Greece

The Greek government, with the support of EU leaders, should act now before the onset of winter to end Greece’s “containment policy,” 13 human rights and humanitarian organizations said in a campaign that began today.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras should end the Greek government’s “containment policy” of confining asylum seekers to the Aegean islands, 19 human rights and humanitarian aid organizations said in an open letter released today.

This report identifies the impact of European migration policies on family unity and the well-being of people stranded in Greece. It calls on the governments of Greece and other EU member states to protect the right to family life of refugees and anyone who applies for international protection.

A touring exhibition by Oxfam and Amnesty International’s Greek Section showcasing items donated by Greeks to refugees and migrants has received two Gold Ermis Awards from Greece’s most prestigious advertising and communications body. 

One year after the EU-Turkey deal was struck, Greece has become the testing ground for the EU's migration policies. Oxfam, IRC and NRC have analysed the situation in a joint report which documents the immense human suffering as well as the erosion of basic human rights and the right to asylum.

The EU has a proud history of commitment to international law and human rights which has driven its policies for 60 years. This joint agency paper argues that now is the time for Europe to show global leadership on migration by adopting policies that uphold these values, rather than triggering a race to the bottom.

EU leaders are sticking to the EU-Turkey deal, no matter what this means for the people in need, Oxfam said in reaction to discussions of EU leaders meeting in Brussels today.

This study focuses on the gender differences in  the situation of migrants and refugees in Greece,  following their arrival in the country as a consequence of conflict, and social and economic insecurity in the Middle East and other regions.

This briefing paper is the result of a joint effort by 12 national and international organizations operating in Greece. The aim is to explain the current situation for those stranded in Greece for over six months since the closure of the northern border and introduction of the European Union (EU) – Turkey deal.

Oxfam and ActionAid have listened to hundreds of refugee and migrant women and men in Greece to understand why they fled their countries, what their immediate needs are, and what they plan to do next. Their situation is desperate, but also avoidable.