Legal Aid to Asylum Seekers Greece

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.

"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.

PROGRAM AIMS

This project aims 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

OUR FOCUS POPULATIONS

All persons who arrive in Greece seeking international protection; those who are recognised as refugees or have the 

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Service Enhancements and Team Expansion We're delighted to announce the return of three international volunteer lawyers, who have previously contributed their expertise on Chios Island in 2019-20, to the A.Ss.I.S.T. team. Offering remote interview preparation, they bring valuable knowledge in Greek and EU asylum law to support our clients once more.

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 Vial CCAC office, where clients can meet with our lawyers, are a testament to the personal touch we strive to maintain.

Conclusion Our commitment to assisting asylum seekers and refugees remains strong. 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, 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:

• A.Ss.I.S.T. 2023 Annual Report