When people who have fled violence, war and persecution arrive to Greece, one of the main doorsteps to Europe, to exercise the fundamental right to seek asylum, they face many obstacles and violations. This includes prolonged stays in undignified camps, a lack of access to the most basic needs, and an asylum procedure that systematically denies their rights. With little or no information or legal guidance, people seeking international protection have to try and navigate the complex asylum procedure that will define their legal recognition as a refugee. This hostile context not only severely impacts their physical and mental health, but also their chances of living their lives in safety.
Fenix works to provide legal support with the conviction that a traditional approach to legal aid is insufficient in assisting people who seek refuge. We don’t see people who seek refuge as mere legal cases, but as individuals with their own, intersecting needs and skills, who are deserving of a more holistic approach to legal aid as they endure traumas of violence and displacement. Besides, structural change in laws and policy is required to ensure dignified and effective access to the right to seek asylum.
