We provide legal services and support, including free legal representation for asylum seekers so that everyone around the world, including displaced people, can have equal access to their legal rights.
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Greece
Pictured in Lesvos, Greece, in February 2022, Sohel Mia fled Bangladesh due to threats to his life. HIAS is assisting Mia with legal counsel and representation. (Ayman Oghanna for HIAS)
Country Director
Vassilis Kerasiotis
Office Locations
Athens, Lesvos
Founded
2016
Staff Size
20
The Eastern Mediterranean route from Turkey to Greece’s eastern borders is one of the most widely traveled refugee pathways in the world. Refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia travel to Greece via sea and land, seeking safety in Europe.
Since 2014, more than 1 million people have crossed into the country, fleeing violence and humanitarian crises in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries. With this large influx of refugees, access to basic needs is scarce and vulnerable people are not sufficiently protected. Greece hosts about 121,000 refugees and migrants, 40 percent of whom are under the age of 18.
801
people received services in 2022
Our Work in Greece
The primary goals of HIAS’s work in Greece are twofold; the provision of high quality legal support and representation to refugees with a focus on those who are most vulnerable, such as children and survivors of torture or gender-based violence (GBV) and the provision of psychosocial support to those in need. In this way, HIAS plays a critical role helping refugees to take the first steps toward regaining control and stability in their lives.
HIAS’ community-based mental health programs promote the well-being of individuals, families, and communities affected by crisis and conflict so they can heal and rebuild their lives.
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We provide legal services and support, including free legal representation for asylum seekers so that everyone around the world, including displaced people, can have equal access to their legal rights.
Learn More
Statements
Sep 29, 2022
Resources and Publications
Jan 31, 2023
Press Release: Stronger and more Transparent Oversight Needed from the European Commission on Compliance with EU Asylum Standards on the Greek Islands
Jan 31, 2023
Jan 31, 2023
Submission to EU Ombudsman on the Role of the European Commission in the Implementation of the EU Asylum Acquis on the Greek Islands
Jan 31, 2023
Jan 31, 2023
Jan 25, 2023
Joint Civil Society Submission to the European Commission on the 2023 Rule of Law Report
Jan 25, 2023
Impact Story
A New Name, a New Life
Ovileya is living in Mytilene, on the Greek island of Lesvos, and she is officially, legally recognized as a woman. With the help of HIAS Greece, Ovileya recently won her case in court to have her gender changed on her identification papers.
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HIAS’ services are free. If someone tries to charge you for services claiming they represent HIAS, please report it at our confidential email address: ethics@hias.org. HIAS has a zero-tolerance policy on fraud and corruption.
For any other inquiries please email us at info@hias.org.
HIAS Greece Registration Documents
Sep 28, 2022
Sep 28, 2022
Sep 28, 2022
Sep 28, 2022
Sep 28, 2022
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