Category: ΔΕΛΤΙΟ ΤΥΠΟΥ

Safe Refugee: The specialized assistance program of SolidarityNow for LGBTI refugees and asylum seekers

Posted on Monday February 13th, 2017

Athens, February 13th, 2017.  SolidarityNow, in order to meet the increased needs and the multiple risks faced by the LGBTI refugees and asylum seekers during their stay in Greece, implements a specialized housing and assistance program entitled Safe Refugee, for the support of this particularly vulnerable population group.

Since 2016 until today, SolidarityNow through the implementation of the housing and accommodation programs for refugees and asylum seekers “Home for Hope” and with its specialized teams, has offered accommodation and free services to more than 3,700 refugees in Athens, Thessaloniki, and their surrounding areas.

“LGBTI refugees frequently face multiple risks in all phases of the displacement cycle and need additional protection. They are often at heightened risk for discrimination and exclusion from access to basic services, and they are also subjected to different forms of abuse, marginalization, and exclusion. For the above reasons, we could not leave this vulnerable group without support and assistance“, says Margarita Kontomichali, the coordinator of the Safe Refugee program; and she continues: “In SolidarityNow, we believe in the respect of human dignity, freedom, equality, and in the respect of human rights for vulnerable people“.

Up to date, under the Safe Refugee program, SolidarityNow has offered accommodation to 20 LGBTI refugees residing in Greece, through independent apartments in Athens and Thessaloniki.

What the program offers

A major concern to cope with is the double stigma (being both LGBTI and a refugee) that this community must bear. Thus, psycho-social assistance to this specific target group is vastly needed to handle and resolve issues, such as trauma, violence, abuse, exclusion.

The beneficiaries of the program receive free-of-charge services to improve their lives while staying in Greece. Most of all, through this program, these people are treated with discretion, respect, and understanding.

SolidarityNow, through the specialized assistance program Safe Refugee for LGBTI refugees and asylum seekers, provides a range of free-of-charge services, such as:

  • Accommodation in fully equipped apartments
  • Psycho-social support
  • Referrals to medical assistance and legal counselling
  • Support and empowerment groups
*The program Safe Refugee is part of the housing and accommodation project Home for Hope, implemented by SolidarityNow with the support of UNHCR and funding by the European Union.

Connecting Blue Dots to support refugee and migrant children

Posted on Wednesday February 1st, 2017

SolidarityNow on the side of the most vulnerable populations through the operation of Care Hubs in Attica, Epirus, and Eastern Macedonia

As part of ongoing efforts to protect the most vulnerable refugee and migrant groups, special support centers –known as “Blue Dots”- for children, women and families are being rolled out in more than 10 points across Greece to provide vital services, counselling and play in a single location.

SolidarityNow, with UNICEF support, is implementing this innovative approach to connect the Blue Dots on a national scale. Piloted in Greece in the Port of Piraeus earlier in 2016, the Blue Dots concept was developed originally by UNHCR, UNICEF and ICRC to ensure a minimum package of services was available to the refugee population across Europe and foster complementarity amongst protection actors on the ground. The SolidarityNow “Blue Dots” are easily identified, since they have the distinctive mark of the blue dot indicating that through the present structure the several essential services are provided free of charge. Through this program, SolidarityNow is addressing the inadequate supply of services in 4 different geographical areas of the country: Attica (Elefsina and Marathonas), Central Macedonia (Oreokastro and Kavalari), Eastern Macedonia (Drama) and Epirus (Filippiada, Ioannina and Doliana).

The Blue Dots in detail

The “Blue Dots” are Child & Family Care Hubs for children, women and other vulnerable people living in refugee camps in Attica, Epirus and Central and Eastern Macedonia, as well as in the urban environment of these regions, where the greatest populations’ needs are recorded.

Every “Blue Dot” is a safe place for refugee children and their families, while the range of services offered at each one includes legal counseling, psycho-social support, case management and referrals, specific area exclusively for mothers and babies/children.

“The Blue Dot is the image of our world, as envisioned by SolidarityNow – a planet where people will be equally treated and have the same opportunities living in societies based on solidarity and peaceful coexistence and this begins by helping children and families”, says Epaminondas Farmakis, Managing Director of SolidarityNow.

More specifically, the operation of the Child & Family Care Hubs includes:

  • Child-friendly spaces that provide recreational and educational activities for children in order to restore the sense of normalcy that they have lost during the journey and while stranded.
  • Identification and referral of vulnerable persons to specialized services, including vulnerable families, single mothers, children at risk with a specific focus on unaccompanied children, persons with disabilities or illnesses, cases of suspected trafficking, survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
  • Breastfeeding corners and provision of reproductive, neonatal, and postnatal care and counseling.
  • Sharing efficient and accurate information to refugees and migrants, about their rights (before and after applying for international protection).
  • Providing general psycho-social services, and referrals when needed.

The new updated website of SolidarityNow is on “air”!

Posted on Friday January 20th, 2017

The SolidarityNow new website is on “air” with updated content for the organization’s activities and work, a modern design, a fresh appearance and mainly a dynamic and user-friendly interface. The renewed website is an effort to reflect in a more complete way the multidimensional work of SolidarityNow for the people who most need our help and support and to provide direct and reliable information in all the new initiatives undertaken.

“The comprehensive information, transparency and accountability are the basic principles governing the operation of SolidarityNow; this becomes apparent today through the launch of our new website which is a modern communication tool of our dynamically developing work“, notes Sophia Ioannou, Director of Communications.

In www.solidaritynow.org, visitors can easily navigate and gain immediate information for the organization’s humanitarian work as well as find detailed and updated data on each program which is either in progress or has been completed, and any consequent activity for the benefit of vulnerable social groups of Greeks, refugees, and migrants.

Visit www.solidaritynow.org and find out more in the following links of how we convert Internet into action:

  • The section “Our Work“, where the geography of the implemented programs in the country is presented schematically as well as the “Solidarity Centers” contact details and those of Mobile Units, in order to achieve the direct access for those who have immediate need. SolidarityNow is active in Athens, Thessaloniki and in other eleven (11) geographical points in Greece.
  • The section “Press Office”, for the organization’s news concerning the project implemented to address the humanitarian and refugee crisis, for the presentation of human stories through the eyes of both, our beneficiaries and employees, as well as for any new and current activity.
  • The section “Work with us”, for every new job opening in the organization’s projects as well as for every public tender.
  • The section “Supporters”, to see at a glance, the sources of financial support to the organization’s work and mission and the bodies and institutions that help the programs’ implementation.

Alongside,SolidarityNow’s new website provides detailed information on the annual financial statements of the organization, the members of the Board of Directors as well as on the people working in the programs, aiming at the prompt access of all to the information relating to SolidarityNow. The organization’s operation, since its establishment in 2013, is based upon the principles of transparency and accountability.

A click on www.solidaritynow.org is a small step towards solidarity; our objective is the website to become the digital reference point of accurate information in the map of NGOs in Greece.

 

Invitation to open discussion-film projection “Twice trapped: discrimination among asylum applicants”

Posted on Wednesday January 11th, 2017

The Embassy of Canada in Greece, in collaboration with the Municipality of Athens, and with the participation of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), SolidarityNow and the Greek Film Archives, is hosting “Twice trapped: discrimination among asylum applicants”, a special public event that will address the realities faced  by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or intersex (LGBTI) refugees in fleeing persecution and the particular challenges in applying for asylum. The event will be held on Wednesday, January 18 at 18:00 at the Greek Film Archives, 48 Iera Odos and 134-136 Megalou Alexandrou, Keramikos Metro Station.

The event’s program includes the screening of the Canadian documentary “Last Chance” (2012) by Paul Emile d’Entremont, followed by a panel discussion. Details of the program and speakers are attached.

“Last Chance” is a feature documentary which retraces the turbulent journeys of five people who fled their native countries – Jamaica, Colombia, Lebanon, Nicaragua and Egypt – to escape persecution or homophobic violence and are seeking asylum in Canada. In anticipation of a decision, they face challenges in integrating, fear possible deportation if not accepted, and hope for an opportunity to change their lives. “Last Chance” gives voice to LGBTI refugees around the world who refuse to deny their core identity.

Director Paul Emile d’Entremont is an Acadian filmmaker living in Halifax who, in addition to a rich film career, remains active in the television industry, as a journalist and a director. “Last Chance” was produced by the National Film Board of Canada.

Human rights violations targeted toward persons because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity constitute an entrenched global pattern of serious concern. They include extrajudicial killings, torture and ill-treatment, sexual assault and rape, invasions of privacy, arbitrary detention, denial of employment, health services and education opportunities, and serious discrimination in relation to the enjoyment of other human rights. Today, more than seventy countries criminalize same-sex conduct using laws.  However, even when these laws are not enforced, authorities sometimes ignore hate-motivated violence, arbitrary arrest, torture, sexual assault and even murder of LGBTI persons. This can also take place in countries where same-sex conduct is not illegal.

As Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said: “ Everyone deserves to live free of stigma, persecution, and discrimination –  no matter who they are or whom they love…. ensuring that all people –  regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity –  feel safe and secure, and empowered to freely express themselves.”

The film is in English with Greek subtitles.

The panel discussion will be in Greek without simultaneous translation.

Free admission

 

 

Letter to the President of the European Commission

Posted on Monday December 19th, 2016

The European Commission Recommendation of 8 December 2016 to resume transfers of certain groups of asylum seekers to Greece as of 15 March 2017 under certain conditions and the Joint Action Plan adopted by the EU Coordinator for the implementation of the EU-Turkey Statement together with the Greek authorities raise fundamental questions relating to the functioning of and the future of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS).

SolidarityNow, jointly with Greek Council for Refugees and NGO Aitima, also members of the European Council for Refugees and Exiles, have addressed a letter to the President of the European Commission and the Greek Minister of Migration Policy.

Read the full text of the letter

We go for Cash4solidarity!

Posted on 

Within the framework of its current partnership with UNHCR through EU funding, SolidarityNow implements a cash transfer project for the beneficiaries of its accommodation projects. Implementing the decisions by UNHCR and the Cash working groups, SolidarityNow distributed pre-paid cards, loaded with the amount corresponding to each beneficiary’s household.

In order to prevent complications and user problems, SolidarityNow has launched a multi-layered informational campaign, consisting of information sessions and descriptive videos, multilingual leaflets, microsite and a helpline providing feedback and technical support to pre-paid card holders.

Shifting from a vouchers support to a prepaid cards system, not only boosts self-dignity and empowers the decision making among beneficiaries, but also can become an important beneficial factor for local economy and small shops.

Greek Prime Minister visits SolidarityNow’s Hospitality Structure in Tilos

Posted on Friday December 16th, 2016

The Greek Prime Minister Mr. Alexis Tsipras visited the Tilos Family Hospitality Center on December 13, 2016.

He was greeted by Tilos Mayor Ms Maria Kamma, the SolidarityNow staff, the program’s beneficiaries and many residents. The Mayor informed the Prime Minister about the program which is supported by UNHCR and SolidarityNow, on positive attitude of the islanders towards the refugees and about all the efforts made since the beginning of the refugees’ flows.

The Prime Minister visited the classroom, the playground, the restaurant while he was invited by a beneficiary to visit her home. Mr Tsipras was informed about the Greek, English and Arabic language lessons that are offered to our beneficiaries, as well as on the fact that the refugees cook for themselves based on their own eating habits.

The PM was moved when he heard some refugee children speaking Greek and he said that he was impressed by the way Tilos is organized concerning the refugee issue and by the peaceful coexistence of the refugees with the locals. He said he has not seen a similar Hospitality Center that is already been established a landmark.

Handmade gifts were offered by refugees to the Prime Minister – one of them was a painted cardboard box that symbolizes openness to life.

The visit was very emotional: little Wissam was in the arms of the Prime Minister all the time, while Thomas – who was born on a Super Puma- was cradled by the Minister of Defence.

Mr. Tsipras said that while Europe raises fences, Tilos is a safe haven.

SolidarityNow’s program in collaboration with the UNHCR is already a success where the beneficiaries acquire the necessary skills to pursue their lives, while they coexist peacefully with the local population – thus providing  a good example to follow and Greece and in Europe in general.

“We support the non-extradition of the eight in Turkey. We cannot sacrifice our principles. It is dangerous” Conclusions of the Press Conference for the extradition of the eight Turkish Officials

Posted on Thursday December 15th, 2016

PRESS RELEASE

“We cannot allow the eight to be extradited to Turkey. We can’t sacrifice our values because it’s dangerous”

Conclusions of the Press Conference with Regards to the Possible Extradition
of 8 Turkish Officials

Athens, 15th of December 2016
Highlighting the importance and necessity of the Turkish officers’ non-extradition, given the breakdown of the rule of law in Turkey and reasonable grounds that they will face persecution and inhuman treatment if they are extradited, a press conference was held today, the 15th of December 2016, in the Technical Chamber of Greece (TCG) on the subject: “The Rule of Law with Regards to the Possible Extradition of 8 Turkish Officials”. The Press Conference was jointly organized by the Hellenic League for Human Rights and SolidarityNow, with parallel interventions by prominent organizations of civil society, various institutions, and members of the academia.
At the beginning of the Press Conference, Clio Papapantoleon, lawyer and coordinator of today’s discussion, stressed that “I want to make clear that we’re not interested whether the requested persons are guilty or innocent, whether they participated or not in the coup attempt, if they are political friends or enemies of Gülen’s, etc. We’re not interested, this isn’t what this press conference is about. And that’s because in matters of human rights, you don’t ask what is the organization the persecuted parties belong to, so as to defend their rights only if you approve of it”.
Nikos Alivizatos, Professor Emeritus of Constitutional Law in the School of Law in the University of Athens, referred to the recent report by the European Commission for the Democracy through Law (an advisory body to the European Council), where it is noted that “the Turkish government interpreted too widely the extraordinary powers that it awarded itself, and put in effect measures that are far in extent of what is provided for in the Turkish Constitution. One of the main goals of a state of emergency, wherever it’s imposed, is the reinstatement of the democratic rule of law and it’s impermissible to extend it indefinitely for no reason. If a government exercises its power for a long time based on a state of emergency, it will unavoidably lose its democratic legitimacy, whereas it should be noted that there are rights that must never be repealed, such as the prohibition of torture”. Mr. Alivizatos stressed the need for the use of legal procedures in the European Court of Human Rights, including interim measures to prevent extradition.
Konstantinos Tsitselikis, President of the Hellenic League for Human Rights, reported that it is a matter crucial to the Greek legal order. The suspension of the European Convention for Human Rights by the Turkish government, according to Mr. Tsitselikis, dismantles the institutional framework that guarantees the protection of human rights in Turkey. “The situation as it stands today shows that a fair trial is impossible if the presumption of innocence is merely a pretext, the courts operate with prearranged compositions, and lawyers face persecution, or when there is absolutely no guarantee of humane treatment. On the contrary, there are testimonies of maltreatment and torture,” he stressed.
Kostis Papaioannou, former Secretary General of Transparency and Human Rights of the Ministry of Justice, pointed out that no one is contesting the sovereign right of the Turkish government to safeguard the rule of law. The extension of the state of emergency has caused multiple breaches to the respect of human rights. He said: «We aren’t interested in the degree of involvement of the requested persons in the coup attempt, we’re only interested in their fate at the hands of the Turkish authorities. Greek judges are called to reach a decision based on their conscience, and not on vague appeals to national interests. They are called to uphold the rule of law which can’t stand for courts staffed with judges of dubious independence, obstruction of access to a lawyer, the possibility of the death penalty, and the certainty of inhuman treatment in detainment”.
Panagiotis Perakis, a lawyer and Board Member of the Athens Bar Association and Head of the Committee for the Rights of Refugees and Migrants, connected the discussion with the agreement between EU and Turkey, mentioning that the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) has ruled that the agreement is not in accordance with the rule of law. Also, special mention has been made to the matter of the reinstatement of the death penalty in Turkey, while on the occasion of the world day for human rights, the CCBE issued a release that denounces the collapse of the rule of law in Turkey. He said: “The right of access to justice is put in doubt, and access and communication with a lawyer encounters numerous obstacles, and there are more than 300 lawyers and 3,000 judges under arrest.” It is evident, he stressed, “that we do not seek to forestall a personal judgment, we are merely calling on the Greek judges to reach their decision based on the evidence and the rule of law”.
Dimitris Christopoulos, President of the International Federation for Human Rights, sent a written announcement that was read to the audience present at the Press Conference, saying: “If there’s one thing that is still standing in this tottering Europe of our age then it’s a prestige that relates to –not the policies that it puts into effect– but a few foundational values that have made it what it is in modernity. These are the rule of law and human rights. […] The eight cannot be allowed to be extradited in Turkey. Not because we like them, but because we cannot afford to sacrifice the core of our values in the name of political expediency. Or else we’ll have no values. And that’s not only immoral, it’s also dangerous”.
Spyros Koulocheris stressed that if someone strips away the political importance of the matter, the case is legally unambiguous. Both national legislation and Supreme Court case law make clear that the requested Turkish officers cannot be extradited, «because their asylum applications are still pending, but also due to the fact that there are reasonable grounds to assume that they will face persecution due to their political activity”
Elli Varhalama, the representative of the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE), mentioned the great and long solidarity and cooperation with the Turkish labor unions, as well as the turbulent history of union rights violations in Turkey, which have been confirmed by the European Court for Human Rights. “The Greek labor unions also call for the refusal of extradition of the 8 Turkish officials, given that their lives and safety, as well as those of their families’, are already threatened,” Ms. Varhalama noted.
Statements were made by the “Citizen Committee against the Extradition of the 8 Officials”, and by the officers’ defense counsel Mr. Omiros Zelios. Present at the Press Conference was the President of the Special Permanent Committee on Institutions and Transparency of the Greek Parliament, Ms. Anastasia Christodoulopoulou.Interventions were made by:
– Nikos Alivizatos, Professor emeritus of Constitutional Law at the University of Athens
– Konstantinos Tsitselikis, President of the Hellenic League for Human Rights and professor of Human Rights Law at the University of Macedonia
– Kostis Papaioannou, former Secretary General of Transparency and Human Rights of the Ministry of Justice
– Panagiotis Perakis, Board Member of the Athens Bar Association and Head of the Committee for the Rights of Refugees and Migrants
– Representative of the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE)
– Dimitris Christopoulos, President of the International Federation for Human Rights and associate professor at Panteion University
– Spyros Koulocheris, Scientific Coordinator of the Greek Council for Refugees