Country Facts
DRC present since:
2015
Staff on location:
240
Displaced population:
40,000
What we do
Displacement Situation
More than a million people fleeing violence in the Middle East, South and Central Asia crossed Greece in 2015 trying to reach Europe, sparking a crisis as countries struggled to cope with the influx and creating division in the EU. As a result, borders within the EU and the Balkans were closed to quell the upward movement of people, and the EU – Turkey Statement of March 2016 fundamentally altered the function of the hotspots.
Since then, the Greek hotspot approach seeks to contain new arrivals to the islands, restricting access to mainland Europe. It also effectively leads to a two-track system with significant differences in context between the islands and mainland.
DRC Response
DRC began operations in Greece in November 2015, contributing to the emergency humanitarian response at the Moria transit site on the island of Lesvos, and expanded operations to the mainland in 2016.
With offices in Athens, Thessaloniki, Larissa and until January 2020 on Lesvos island, DRC is one of the key humanitarian actors operating in the country. Today, Greece struggles to ensure that reception and accommodation facilities are dignified, well staffed, culturally appropriate, and respectful of humanitarian standards. Migrants are also in need of timely information, legal aid, and integration opportunities. As such, DRC works to close these gaps, employing evidence-based methods in responding to emergencies when needed, and supporting the Greek authorities in developing a sustainable refugee reception and integration system.
DRC works at nine sites on the Greek mainland providing site management services, along with food, water and sanitation, protection, legal aid, and non-formal education. In urban settings, DRC supports migrants with cultural mediation and integration courses that include language and soft skills.
In cooperation with IOM Greece, DRC runs the following joint projects:
- SMS 2019: Improving the Greek Reception System through Site Management Support and Targeted Interventions in Long-Term Accommodation Sites
- SMS 2020-2021: Supporting the Greek Authorities in Managing the National Reception System for Asylum Seekers and Vulnerable Migrants (SMS)
- HELIOS: Hellenic Integration Support for Beneficiaries of International Protection
- HELIOS Bridge
In cooperation with UNICEF Greece:
- All Children in Education (ACE)
In cooperation with Progetto Tenda Torino, LABC, CWEP Poland and for the first half of the project Nesta Italia, DRC runs the following joint project:
Contact
Offices
Projects
“Refugees need a proper living space as much as anyone else”
Like so many refugees and displaced people, Micheline and Mohammad have gone through painful journeys trying to reach safety. At the Mozas site in Greece, they found safety but harsh living conditions. Now, the site has undergone a much-needed renovation to improve the conditions for residents living there.
Refugee Mothers in Greece Fight for a Better Future for Themselves and Their Children
Refugee and migrant women are often single parents or the only parent on the move with the children, they hold major responsibilities in ensuring their children have access to food and water, are warm enough and are safe.
Snapshots
Supporting refugees in open sites in Greece
DRC Greece has supported more than 15.000 refugees in 2020-21 in 9 mainland camps.
Supporting refugees in open sites in Greece
DRC Greece has supported more than 15.000 refugees in 2020-21 in 9 mainland camps.
Supporting refugees integration in Greece
DRC Greece has supported refugees through 4 Integration Learning Centers on mainland Greece.
Supporting refugees integration in Greece
DRC Greece has supported refugees through 4 Integration Learning Centers on mainland Greece.
Supporting refugees integration in Greece_English version
DRC Greece has supported refugees through 4 Integration Learning Centres.
Supporting refugees integration in Greece_English version
DRC Greece has supported refugees through 4 Integration Learning Centres.
A challenging year
2020 was a challenging year. But we tried hard.
A challenging year
2020 was a challenging year. But we tried hard.
HELIOS National Sensitization Campaign
Μπορούμε να δώσουμε πολλά ο ένας στον άλλο. Κυρίως τον καλύτερό μας εαυτό.
HELIOS National Sensitization Campaign
Μπορούμε να δώσουμε πολλά ο ένας στον άλλο. Κυρίως τον καλύτερό μας εαυτό.
After her fist certificate in English Zahra aims for more!
Zahra Foroughi arrived in Greece three years ago and joined the DRC English courses when she moved in Koutsochero hosting site. DRC has been offering non formal education courses for refugee adults in nine mainland camps in 2020. After hard work and with her teacher’s support, she passed her first exam. This means she can understand matters encountered in work, school, or leisure. She can also deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling and she is able to describe her experiences, ambitions, and dreams. Zahra continues to study English and wants to be an architect. She thinks women should not be afraid to dream big. “I believe women should persist, be better informed and learn different languages,” she says.
After her fist certificate in English Zahra aims for more!
Zahra Foroughi arrived in Greece three years ago and joined the DRC English courses when she moved in Koutsochero hosting site. DRC has been offering non formal education courses for refugee adults in nine mainland camps in 2020. After hard work and with her teacher’s support, she passed her first exam. This means she can understand matters encountered in work, school, or leisure. She can also deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling and she is able to describe her experiences, ambitions, and dreams. Zahra continues to study English and wants to be an architect. She thinks women should not be afraid to dream big. “I believe women should persist, be better informed and learn different languages,” she says.
Refugee mothers in Greece
What does it mean to be a mother? Refugee women in Greece share their experience.
Refugee mothers in Greece
What does it mean to be a mother? Refugee women in Greece share their experience.
Cultural Mediators support refugees in Greece
Cultural mediators in Greece support refugees in and out of camp settings. They are there to interpret, mediate, explain and help them navigate the Greek public services and their new surroundings.
Cultural Mediators support refugees in Greece
Cultural mediators in Greece support refugees in and out of camp settings. They are there to interpret, mediate, explain and help them navigate the Greek public services and their new surroundings.
When I grow up
Refugee students in love going to school, being with their friends, and dream of what they will be when they grow up. And they give us a taste!
When I grow up
Refugee students in love going to school, being with their friends, and dream of what they will be when they grow up. And they give us a taste!
Refugees are in need of legal aid in Greece
Refugees and asylum seekers need support to navigate the asylum system, to access documentation or reunite with family members. DRC has provided legal aid services in Greece since 2016.
Refugees are in need of legal aid in Greece
Refugees and asylum seekers need support to navigate the asylum system, to access documentation or reunite with family members. DRC has provided legal aid services in Greece since 2016.
Creative activities in the Schisto camp
Greece is home to large numbers of refugees from countries such as Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. On a mandate from the Greek authorities, the Danish Refugee Council runs a number of camps where we provide everything from food, shelter and sanitation to local democracy, counselling and education. Pictured above, one of our staff performs creative activities with some of the children in the Schisto camp.
Creative activities in the Schisto camp
Greece is home to large numbers of refugees from countries such as Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. On a mandate from the Greek authorities, the Danish Refugee Council runs a number of camps where we provide everything from food, shelter and sanitation to local democracy, counselling and education. Pictured above, one of our staff performs creative activities with some of the children in the Schisto camp.
Donors & Partners
UNICEF
United Nations International Childrens' Emergency Fund
DG HOME
Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund of the European Union
IOM
International Organization for Migration
DG ECHO
Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations
REC
Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme
TDH Hellas
Terre des Hommes Hellas
Projetto Tenta
Press Releases and Statements
Κοινή δήλωση 19 οργανώσεων που δραστηριοποιούνται στο προσφυγικό
Κοινή δήλωση 19 οργανώσεων που δραστηριοποιούνται στο προσφυγικό
December 2021
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Η απόρριψη της οργάνωσης RSA από το μητρώο ΜΚΟ του Υπουργείου Μετανάστευσης και Ασύλου προκαλεί ιδιαίτερη ανησυχία και δημιουργεί αρνητικό προηγούμενο στην Ελλάδα.
Joint statement by 19 organisations active on refugee issues in Greece
Joint statement by 19 organisations active on refugee issues in Greece
December 2021
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The rejection of RSA from the NGO Registry by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum has caused great concerns amongst the 19 organisations co signing this statement and sets a major negative precedent in Greece.
Press Statement_Joint Policy Briefing Walling Off Welcome
September 2021
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DRC and 44 NGOs and civil society groups have today released a report urging the European Union and Greek government to abandon plans to dramatically restrict the movement of people in refugee camps in Greece and work for the protection of those in need. New legislation aims to further restrict the freedom of movement of camp residents and access for NGOs, journalists, and others with critical aid delivery and monitoring roles.
Δήλωση για το θάνατο νεαρού άνδρα στη δομή φιλοξενίας Σχιστού / Statement on the death of a young Schisto resident
July 2021
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Το Δανικό Συμβούλιο για τους Πρόσφυγες (ΔΣΠ) εκφράζει βαθιά λύπη για το θάνατο ενός νεαρού κατοίκου της δομής φιλοξενίας προσφύγων Σχιστού, ο οποίος έβαλε τέρμα στη ζωή του το βράδυ της Πέμπτης (08/07) μετά από την δεύτερη απόρριψη του αιτήματος ασύλου του σύμφωνα με δημοσιευμένες πληροφορίες. Διαβάστε ολόκληρη τη δήλωση / DRC is deeply saddened by the death of a young resident of Schisto hosting site who took his own life on Thursday (08/07) evening after his asylum application was reportedly rejected for the second time. Gaps in mental health service provision and fear of deportation may significantly heighten applicants’ anxiety and undermine their wellbeing. Read the full statement.
“Ασφαλής” η Τουρκία, ανασφαλείς οι πρόσφυγες: Η ουσιαστική εξέταση των αιτήσεων ασύλου είναι η μόνη ασφαλής λύση για άτομα που χρήζουν διεθνούς προστασίας.
June 2021
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Με νέα ΚΥΑ που εκδόθηκε στις 7 Ιουνίου, η ελληνική Πολιτεία ορίζει την Τουρκία ως «ασφαλή τρίτη χώρα» για οικογένειες, άντρες, γυναίκες και παιδιά που αιτούνται διεθνή προστασία στη χώρα μας, προερχόμενοι από πέντε χώρες, ακόμα και με υψηλά ποσοστά αναγνώρισης διεθνούς προστασίας, όπως η Συρία, το Αφγανιστάν και η Σομαλία. Με αυτή την απόφαση πρακτικά παγιώνεται η πολιτική αποποίησης της ευθύνης προστασίας των προσφύγων στην Ευρώπη, ακόμη και των ασυνόδευτων παιδιών, στο πλαίσιο που τέθηκε ήδη από την εφαρμογή της Κοινής Δήλωσης ΕΕ-Τουρκίας, το Μάρτιο του 2016.
Greece deems Turkey “safe”, but refugees are not: The substantive examination of asylum applications is the only safe solution for refugees
June 2021
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With a new Joint Ministerial Decision (JMD) issued on 7 June, the Greek State designates Turkey as a “safe third country” for families, men, women and children of five nationalities seeking international protection in Greece. It is noted that the JMD applies even to those from countries with high recognition rates for international protection, such as Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia. This decision reinforces the policy established by the March 2016 EU-Turkey Statement that shifts the responsibility to protect refugees, including unaccompanied children, arriving in Europe to third countries.
5 organisations in Europe join forces to combat online trafficking of women
December 2020
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5 οργανώσεις στην Ευρώπη ενώνουν δυνάμεις για την καταπολέμηση της εμπορίας γυναικών στο διαδίκτυο
December 2020
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MORIA FIRES: European Governments must urgently relocate displaced individuals from Greece
September 2020
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Urgent Call to Action from Civil Society Organisations across Europe
Joint NGO press release
October 2020
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Greece: Investigate Pushbacks, Violence at Borders
Joint NGO press release (Greek)
October 2020
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Ελλάδα: Ερευνήστε τις επαναπροωθήσεις και τη βία στα σύνορα
Κοινό ΔT: Aστεγία και στέρηση για χιλιάδες πρόσφυγες / Joint PR: Risk of homelessness and destitution for thousands refugees
December 2020
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Το Δανικό Συμβούλιο για τους Πρόσφυγες μαζί 72 ακόμη οργανώσεις τονίζουν τον κίνδυνο αστεγίας και στέρησης για χιλιάδες πρόσφυγες αυτόν τον χειμώνα / DRC and 72 organisations stress that thousands of refugees in Greece still face homelessness and destitution
Policy Notes
Κοινή Δήλωση 293 Οργανώσεων για το νέο Νομοσχέδιο της ΚτΠ
Κοινή Δήλωση 293 Οργανώσεων για το νέο Νομοσχέδιο της ΚτΠ
November 2021
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Πάνω από 290 οργανώσεις της Κοινωνίας των Πολιτών (ΟΚοιΠ) απέστειλαν στις ελληνικές αρχές κοινό υπόμνημα σχετικά με το προς ψήφιση σχέδιο νόμου του Υπουργείου Εσωτερικών «Οργανώσεις Κοινωνίας Πολιτών, εθελοντική απασχόληση και λοιπές διατάξεις», το οποίο φαίνεται να απέχει από το αίτημα των οργανώσεων για ουσιαστική ρύθμιση και ενδυνάμωση του χώρου. Η μαζική πρωτοβουλία των οργανώσεων δημιουργήθηκε με αφορμή τη δημόσια διαβούλευση του εν λόγω νομοσχεδίου, που έληξε 19/11/2021 συγκεντρώνοντας πάνω από 340 σχόλια. Το σχέδιο νόμου προσπαθεί να θέσει ένα νομοθετικό και θεσμικό πλαίσιο και να ρυθμίσει τις σχέσεις Κράτους – Κοινωνίας των Πολιτών (ΚτΠ) αλλά και να διευθετήσει το πεδίο του εθελοντισμού.
The right to asylum in the context of ‘instrumentalisation’ – Lessons from Greece
The right to asylum in the context of ‘instrumentalisation’ – Lessons from Greece
November 2021
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Greece’s decision to suspend access to its asylum process in March 2020 as a response to pressure from Turkey set a dangerous precedent for the Common European Asylum System. This has re-emerged in light of events unfolding in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Cyprus and of calls for amending the EU legal framework to respond to so-called “hybrid attacks”. In this policy note, eight civil society organisations track the far-reaching repercussions of the March 2020 Emergency Decree suspending the Greek asylum procedure on the rule of law and the right to asylum. The Decree led to blanket detention of people in inhuman conditions, automatic deportation orders contrary to the non-refoulment principle, criminal prosecution of refugees for irregular entry, delays in access to asylum and denial of family reunification under the Dublin Regulation. It also The organisations warn against the risks of further changes to the EU acquis in response to “instrumentalisation” and urge the European Commission to enforce existing EU asylum law through infringement proceedings.
Relocation from Greece. Lessons Learned and looking ahead
November 2021
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Despite a significant decrease in arrivals in 2020 and 2021, there is still a compelling need for continued relocation from Greece. Reception conditions, and access to essential services and asylum procedures still fall short of international standards. As the voluntary EU scheme is scheduled to come to an end, 27 civil society organizations call for the continuation of relocation from the country. This briefing paper, based on the organizations’ experiences both in Greece and in destination countries, offers their perspective on how to improve the process and outcomes for those being relocated, particularly for unaccompanied children
Joint Open Letter: Denying food
October 2021
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Denying food: instead of receiving protection people go hungry on EU soil.
Walling Off Welcome Joint Policy Briefing
September 2021
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Παρατηρήσεις επί του Σχεδίου Νόμου «Αναμόρφωση διαδικασιών απελάσεων και επιστροφών πολιτών τρίτων χωρών, ζητήματα αδειών διαμονής και διαδικασιών χορήγησης διεθνούς προστασίας»
Παρατηρήσεις επί του Σχεδίου Νόμου «Αναμόρφωση διαδικασιών απελάσεων και επιστροφών πολιτών τρίτων χωρών, ζητήματα αδειών διαμονής και διαδικασιών χορήγησης διεθνούς προστασίας»
June 2021
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Στο έγγραφο, οι οργανώσεις που παρέχουν νομική συνδρομή στην Ελλάδα Υποστήριξη Προσφύγων στο Αιγαίο (RSA), Ελληνικό Συμβούλιο για τους Πρόσφυγες (ΕΣΠ), HIAS Ελλάδος και Δανικό Συμβούλιο για τους Πρόσφυγες (DRC) καταθέτουν τις παρατηρήσεις τους επί του κατατεθέντος σε δημόσια διαβούλευση Σχεδίου Νόμου του Υπουργείου Μετανάστευσης και Ασύλου, πάνω στη νέα μεταρρύθμιση της νομοθεσίας για τη μετανάστευση και το άσυλο, μόλις ένα χρόνο από τις τροποποιήσεις που θεσπίστηκαν με τον Ν 4686/2020.
Comments on the Bill amending deportation and return procedures, residence permits and asylum procedures
Comments on the Bill amending deportation and return procedures, residence permits and asylum procedures
June 2021
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This paper summarises comments from legal organisations Refugee Support Aegean (RSA), the Greek Council for Refugees (GCR), HIAS Greece and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) on the bill amending migration and asylum legislation, submitted to public consultation by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum one year after the last migration reform.
«Για Μία Ευρώπη που Πραγματικά Προστατεύει». Κοινό Ενημερωτικό Σημείωμα για την Πρόταση της Ευρωπαϊκής Επιτροπής περί Συνοριακού Ελέγχου
May 2021
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Το Σεπτέμβριο του 2020, η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή υπέβαλε την πρότασή της για ένα νέο Σύμφωνο για τη Μετανάστευση και το Άσυλο, με την υπόσχεση για ένα «νέο ξεκίνημα» στην προσέγγιση της Ευρώπης για τη μετανάστευση. Το Σύμφωνο εισάγει μια σειρά νομοθετικών προτάσεων που εξετάζονται επί του παρόντος από το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο και το Συμβούλιο, συμπεριλαμβανομένου ενός Κανονισμού περί διεξαγωγής ελέγχου των υπηκόων τρίτων χωρών στα εξωτερικά σύνορα. Στην έκθεση, την οποία έχουν υπογράψει 12 οργανώσεις που εργάζονται στην Ελλάδα, διατυπώνονται σοβαρές ανησυχίες σχετικά με στοιχεία του προτεινόμενου κανονισμού για τον έλεγχο και επισημάνσεις από την εμπειρία μας στα ελληνικά Κέντρα Υποδοχής και Ταυτοποίησης.
"For A Europe That Truly Protects." Joint NGO Policy Brief on the Screening Regulation Proposal
May 2021
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In September 2020, the European Commission presented its proposal on a new Pact on Migration and Asylum, promising a ‘fresh start’ to Europe’s approach to migration. The Pact introduced a number of legislative proposals that are currently being examined in the European Parliament and the Council, including the Regulation introducing a screening of third country nationals at the external borders. This policy brief, signed by 12 NGOs working in Greece, brings forth serious concerns about elements of the proposed Screening Regulation and highlights from our experience in the Greek hotspots.
"For A Europe That Truly Protects." Policy Brief Summary
May 2021
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Free2Link Report
April 2021
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DRC joined forces with Cooperativa Sociale Progetto Tenda onlus, LABC srl, CWEP and Nesta Italia in the fight against online trafficking of women and girls. This report equips professionals with insights into current knowledge of online trafficking, available tools, and recommendations on preventing and fighting e-trafficking.
Greece CEAS Caselaw Briefing Greek
April 2021
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Στο πλαίσιο της συζήτησης του Νέου Συμφώνου για τη Μετανάστευση και το Άσυλο, η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή τον Σεπτέμβριο 2020 κατέθεσε νομοθετικές προτάσεις, οι οποίες σε συνδυασμό με τη δέσμη προτάσεων που είχαν κατατέθηκαν προγενέστερα (2016), αποσκοπούν σε μία εις βάθος τροποποίηση του ενωσιακού κεκτημένου για το άσυλο. Με σκοπό την συμβολή στο νομοθετικό έργο μέσα από την επισήμανση των νομικών ζητημάτων και των κινδύνων που ελλοχεύουν στις κατατεθείσες νομοθετικές προτάσεις, δημοσιεύεται στο παρόν σημείωμα μία σύνοψη της πρόσφατης νομολογίας των διοικητικών δικαστηρίων σχετικά με την ερμηνεία των ισχυουσών διατάξεων που αφορούν τη διαδικασία των συνόρων, τον ανασταλτικό χαρακτήρα των ένδικων βοηθημάτων και μέσων, καθώς και τη διοικητική κράτηση.
Greece CEAS Case Law Briefing English
April 2021
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In September 2020, as part of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, the European Commission tabled legislative proposals aiming, in conjunction with the package of proposals presented in 2016, at an in-depth reform of the EU asylum acquis. This note provides an overview of recent jurisprudence of the Greek administrative courts on the interpretation of provisions in force governing the border procedure, the suspensive effect of remedies, as well as administrative detention. The note aims to contribute to the legislative process by highlighting legal issues and risks in the Commission proposals.
Ανοιχτή επιστολή για την πρόσβαση των παιδιών προσφύγων στην εκπαίδευση / Open letter on refugee children's access to education
March 2021
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H DRC Greece μαζί με 32 οργανώσεις εκφράζουμε βαθιά ανησυχία για την κατάσταση που επικρατεί στην Ελλάδα που επικρατεί τα τελευταία χρόνια σχετικά με την πρόσβαση και τη συμπερίληψη παιδιών αιτούντων άσυλο και προσφύγων στην εκπαίδευση. / DRC Greece along with 32 organisations express deep concern about the situation relating to asylum seeking and refugee children’s access to education in Greece over the past few years.
The Workings of the Screening Regulation
January 2021
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DRC and 7 other Greece-based NGOs worked on a comparative analysis that focusses on the proposed Screening Regulation and the Greek reception and identification procedure applied on the islands and the Evros land border.
Joint NGO letter (Greek)
October 2020
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Θέμα: Ανοιχτή επιστολή προς τους Έλληνες Βουλευτές για διερεύνηση των αυθαιρεσιών στα σύνορα
Joint NGO letter
October 2020
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Open Letter to Members of the Hellenic Parliament Calling for an Investigation into Border Abuses
Documents related to DRC Greece status
Greece financial state_DRC ΧΡΗΜ ΚΑΤ 2018
Greece financial state_DRC ΧΡΗΜ ΚΑΤ 2018
March 2021
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Greece financial state_DRC ΧΡΗΜ ΚΑΤ 2019
Greece financial state_DRC ΧΡΗΜ ΚΑΤ 2019
March 2021
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Greece statute_ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΣΗ_ΑΜΚΕ_DRC GREECE
Greece statute_ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΣΗ_ΑΜΚΕ_DRC GREECE
August 2020
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Greece annual report 2018_ΕΤΗΣΙΑ ΕΚΘΕΣΗ ΠΕΠΡΑΓΜΕΝΩΝ_2018_ΕΛΛ_ΑΓΓΛΙΚΑ
Greece annual report 2018_ΕΤΗΣΙΑ ΕΚΘΕΣΗ ΠΕΠΡΑΓΜΕΝΩΝ_2018_ΕΛΛ_ΑΓΓΛΙΚΑ
March 2021
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Greece annual report 2019_ΕΤΗΣΙΑ ΕΚΘΕΣΗ ΠΕΠΡΑΓΜΕΝΩΝ_2019
Greece annual report 2019_ΕΤΗΣΙΑ ΕΚΘΕΣΗ ΠΕΠΡΑΓΜΕΝΩΝ_2019
March 2021
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DRC Child Safeguarding Policy
DRC Child Safeguarding Policy
July 2020
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DRC believes that everyone has a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect and exploitation. This policy addresses the area of child safeguarding.