Athens, 16 December The "InteGRation: Tackling chronic challenges in the field of integration of refugees in Greece" project, funded by the Oxford Policy Engagement Network (OPEN) at the University of Oxford, marks a significant step towards addressing the persistent challenges faced by refugees in Greece. A collaborative effort between the Border Criminologies research network and the Greek Council for Refugees (GCR), this project has yielded a critical report exploring the effectiveness of refugees’ access to the Greek justice system.
In response to refugee participants' requests for information on state-funded free legal aid, the project created a multilingual leaflet offering practical guidance on navigating the system and providing contact points for requesting legal aid at courthouses in Athens and Thessaloniki. Distributed in four languages—English, French, Arabic, and Farsi—this resource is already being used in Greece’s two largest cities to address gaps in legal support.
This initiative builds on a longstanding collaboration between the two organizations, which have previously developed resources to enhance public access to immigration knowledge and rights.
Key Findings from the Report
- The report reveals significant discrepancies between the legal provisions guaranteeing equal access to justice for beneficiaries of international protection and the on-ground realities faced by refugees in Greece. Drawing from 30 interviews with refugees from 14 countries and consultations with members of the judiciary and legal experts, the findings highlight:
- Low awareness of legal rights among refugees and limited trust in the Greek justice system.
- Refugees who cannot afford private legal representation are often left without adequate information, advice, or legal support.
- A perception of indifference or even racism from public officials discourages refugees from seeking help or engaging with the judicial process.
Recommendations for Reform
The report outlines eight actionable recommendations for Greece to ensure compliance with its International and European obligations:
1. Training police, judiciary, court personnel, and corrections staff on anti-discrimination and anti-racism practices.
2. Providing ongoing training for judiciary members on refugee and migration law.
3. Ensuring access to effective interpretation services in legal settings.
4. Establishing independent accountability mechanisms to address complaints about bias or discrimination by police, judges, and prison staff.
5. Simplifying procedures for free legal aid, including reducing documentation requirements.
6. Providing refugees with information about their legal rights through asylum services and dedicated information points in refugee camps.
7. Engaging social services to actively refer refugees to appropriate legal services.
8. Compiling accessible lists of qualified lawyers specializing in refugee and migration law in every bar association.
About the Partners
- Greek Council for Refugees (GCR): Established in 1989, GCR is a leading NGO advocating for the protection of asylum and human rights in Greece. It provides free legal and social support to refugees, focusing on vulnerable groups such as unaccompanied minors and victims of human trafficking.
- Border Criminologies: Based at the University of Oxford's Centre for Criminology, this international research network promotes original research, supports advocacy, and creates practical resources to address issues in migration and border control.
A Call to Action
The report urges Greek authorities to act promptly to address systemic barriers and create an inclusive justice system that upholds refugees' rights. By implementing these recommendations, Greece can reaffirm its commitment to upholding fundamental human rights.
For more information and access to the report, please contact: Kostas Vlachopoulos, Communications Officer, Greek Council for Refugees, k.vlachopoulos@gcr.gr
