The Greek Forum of Refugees (GFR) has been at the forefront of empowering refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants by actively participating and involving them in decision-making processes and public dialogue. Guided by the principles of human rights and international law, the GFR aims to ensure the effective and active participation and inclusion of newcomers in their host societies. In pursuit of this vision, in 2019, the organization initiated the Self-Advocacy Team (SAT), a groundbreaking initiative that allows refugees and migrants to play an essential role to address their own needs, advocate for their rights, with the ultimate goal to access decision-makers and decision-making processes shaping policies and fostering political integration.
We defend the rights of Refugees
Visibility & Rights Awareness - Self-Advocacy & Empowerment - Integration & Participation
Representing the voices and experiences of refugees and migrants at national and European levels, enhancing visibility, and raising awareness about their rights and challenges.
Strengthening the capacity and agency of refugee and migrant communities to address their own needs, advocate for their rights, and establish self-advocacy.
Promoting social and political integration of refugees and migrants while actively involving them in decision-making processes that impact their lives, fostering their active participation.
Our Advocacy team (SAT)
The idea of Self-Advocacy emerged from the collective voices of the community members, expressing the need to actively participate in all matters related to society. The Greek Forum of Refugees heeded this call and established SAT, recognizing that active social and political inclusion was pivotal to achieving a holistic integration. As a grassroots organization founded by refugees, with refugees for refugees, the GFR envisioned SAT as vehicle for enhancing the culture of convergence, promoting synergies, and contributing to wider social progress.
The Role of SAT in Political rights and political Integration:
Over the years, the Self-Advocacy Team methodology has gained momentum and has been integrated into various European projects. This initiative aim to promote self-advocacy, provide advocacy training, and facilitate the exchange of ideas between decision-makers and self-advocates to influence future policies for a participatory and democratic society with inclusive political culture. One such project, DEPART (Developing Effective Policies for migrants and refugees through SAT-based policy-making processes), has garnered significant attention and support from the European Commission.