As part of the EU-funded project: “Support to Greece for the development of the hotspot/relocation scheme as well as for developing asylum reception capacity”
Highlights of August
The accommodation capacity in support of the relocation programme funded by the European Union reached more than 10,000 places-10,571 places as of 31 August, representing 53% of the 20,000 target of UNHCR and its partners by the end of 2016.
Over 11,800 persons benefitted from the project, which includes the cumulative number of current and past beneficiaries, persons relocated to EU Member States and irregular departures and/or abandons.United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi visited the Greek operation and met with the relocation candidates living in an apartment managed by Municipality of Athens through Athens Development and Destination Management Agency on 24 August (Photo Gallery). The High Commissioner mentioned that the future of many the refugees in Greece is linked to the Relocation programme which must be accelerated to meet the targets. The visit was covered by various national and international press.
Medical services in response to the needs of the relocation candidates started on 17 August with the partnership of Municipality of Athens through Athens Development and Destination Management Agency (Municipality of Athens) at the Municipal Health Clinic at Ano Patissia, Athens. The services prioritize the 3,000 beneficiaries of ADDMA’s targets, but are also extended to the beneficiaries of the other partners (within the project except those of PRAKSIS who provides medical assistance to its own beneficiaries) and the host community through appointment. In Lagadikia site, Doctors of the World Greece (MdM) provides free quality primary healthcare services and psychosocial support to a target of 500 beneficiaries.
Brochures to clarify the Accommodation for Relocation eligibility criteria have been produced in three languages (Arabic, English and Greek) and on eligibility to accommodation under the project are being distributed to sites and Asylum Service offices country-wide to provide access to information to asylum-seekers.