third Country Nationals

SolidarityNow conducted a survey to collect information regarding the access to COVID-19 vaccines for beneficiaries of the organization’s programs who are Third Country Nationals (TCNs) residing in Greece. The survey took place during December 2021 and the relevant report including its results was elaborated in January 2022.

SolidarityNow reached out to a representative sample of 497 individuals, beneficiaries of the organization, asking a set of questions to learn about their experience with the vaccination process, barriers faced and areas of concern. The survey found that 81% of participants had been vaccinated, despite the multitude of challenges faced. 62% of the vaccinated, stated that they proceeded with the vaccination to protect themselves, friends, and family, 28% to move around freely and 12% because they were obliged to do so by their employer.

Findings

  1. Individuals participating in the survey and are eligible to stay in Greece have access to the vaccination system either independently or with the support of NGO staff and/or friends and social media.
  2. Most of the participants of the survey (81%) were vaccinated.
  3. The main reasons stated for those who are not vaccinated, were personal (16%) as well as legal barriers (14%).
  4. A common challenge for both the vaccinated and non-vaccinated was the lack of knowledge regarding the vaccination process.
  5. More than 10% had been facing issues regarding their Social Security numbers.
  6. Only 9% feel insecure vis-a-vis the COVID-19 vaccine.

“It is encouraging that a certain population of exceptionally vulnerable people, has shown and continues to show a high level of adjustment during an unprecedented health condition, which has further worsened their social status. Despite being last in the vaccination access pyramid, and having to overcome the existing bureaucratic problems that delay or often deprive them of equal and timely access to rights and benefits, Third Country Nationals stood by the collective effort to protect society. This is yet another proof that the stereotypical approach, as well as any kind of discrimination among population groups, are meaningless in the open societies in which we want to live. For us at SolidarityNow, it is also a strong indication that we must continue supporting and strengthening their social integration”, Antigone Lyberaki, General Manager.

Survey Participants’ Status

Most of the participants were between 18-40 years of age (75%), while 5% where minors, mostly unaccompanied. Most of the participants were male (75%). The majority of the participants originated from Afghanistan (24%), Pakistan (19%), Iran (13%) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (10%).

Of the total number of participants, 50% were asylum seekers, while 38% were already recognized as refugees or in possession of a residence permit. Among the participants, 12% were not eligible to stay in Greece or in transit, whilst 3% has received a second rejection. Undocumented individuals mainly from Pakistan (13%) stated that they have applied for asylum in Greece and are in limbo.

Find the full report here.

*The survey was an initiative of the Athens Solidarity Center by SolidarityNow which is supported by a grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) in the framework of its global COVID-19 Relief Initiative.

“Pathway to All Children in Education (ACE)” by SolidarityNow

Posted on Monday January 24th, 2022
Copyright SolidarityNow

The organization’s new “Homework and Creative Activities Centers (HCACs)” in full operation throughout Greece

SolidarityNow celebrates today’s International Day of Education with its new program entitled “Pathway to All Children in Education (ACE)“. The program implemented with the support and funding from UNICEF Greece, started in October 2021 and today has its “Homework and Creative Activities Centers (HCACs)” in full operation.

The aim of the program is to facilitate the integration of refugee and migrant children in the formal education setting through the provision of non-formal education services in the “Homework and Creative Activities Centers (HCACs)” and other complementary activities.

The program is dedicated to education, children and their development through a well-designed curriculum and creative activities, as well as the promotion of access to public education. Access to quality education is an absolute right for all children.

A Pathway to Education throughout Greece

The project is implemented in six (6) regions across mainland Greece, namely: Attica, Central Greece, Central and Eastern Macedonia, Epirus, and the Peloponnese.

Non-formal education services are directly provided in:

  • 14 Open Accommodation Sites across mainland Greece
  • 4 urban centers (Athens, Thessaloniki, Ioannina, Kilkis),

while support activities for integration in formal education will be provided to migrant and refugee children residing in all the aforementioned regions. SolidarityNow is leading a consortium which includes the Greek Council of Refugees (with implementation in Athens), the Melissa Network (Athens) and OMNES association (Kilkis).

Focus on Education

The program is the evolution of a flexible and responsive program able to meet the dynamic needs of the people of concern. SolidarityNow, in collaboration with UNICEF, has been involved since 2016 in the operation of the “Blue Dots” (emergency intervention centers), which evolved into the “Child and Family Support Hubs” (greater geographical coverage, emphasis on child protection) and which today become the “Homework and Creative Activities Centers”. The latter’s focus is the provision of high-quality educational services to the children as well as the integration of children in public education.

“SolidarityNow is entering the bright pathway of this new program to do what it believes in most of all. To invest in education and in the prospects that it gives to our children, the children of tomorrow in an inclusive and open society. Along with the significant support of UNICEF, we look forward and seek, with the development of the appropriate learning tools and the capabilities of our interdisciplinary training teams, to offer children a complete package of non-formal education services. Through this, children will not only be supported to become better in the formal education, but will be supported to express their inclinations, to create their own vital space of expression through activities, to be exposed to new stimuli, to cultivate curiosity, to experiment, always with the help of their teachers and all of us who will be there to empower and encourage them to pursue their dreams”, Antigone Lyberaki, General Manager of SolidarityNow.

*The project “All Children in Education” (ACE) is implemented by SolidarityNow with support and funding from UNICEF Greece.

JOINT PRESS RELEASE: 27 organisations echo EU Commissioner’s calls on Greek authorities to ensure that all people have full access to their rights and receive basic means of subsistence

Posted on Thursday December 16th, 2021

EU Commissioner also calls for the “in-merits” examination of asylum applications rejected as inadmissible and for the effective integration of asylum holders         

 Athens, 15 December 2021 – 27 organisations, while welcoming the EU Commission’s firm response to the alarming reality that thousands of people continue to go hungry in Greek refugee camps, reiterate their calls on the Greek government to urgently abide by its obligations under national, EU and international law.

On 7 December 2021, the EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ms. Ylva Johansson, issued a robust response to a joint open letter by organisations working in Greece. Addressed to the European Commission and the Greek government, the letter of 26 October 2021 called for immediate access to adequate food and water for all people residing in state-run or -managed facilities, irrespective of their legal status.

Since 1 October 2021, a new policy implemented by the Greek government[1] has resulted in thousands of persons, including vulnerable individuals, being excluded from food provision. Now in place for more than 75 days, this alarming policy impacts up to 60 percent of the 16,659 residents in mainland camps, among them recognised refugees and rejected asylum seekers, as well as asylum seekers who have not been able to register their applications due to chronic processing delays at the asylum offices on the Greek mainland. Without any support, including food, are left another approximately 14,000[2] persons living in state-run ESTIA facilities, who have not received their cash support since September 2021, due to the handover of cash assistance program from UNHCR to the Greek government.

In her 7 December response, Commissioner Johansson notes that the EU has raised the issue of the discontinuation of material reception conditions with the Greek authorities multiple times. In particular, the Commissioner underscores that:  “all persons, irrespective of their status, should benefit from the provisions of EU law, notably the provisions of the Reception Conditions Directive, the Qualifications Directive and the Return Directive, and from the relevant provisions of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights”; and that the Greek authorities have been repeatedly called on to “ensure all persons, particularly the vulnerable,” receive food, hygiene products, and other necessities.”[3]

The Commissioner expresses her concern over the administrative delays that hinder asylum seekers’ and refugees’ access to their rights. She also emphasises the need to implement sustainable integration systems to facilitate recognised refugees’ transition to autonomous living as well as their access to social benefits on par with Greek nationals. The State’s obligation to facilitate recognised refugees’ access to housing is likewise underscored.

Commissioner Johansson then underlines Member States’ specific obligations towards unaccompanied children and emphasises that those who have been granted refugee status should be accommodated in specialised centres or other suitable accommodation. She notes that Member States “have an obligation to ensure full compliance with the principles of the best interest of the child and of family unity and to ensure a standard of living adequate to their physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development, including access to education and to leisure activities appropriate to their age”.

Lastly, Commissioner Johansson reiterates the Commission’s continued concerns over individuals left in protracted “legal limbo”. She states that, “[i]n line with Article 38(4) of the Asylum Procedures Directive, the Greek authorities should ensure that applicants whose applications have been declared inadmissible under the Joint Ministerial Decision and who are not being admitted to Turkey should be given access to the in-merits asylum procedure. The Commission has enquired with the Greek authorities on the steps taken towards this direction.”

The undersigned organisations welcome the Commission’s firm and unambiguous stance on these crucial issues and call on the Greek government to abide by its obligations under national, EU and international law to:

  1. a) ensure that all persons, irrespective of their legal status, have access to basic means of subsistence, notably, food and hygiene products.
  2. b) examine in substance the applications of asylum seekers who have been rejected as inadmissible on the basis that Turkey is a safe third country.

We also call on the European Commission to use the tools at its disposal as the guardian of the treaties, to ensure that the Greek government applies the relevant EU laws noted in Commissioner Johansson’s response.

Signatory Organizations:

  1. Babel Day Centre
  2. Better Days
  3. ΔΙΟΤΙΜΑ – Centre for Gender Rights and Equality
  4. Changemakers Lab
  5. ECHO100 PLUS
  6. Equal Rights Beyond Borders
  7. Europe Must Act
  8. Fenix – Humanitarian Legal Aid
  9. Greek Association of People Living with HIV “Positive Voice”
  10. Greek Council for Refugees (GCR)
  11. Greek Forum of Migrants
  12. Greek Forum of Refugees
  13. HIAS Greece
  14. HumanRights360
  15. INTERSOS
  16. INTERSOS Hellas
  17. International Rescue Committee
  18. Jesuit Refugee Service Greece
  19. Lesvos Solidarity
  20. Lighthouse Relief (LHR)
  21. Refugee Legal Support (RLS)
  22. Refugees International
  23. Safe Passage International
  24. Samos Volunteers
  25. SolidarityNow
  26. Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in Greece, Council of Europe Network
  27. Terre des hommes Hellas

[1] See – Joint Open Letter – “Denying  food:  instead  of  receiving protection  people  go hungry  on  EU  soil”, October 26, 2021. Available here.

[2] Ministry of Migration& Asylum, ESTIA 2021 Factsheet. September-October-November. December 6, 2021. Available here.