From left: UNHCR Representative in Greece, Mireille Girard, and the Deputy Migration and Asylum Minister, responsible for integration, Sofia Voultepsi, are signing the Memorandum. © UNHCR/Eva Savvopoulou
The Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will support efforts for the local integration of refugees and asylum-seekers in Greece. This MoU formalizes the existing cooperation between the Ministry and UNHCR in this area.
The Memorandum was signed by the Deputy Migration and Asylum Minister, responsible for integration, Sofia Voultepsi, and the UNHCR Representative in Greece, Mireille Girard.
Integration is a top priority of the Greek government, as highlighted by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis when referring to the Greek government’s six-point policy on migration and asylum.
“We are maintaining with UNHCR a close relationship of trust, as it is evolving between two parties sharing the same concerns. There are big challenges, and only through synergies we can respond to such a demanding humanitarian work,” said Mrs. Voultepsi.
Integration is also a key priority for UNHCR as the agency mandated to ensure access to international protection for those who need it and to support them in finding lasting solutions. Local integration ultimately allows refugees to fully exercise their rights and their responsibilities as integrated members of their local communities.
UNHCR aims to support the Government’s integration activities and design and launch new pilot initiatives to this end. Integration requires a multi-dimensional approach. It spans from Government to the municipal and community levels.
UNHCR will provide technical support to the Government towards simplifying administrative and legal provisions concerning the integration of refugees. It will continuously profile and share the skills and expertise of refugees to help maximize their chances and their contribution to the Greek society. UNHCR will also monitor the progress of integration over time, through a set of indicators to be agreed upon with the Ministry.
“Integration requires concerted efforts by all. Everyone has a role to play, a contribution to make. It is a whole of society approach. Integration starts by working with the refugees themselves to help them realize their potential, so no one is left behind.” said Mrs. Girard.
With reduced numbers of refugees and asylum seekers in Greece, the country is no longer in an emergency phase. It is important to ensure that those who are present can have a dignified life and integrate smoothly, contributing to local communities, to Greece and to the broader European society.
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