The year 2023 was filled with dramatic developments, and the Greek Forum for Refugees was present in the field with significant actions and participated in various discussions in Greece and Europe, representing refugee and migrant communities. The most crucial aspect was the emergency measures taken to address ongoing crises, especially for the most vulnerable and invisible members of our society. Our most notable actions, among others, were:
- Food distributions and provision of supermarket vouchers to the most vulnerable families
- The procurement of medications and fulfillment of hundreds of medical prescriptions for our vulnerable fellow citizens as well as the acquisition of eyeglasses for dozens of children and parents who lacked the means to purchase them
- The provision of emergency temporary housing for many people who would otherwise be left on the streets
We sincerely thank EPIM (European Programme for Integration and Migration) for funding these three crucial projects over the past two years. Additionally, we express our gratitude to Welcommon for their collaboration in the emergency housing program.
In a time when conditions in ‘Refugee Reception Centers’ are particularly challenging, regular visits to these centers and the connection of residents with their respective communities have been and remain highly significant for us. Simultaneously, documenting issues, efforts towards their resolution, as well as representing and advocating for their rights in various meetings and discussions at national and European level, have always been the priority of the Greek Forum of Refugees.
One of the major relief actions in 2023 was the implementation of the ‘Food For All’ program, through which we distributed food to vulnerable families every month. In addition to food distribution, it was also about recording their problems and referring them to relevant services and organizations to solve them. We warmly thank INTERSOS Hellas and STICHTING VLUCHTELING for funding and supporting this project. We also thank Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières) for providing us with their space and their immediate response to everything we needed.
A big thank you also to the volunteers and communities especially those who helped us to accomplish our mission.
