Maria Clara Martin, UNHCR Representative and Thanasis Chimonas, Vice-Mayor of the Municipality of Athens for the social integration, meeting in UNHCR offices in Athens.
The new Vice-Mayor of the Municipality of Athens for the social integration of migrants and refugees, Mr. Thanasis Chimonas, met, on Friday 19 January 2024, the Representative of UNHCR in Greece, Ms. Maria Clara Martin, launching a new cycle of cooperation between the new municipal authority and the international organization.
The meeting, which was attended by the Head of the Department of Support and Social Integration of Migrants and Refugees of the Social Solidarity Department of the Municipality of Athens, Mr. Panagiotis Psathas, proposed the strengthening of the close cooperation between the two institutions for the benefit of refugees living in Athens. Critical areas of concern are the integration into the labour market and the unhindered access of refugees and asylum-seekers to the services of the Municipality of Athens.
Ms. Maria Clara Martin acknowledged the Municipality of Athens’ commitment to promote integration, noting their swift response to the invitation for pledges extended by UNHCR to actors worldwide in the framework of the Global Refugee Forum. “I am optimistic that the Municipality of Athens will continue to lead the coordination among civil society, international organizations and municipal services towards a pioneering model of holistic and well-coordinated provision of services to refugees and migrants” she noted.
“Our goal is to implement actions that significantly help third country citizens to have equal access to services and life in the city”, said Mr. Chimonas, noting that the cooperation of local governments with international organizations is crucial for the design and implementation of inclusive policies and practices.
The Vice-Mayor had the opportunity to talk to the organization’s field team and learn about its activities and framework of operation, as well as the main issues faced by refugees and asylum-seekers in Athens.
UNHCR is one of the closest partners of the Municipality of Athens in the field of integration of third country nationals. In July 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Municipality of Athens and UNHCR to strengthen their cooperation in the reception and integration of refugees. In addition, since April 2020, UNHCR, together with the International Organization for Migration, have been supporting the operation of the Athens Coordination Centre for Migrants and Refugees (ACCMR) and the Cities Network for Integration (CNI). At the same time, UNHCR has been supporting the operation of the Municipality of Athens’ Migrant Integration Centre through specific programmes.
From left: Chara Tsantili, UNHCR Senior Durable Solutions Assistant, Dedousis Diaourtas, UNHCR Field Associate, Maria Clara Martin, UNHCR Representative in Greece, Thanasis Chimonas, Vice-Mayor of Athens Municipality, Marco Notarbartolo Di Sciara, Head of UNHCR Field Unit Athens.
The fields of cooperation
The Centre for the Integration of Migrants (KEM) is a reference point for refugees and migrants in the Municipality of Athens, offering a range of social integration services and activities, as well as best practice, being a model for other municipalities in Greece and Europe. UNHCR will continue to support the actions and operation of the KEM by supporting specific services offered on the one hand through the Disabilities Inclusive Programme which enhances access to services for people with disabilities and long-term illnesses and on the other hand through the free preparation courses for the Certificate of Competence for Naturalization (PEGP) exams.
At the same time, emphasis will be placed on the already long-standing cooperation between the two institutions in identifying gaps and obstacles regarding refugees’ access to the social welfare system, aiming at developing targeted programmes and advocacy actions.
UNHCR will also continue to support the operation of the Coordination Centre for Migrant and Refugee Issues, a recognized practice at international level, which allows the exchange of information, good practices, and the development of partnerships between the Municipality and civil society, international organizations, and the central administration. ACCMR has also taken a central role in coordinating 18 Greek municipalities in order to exchange know-how and develop initiatives within the framework of the Network of Cities for Integration.
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