LEGAL AID FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS IN GREECE

"Hope is like peace. It is not a gift from God. It is a gift only we can give one another." - Elie Wiesel, Nobel Peace Prize, 1986.

PROGRESS

At A.Ss.I.S.T., we understand that the essence of hope for our beneficiaries lies in the quality of the information and legals services we provide. Our efforts are dedicated to investing the funds we raise into providing information and legal services that offer more than just temporary relief. We aim to give hope for those engulfed in despair by listening, providing respectful and honest responses to their queries together with accurate information. This supports our beneficiaries to navigate their daily challenges within their own frameworks of possibility, encouraging them to seek and find the assistance they need and exercise their autonomy.

PROGRAM AIMS

We aim to provide support to asylum seekers and refugees arriving in Greece. Despite significant and increasing challenges, we continue to provide essential assistance to these vulnerable populations.

OUR SERVICE REGIONS

Throughout Greece with inquiries also received from those who left Greece for other EU countries and the United Kingdom. In 2023, our beneficiaries were based in 33 different georgraphical locations. Refer to our Annual Report 2023 to be published in April 2024.

OUR FOCUS POPULATIONS

All persons who arrive in Greece seeking international protection; those who are recognised as refugees or have the protection of the State and those who are under threat of deportation.

According to UNHCR statistics From 02 October 2023 to  24 March 2024, 23,278 people seeking asylum arrived by boat from Turkey on the north Aegean and Dodecanese Islands, of whom 1,886 arrived on Chios Island. See graph of statistics attached. 

THEIR CHALLENGES

All persons seeking international protection in Greece must navigate a complex, opaque legal system, facing language and cultural barriers and continued hardship created by poor living conditions, pre-existing trauma exacerbated by limited welfare services, by incertitude and imposed detention. Beneficiaries of international protection also face socio-economic and bureaucratic barriers to settling in Greece or in other European Union countries. 

OUR CHALLENGES

Operational Impediments for all essential services: Overcrowding in CCACs, interpreter service gaps, and bureaucratic delays posed operational challenges in service delivery by Asylum Services, impacted on our ability to provide the responses due to our clients.  

Financial Setback: A critical funding shortfall from a donor's default and the stresses related thereto, substantially disrupted our operations. This unexpected situation demanded careful fund reallocation to provide urgent legal aid and cover on-going commitments for overheads (rent and bills for offices and volunteer accommodations).

 CLIENT FEEDBACK AT A GLANCE.

“I hope you peoples continue your good work. I also give your contact number to my fellow friends to reach you for more guidance base on their Asylum process. Once again I want to say thank you to A.Ss.I.S.T.”  (original text).

“The idea is if you can put other lawyers, for these people, they need to renew their document, my comments What I can do, for you in any case very nice work I appreciate your service very much, God bless you” (translated from Lingala).

“One of the best and best institutions. They provided me with assistance, and their response was quick, and they work to help us refugees, and the translation is excellent”. (translated from Arabic)

“I hope you can help me and make me live my life without worry. Thank you very much for your services.” (translated from Arabic).

ADAPTING TO CHALLENGES

The overall project progressed smoothly to the end of October 2023,  when, due to funding constraints and other stresses on Team members, A.Ss.I.S.T. Partners took the decision to temporarily suspend our legal services as of 01 November 2023. 

In October 2023, 138 diverse legal services were delivered to beneficiaries residing in more than 12 locations representing 15 nationalities and requiring interpreter services 11 languages other than Greek or English. Similarly, A.Ss.I.S.T. Inquiry lines received texts and vocal messages in 7 different languages requiring translation services from 225 beneficiaries of whom 96 were existing clients and 126 were new clients.

From 01 November to 31 January 2024

A.Ss.I.S.T.'s  volunteers continued throughout the period to respond to all inquiries received on our helplines. In this way, A.Ss.I.S.T. was able to identify our clients in need of appeals or support at key interviews, to refer clients to other agencies, legal, medical, food and accommodation, etc. and to provide information in response to procedural questions e.g. relating to the Ministry of Migration online services, ID and travel document renewals and many other matters.  our cohort of 14 on-call interpreters, recruited within the asylum seeker communities, also continued their service throughout this period offering skills in 12 languages spoken within our target population.

From October 2023 to March 2024, A.Ss.I.S.T. was therefore able to support a total of 787 beneficiaries with information and referrals as well as identifying those who urgently required legal representation and appeals. See Graph attached.

With limited funds available, our Greek lawyers accepted to submit seven urgent appeals  and to support three particularly vulnerable clients during key interviews at the Asylum Services. Two appeals were successful, the five others still pending decision. Two of the clients supported at interview have been granted refugee status.

In January 2024, three experienced international volunteer lawyers, each of whom had volunteered with A.Ss.I.S.T. in 2019-2020,  have rejoined our Team to provide interview preparations online and continue to do so. We also welcomed a new volunteer Client Service Manager, who is doing an excellent job in coordinating service delivery. 

In February 2024, we recommenced legal aid with the services of the two Greek lawyers, who have been providing their services to A.Ss.I.S.T. beneficiaries since June 2020.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Service Enhancements and Team Expansion We're delighted to announce the arrival of a new volunteer Client Services Manager (CSM) and the return of three international volunteer lawyers (IVL), who have previously contributed their expertise on Chios Island in 2019-20, to the A.Ss.I.S.T. team. Slipping seamlessly into her role, the CSM is doing an excellent job in coordinating services delivery while the IVLs offer remote interview preparation once again sharing thier invaluable expertise and experience in Greek and EU asylum law to support our clients.

Operational Improvements Our dedication to refining the dissemination of information remains steadfast. Our volunteers are developing methods to enhance our records and dissemination processes. These enhancements promise: a) faster, more accurate access to asylum laws and procedures; b) elevated service efficiency, ensuring more robust support and training for volunteers, empowering them to assist with inquiries related to the Asylum Service and complex practices; and c) an environment of perpetual learning for all team members.

Referral System Review Our volunteer Client Service Manager has optimized our referral system, enabling clients to connect with vital services more seamlessly. Client feedback is essential in this continuous improvement process. The face-to-face interactions at our Chios office, where clients can meet with our Team members are a testament to the personal touch we strive to maintain.

Conclusion Our unwavering commitment to assisting asylum seekers and refugees persists. Due to funding constraints, we may need to recalibrate our legal services to align with our fiscal capacity, focusing primarily on information and referral services. As a result, to reduce overheads, we will be closing our Athens office. Nonetheless, we've successfully renewed contracts with two of our Greek lawyers in the first quarter of 2024.

Gratitude and Call to Action We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our donors, both individuals and organizations, for their ongoing collaboration and support, aligned with our mission. Our volunteers, including Client Service Managers and interpreters, are the backbone of our operation; your dedication is recognized and deeply appreciated.

"There is some good in this world, and it’s worth fighting for." — J.R.R. Tolkien

Inspired by these words, we continue our collective efforts to support those seeking international protection.

Links:

• Annual Report 2023 to be added soon

The project aims to maintain  A.Ss.I.S.T.'s legal services, aiding asylum seekers and refugees arriving in Greece from Turkey. Despite significant challenges, A.Ss.I.S.T. has made remarkable strides in providing crucial assistance to this vulnerable population.

A.Ss.I.S.T.'s project has generated substantial positive changes among asylum seekers and refugees in Greece, notably in four key areas:

1. Enhanced Access to Legal Aid and Information: The project's implementation led to a significant uptake in beneficiaries seeking critical legal aid and information services. This surge denotes a crucial breakthrough, allowing individuals to overcome the formidable obstacles inherent in navigating Greece's intricate and often daunting legal system. Our efforts have resulted in increased engagement, ensuring that more individuals receive free legal assistance, a service otherwise difficult to access.
2. Facilitating Informed Decision-Making: By furnishing comprehensive information about their rights, legal procedures, and the asylum process, beneficiaries acquire a deeper understanding, permitting informed decision-making, enabling them to actively participate in their asylum cases. Equipped with knowledge, they can effectively advocate for their rights and navigate legal complexities with greater confidence. Feedback from beneficiaries confirms this impact.
3. Continuous Holistic Support: A.Ss.I.S.T. emphasizes continuous, comprehensive legal aid. Beyond initial interviews or appeals, we extend support throughout subsequent applications and other legal queries that may arise during the asylum process. This sustained assistance positively impacts beneficiaries' mental well-being by mitigating the stress associated with legal uncertainties and prolonged waiting periods.
4. Facilitated Access to Wider Support Services: Leveraging strategic partnerships and a robust referral system, the project has expanded beneficiaries' access to a broad spectrum of essential support services. These encompass healthcare, education, housing, and psychosocial support, ensuring that beneficiaries receive comprehensive aid beyond legal assistance.

In summary, the observed changes signify substantial improvements in beneficiaries' capabilities to navigate the asylum process with informed decisions, essential legal advice, and an expanded network of support services. A.Ss.I.S.T.'s holistic approach not only positively impacts individual lives but also contributes significantly to fostering fairer and more equitable processes for asylum seekers and refugees in Greece.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Service Continuity: Despite overcrowding in Closed Controlled Access Centers (CCACs) due to a substantial influx of arrivals, from 01 July to 31 October 2023, our committed team offered free legal aid to over 619 individuals across Greece, handling 568 cases requiring interpreters fluent in 10 languages other than English and Greek. We actively supported appeals, consultations, and provided essential information for self-referrals or other service referrals to many others.

Adaptation and Innovation: Facing a funding setback, we swiftly redirected our focus to enhance information management. We upgraded our Questions & Answers database to maintain consistent client responses. Additionally, in October 2023, we adjusted by reducing new case intake, ensuring thorough completion of client applications in anticipation of potential service limitations.

 CHALLENGES FACED

Financial Setback: A critical funding shortfall from a donor's default substantially disrupted our operations. This unexpected situation demanded careful fund reallocation and consideration of potential service suspensions.

Operational Impediments: Overcrowding in CCACs, interpreter service gaps, and bureaucratic delays posed operational challenges in service delivery by Asylum Services, impacted on our ability to provide efficient service delivery.

FEEDBACK / CONTINUOUS LEARNING 

Gathering Feedback from Beneficiaries and Stakeholders:

A.Ss.I.S.T. diligently collects feedback from beneficiaries, Team members and stakeholders through various channels, including structured client feedback forms, client consultations and informal interactions via WhatsApp enquiry lines. Positive feedback examples often highlight the dedication and timely support received, citing instances where our legal team demonstrated care and commitment, empowering beneficiaries during their asylum process. Negative feedback, occasionally stemming from procedural misunderstanding or frustration due to delays, informs us of challenges faced by beneficiaries, such as limited understanding of legal procedures.

Utilizing Feedback to Inform Work Adjustments:

This feedback loop serves as a cornerstone for our continuous improvement strategy. Positive testimonials reaffirm our team's effectiveness, motivating and validating our approach. Negative feedback prompts crucial introspection, leading to procedural refinements and enhanced communication strategies. Adjustments include improving information dissemination on legal procedures and optimizing service efficiency. This feedback-driven approach ensures that our services align more closely with the specific needs and challenges faced by asylum seekers, fostering a more responsive and effective support system.

SUMMARY 

The overall project progressed smoothly. Our three lawyers worked consistently throughout the period.  Five volunteer/interns, each served at least three months, as Client Service Managers, contributing their knowledge and a set of skills related to their studies in fields relevant to our work. A.Ss.I.S.T. provides the opportunity to develop their knowledge of EU/Greek asylum law and practice and to hone their skills through the learning experience of working directly with experienced asylum lawyers, our interpreters/translators and beneficiaries and to understand well the challenges faced by our beneficiaries and all actors working with asylum seekers in Greece. With two-week induction and in-house training, all five slipped seamlessly into their roles and excelled in their performance.  Of the five CSM’s, four were French speakers who accepted the option to interpret for clients, an additional opportunity to understand more thoroughly the challenges faced by many of our beneficiaries. Our cohort of 14 on-call interpreters, recruited within the asylum seeker communities, also continued their service throughout the grant period.  Their lived experience of those who they are serve is often that which motivates them to serve their fellows.  Their contribution to the Team through cultural insights and feedback is invaluable to improving the knowledge base of the Team and thereby improving services.  

Links:

• A.Ss.I.S.T. THIRD QUARTERLY REPORT 2023