In the aftermath of the Global Refugee Forum, a two-day conference on the social integration of beneficiaries of international protection in Greece concluded last week in Athens. The event, which was jointly organized by the Greek National Commission for Human Rights and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, aimed at taking […]
Speakers panel about employment and social assistance, during the first day of the conference on integration co-organized by the National Commission for Human Rights and UNHCR in Greece. © UNHCR//Evanthia Savvopoulou
In the aftermath of the Global Refugee Forum, a two-day conference on the social integration of beneficiaries of international protection in Greece concluded last week in Athens. The event, which was jointly organized by the Greek National Commission for Human Rights and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, aimed at taking stock of achievements, challenges and prospects in the field of integration, as a durable solution for refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection. Representatives of key ministries and municipalities, experts from the administration and NGOs presented their experiences and views, triggering an interesting debate and exchange of ideas.
“In spite of ever-growing numbers of arrivals on our shores, we have definitely moved into the stage of integration for the many thousands of refugees and beneficiaries of international protection currently in Greece. We are faced with the challenge to integrate the new comers into our society, ensuring that they have full access to education, health, and employment so that they may soon overcome their current vulnerability and become fully contributing members to our communities,” said Professor Maria Gavouneli, the President of the Greek National Commission for Human Rights.
“Integration is a multifaceted two-way process which requires considerable efforts by all parties concerned, including by the refugee and the host society,” UNHCR’s Representative in Greece, Philippe Leclerc, said at the joint conference. “In order to play a full role in the social, economic, and cultural life of their host country, refugees need to achieve equality of rights and opportunities, through access to education, health, and employment. The Greek State has an important role to play in this process, ensuring that existing obstacles to the enjoyment of these rights are removed”, he added.
Professor Maria Gavouneli, President of the Greek National Commission for Human Rights. © UNHCR//Evanthia Savvopoulou
UNHCR’s Representative in Greece, Philippe Leclerc. © UNHCR//Evanthia Savvopoulou
With more than 47,000 individuals granted international protection since January 2015, one of the key findings of the conference was that it is urgent for the Greek authorities to commit to a comprehensive National Strategy for the Integration of Beneficiaries of International Protection. All participants agreed on the need to transit from a fragmented approach and ad hoc responses to a coherent and comprehensive national strategy on integration, developed by the central authorities and implemented by those actors, state and non-state, which are best suited for this task.
Participants referred to specific examples showing that the benefits (social, political, financial) of integration outweigh any possible cost. It was highlighted that it is of critical importance that competent authorities take measures to ensure effective access of international protection holders to health services and bank accounts; Greek language courses for adults; tailored vocational training; employability interventions; and access to social housing. Local authorities and civil society may well contribute best practices from their already considerable experience and expertise.
Last but not least, the new programmatic cycle of the European Structural and Investment Funds (2021-2027) as well as the national budget and other EC funding instruments offer an opportunity to secure funding for longer term interventions.
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