By SHEILA CROSS | Project Leader
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report outlines the dire circumstances faced by asylum seekers in Greece and the systemic challenges that hinder effective support. From January to November 2024, over 50,000 people arrived in Greece seeking international protection, with 87% arriving on the Greek islands. The influx has led to severe overcrowding in camps, delayed asylum processing, and inconsistent financial aid.
These challenges are compounded by bureaucratic barriers and funding constraints faced by NGOs like ours. In response, we have streamlined our operations, reduced costs, and enhanced our service delivery model. Despite limited resources, our team continues to provide critical legal and informational support to marginalized groups, helping them navigate an increasingly hostile environment.
CLIENT CONDITIONS: AN ACUTE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS.
Arrival Numbers
From January to November 2024, Greece received 50,051 asylum seekers. Of these, 43,895 arrived on islands such as Lesvos, Samos, and Chios, which are already struggling with limited capacity.
Overchrowding and Deprivation in Camps (CCACa)
The severe overcrowding in camps like those on Lesvos and Samos leads to dire living conditions. Basic infrastructure is stretched beyond capacity, resulting in unsanitary environments, insufficient medical care, and an increased risk of violence. In many cases, individuals are forced to live in tents or makeshift shelters, exposing them to harsh weather conditions.
Delays in Legal Process
The backlog in asylum registration and interview appointments is staggering. With interview dates pushed to late 2025, many asylum seekers remain trapped in legal limbo. The lack of interpreters exacerbates this issue, as the system prioritizes those who speak English, leaving others without access to critical services
Impact of Inconsistent Cash Assistance
The irregularity of cash assistance payments leaves asylum seekers with no money at all. This financial void directly endangers their welfare and well-being. Without funds, individuals cannot afford essential hygiene products or supplement their diets, relying solely on often inedible food provided in camps. The risk of malnutrition and health complications rises, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.
A.SS.I.S.T’S CHALLENGES AND RESOURCE CONSTRAINTS
While the plight of asylum seekers is clear, the challenges we face as an NGO are equally pressing and relatable if we are to maintain and sustain our services.
Funding constraints
Like many small NGOs, we face constant financial uncertainty. To mitigate this, we’ve closed our Chios office and are seeking cost-sharing opportunities. Our partnership with a Swiss NGO in receving donations and banking services has provided some administrative and financial relief, but securing sustainable funding remains a priority.
Bureaucratic Burdens
Many of the operational requirements imposed by Greek authorities are cost inefficient. They place unnecessary demands on our funds and administrative capacity and divert resources from direct client service. These demands strain our limited administrative capacity, diverting resources from direct client support.
Limited Human Resources
Despite a dedicated team of lawyers, client service managers, and interpreters, our capacity is stretched thin. Volunteer recruitment has helped, but high turnover and the need for constant training add to our challenges.
Our Response: Adapting to Serve Better
Despite these constraints, and based on an internal evaluation, we have implemented several strategies to sustain and improve our services:
Operational Adjustments:
We have streamlined processes to reduce overheads and improve efficiency. This includes leveraging remote service delivery, which allows us to reach clients in isolated or restricted locations.
Enhanced Outreach
A new social media strategy and updated informational materials are helping us better connect with our target audiences. These efforts aim to ensure that asylum seekers are aware of their rights and the services available to them.
Technology Upgrades
We are exploring cost-effective software solutions to enhance our case management system. This will help us better track client cases, facilitate access to a data base of relevant and constantly updated information and improve service delivery.
Raising public awareness of the challenges faced by asylum seekers and refugees in Greece is essential to seeking change, to giving them hope, to informing others and to securing your support and understanding .
Conclusion
This report aims to bridge the gap between understanding the realities faced by asylum seekers and the operational challenges of NGOs. While our clients face overcrowded camps, limited services, delayed processes, and in poor living conditions that compromise their well-being and future health. We struggle with funding and bureaucratic hurdles. Yet, our commitment to providing professional, respectful support remains unwavering.
Thank you for taking the time to read this Report.
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By Sheila Cross | Legal Representative and Administrative Partner
By Sheila Cross | Legal Representative and Administrative Partner
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