In recent years, the phenomenon of the rising crisis of immigrants is a subject which almost all European countries are involved in, including Greece. As you may know, immigrants facing multiple challenges, both in migration and after reaching the borders of their desired country. One of these problems is the need to find accommodation.
Having a shelter is a definite right for every human being in the world. Unfortunately, refugees in Greece have been deprived of this basic right recently. The Greek Ministry of Migration Policy announced that, “recognized refugees will lose their access to housing and cash assistance under a European Union policy" (qtd.in Samidoun). It’s very difficult for refugees to find affordable homes and apartments. Many of them have a family and children, which makes it harder for them. In another accurate statistic, “Of those, 600, who were recognized as refugees by the Greek government on or before July 31, 2017, will be removed from their apartments – or from their places in refugee camps, where they have been living for at least 19 months – by March 31” (Chrysopoulos). Therefore, this problem must be investigated in a quantitative and dynamic manner. In fact, the resettlement of refugees and recognition of their asylum rights can be achieved through providing a social housing scheme by the coordination of the government, international associations and nongovernmental organizations.
In order to clearly understand the homelessness of thousands of defenseless refugees without any support, we need to perceive the reasons behind this problem. The first major reason for the expulsion of refugees from their homes is that the Greek government does not have a specific program for refugee resettlement. According to Papagiannakis, speaking at the Athens Coordination Center for Migrant and Refugee Issues, “Unfortunately there is no plan for the recognized refugees. But in order to house recognized refugees you need to offer social housing to everyone or it’s a disaster” (qtd.in Edwards). Another important factor is the influx of newcomers to Greece. According to the latest survey by the UNHCR, the last registered number of immigrants arriving in Greece has reached 9,223 from the beginning of 2019 (Operational). This increase in the influx of immigrants to Greece has multiplied the problem of resettlement. Further, changing the policy by the Greek government is another decisive factor behind this issue. “Under the policy, people lose access to camps and UNHCR accommodation and cash 6 months after they get refugee status or subsidiary protection. That policy was made to meet the requirements of the European Union, which funds both the cash program and the UNHCR accommodation scheme” (Greece plans). Unacceptably, the Greek government implemented its new policy without any definite support from the refugees. Finally, the limitation of emergency aid from the European Union to Greece is another important factor in the refugee homelessness. As Papagiannakis states, “The EU emergency funding will almost certainly come to an end at the end of 2018 and suggests the Greek government will need to seek alternative supports” (qtd.in Edwards). Overall, the study of the factors affecting the homelessness of refugees is essential because of the importance of the human issue.
The first recommendation to resolve the refugee settlement problem is providing a social housing scheme through the coordination of the government. Specifically, according to article 30 PD 141/2013, published by Greek Council, “beneficiaries of international protection should enjoy the same rights as Greek citizens and receive the necessary social assistance, according to the terms applicable to Greek citizens” (Housing). Only through a determined political strategy and with the efforts of the authorities, the refugee-housing crisis maybe controlled to some extent. In this context, Antigone Lyberaki, Managing Director for “SolidarityNow” states that, ''The Greek Government has the required resources to receive refugees in a safe and dignified manner and support their inclusion into the society. What is needed now is full political will to resolve existing problems that make thousands of people suffer and also to create a response system that will benefit both refugees and the hosting community” (qtd.in Transitioning). Therefore, the role of the government in effective policies around this phenomenon is crustal.
If the government has a systematic and organized plan, there are undoubtedly many facilities in the country that can be used to deal with this situation. For example, according to assistant mayor of Athens, “Finding empty apartments is not a problem; many have become vacant since the economic crisis. We have more than 100,000 empty apartments in the region” (qtd.in Edwards). In addition, the government can provide conditions for refugees to integrate into the community by providing job positions. As a result, refugees, like Greek citizens, can partly afford rental and other expenses for themselves and their families. In support of this important issue, UNHCR spokesperson for Greece, Boris Cheshkov, acknowledged, “We urge Greece to accelerate the implementation of critical national programs outlined in the 2018 National Integration Strategy which promote the self-reliance and integration of recognized refugees, including Greek language classes, vocational training and access to gainful employment” (qtd.in Chrysopoulos). Generally, the role of government executives and the proper planning and management of crises in such complex circumstances is crucial and can be a possible solution to the housing situation for refugees.
The second critical step in confronting the refugee's homeland crisis is international support. This means that since the wave of immigrants continues to grow, the need for international relief is felt more than ever. This is in a situation where Greece still suffers from the effects of the economic crisis. As GCT claims, “The European Commission announced an additional 43.7 million euros in emergency support to the International Organisation for Migration in order to help Greece meet the housing and protection needs of the most vulnerable groups of migrants and refugees ahead of the winter” (EU Gives). As these aids continue, and the government will even provide part of this assistance with appropriate policies to rebuild old sites and provide refugees, this can somehow solve the homelessness crisis. Also noticeable, the UNHCR Representative in Greece, Philippe Leclerc, announced in an interview that, “the European Commission has provided assurances that funding for the accommodation programme of asylum seekers in apartments (ESTIA) will continue also in 2019.” (Interview). This assistance should continue until a specific program has been set up to resolve the issue of settling the immigrants from the government. As Leclerc states, “this funding for 2019 is important but what is key is to see what happens after 2019” (qtd.in Interview). In addition, Greece needs international assistance specifically in the country. This direct presence can be very helpful and effective. “Help International will be sending a team of volunteers to work with refugee populations in Greece. Volunteers work with partner organizations in the country to provide social and emotional support and services to people seeking refuge from war, persecution, and violence. These refugees are spread across refugee camps, housing projects, and squatter settlements” (Land). It’s obvious that continued EU assistance and international support on the ground, together with government efforts, can be a major step towards tackling the refugee housing crisis.
The third major measure to control the housing crisis for refugees is the ongoing and effective activities of nongovernmental organizations. Specifically, Non-governmental organizations can help refugees in such crises because they are not government-affiliated and holding humanitarian goals. Because of the huge number of NGOs in Greece, unity can also affect the homelessness of refugees and seek solutions to the crisis. For instance, setting up a demonstration and strike against this plan can be one of the measures. In the same way, the Workers' Union in NGOs called on all NGO workers to participate in the mass strike on Tuesday, April 16, 2019, against state-sponsored homelessness and refugee protection (NGO Workers). The Workers' Union in NGOs in part of the recall states, "We stand firmly on the side of the refugees and show our solidarity in their struggles for life, freedom, self-determination and dignity. We have been hired to contribute to the meeting of the needs of the refugee population, not to force refugees into homelessness and misery" (NGO Workers). In addition to providing a catalytic and effective role in controlling the crisis, NGOs can also provide refugee services, including the development of Greek language classes or training courses for recruiting refugees in to the Greek labor market and finding jobs. If the refugees can enter the labor market, the housing crisis and other problems will gradually be resolved. In general, we need active and effective NGOs to help the affected refugees.
In conclusion, the problem of housing has been one of the most serious issues facing refugees in recent months in Greece. The new wave of immigrants who are constantly coming to Greece has exacerbated the crisis. On the other hand, the Greek government continues to suffer from the devastating effects of the economic crisis on the country, and the country's economy is not well established. For this reason, a new plan has been launched for the withdrawal of a number of refugees from their homes, which will increase the homeless refugee crisis. The move comes at a time when there are no alternative programs for displaced refugees, which reflects the government's lack of work in this regard. The Greek government can also copy the pattern of other European countries; form a comprehensive refugee reform plan, focusing on the refugee status change. Of course, the immigrant crisis in Greece is not something that the government can solve alone. Solving this crisis requires an international solidarity and non-governmental organization support. Efforts to deal with this crisis have taken place so far, but not enough.
Works Cited
Chrysopoulos, Philip. “Thousands of Refugees Likely to Be Evicted from their Homes in
Greece.” Greek Reporter. Feb 23, 2019.
Edwards, Elaine. “How Greece Got to Grips with a Relentless Refugee Crisis.” The Irish Times.
Mar 02, 2018.
“Greece Plans to Phase out Cash and Housing for Recognized Refugees.” Refugee. Info. Feb 18,
2019.
GCT.” EU Gives 43.7 Million Euros to Be Used to Help Greece with Migrant Housing.” Greek
City Times. Nov 15, 2018.
“Housing, Greek Council for Refugees.” Asylum in Europe. December 2018.
“Interview with UNHCR Representative in Greece on Housing Programme for Asylum-
Seekers.” Estia Unhcr. Feb 19, 2018.
“Land of Story Tellers.” help-international. 2019.
“NGO Workers' Strike against Refugee Evictions.” Ela Liberta. Apr 16, 2019.
“Operational Portal, Refugee Situation.” The UN Refugee Agency. Apr 14, 2019.
“Samidoun: Solidarity with the Refugee Movement for Rights and Justice in
Greece.” Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network. Mar 04, 2019.
“Transitioning to a Government-run Refugee and Migrant Response in Greece.” Relief Web. Dec
12, 2017.
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