The UN Refugee Agency concluded yesterday the first phase of the selection of the partner organizations with which it will work jointly for the creation of 20,000 reception places for relocation candidates and other asylum seekers in Greece. Funded by the European Commission, this project envisages the creation of the reception places, through apartment and hotel rental schemes, hotel vouchers and host family programs, in order to provide vital assistance to people seeking international protection in the country.
Following a Call for Expression of Interest launched on 30 November 2015, a significant number of national and international non-governmental organizations responded by sending project proposals. The quality of most submissions demonstrates the genuine interest of the applicant organisations to help in covering the fundamental accommodation need.
After an internal review, nine organizations were selected and are invited to submit detailed project proposals by the end of the year. The criteria employed for the selection of the partners include the proposed project locations, the type of activities, the expertise of the organizations etc. Partnerships with local authorities, including municipalities in Greece, are also envisaged for the implementation of this scheme.
The aim is to start the project implementation with the approved organizations by early January 2016. Meanwhile, UNHCR is at the moment ensuring that accommodation capacity for relocation candidates and other asylum seekers is provided and expanded with our current implementing partner.
Adequate reception capacity for asylum seekers has been one of the main challenges in Greece. UNHCR’s scheme, in partnership with other actors and thanks to the EU financial support and trust, aims to secure dignified reception conditions for relocation candidates and other asylum seekers.
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