The NGO Oxfam published on 2 July a new report in which it denounces the effects of a new Greek law on asylum, which, according to it, leads to “exploitation” and “abuse” of asylum seekers.
The law, which came into force in January and was amended in May, “is designed to deport people instead of offering them safety and protection”, says the NGO, which is associated with another local NGO, the Greek Refugee Council.
The two NGOs explain that migrants arriving in Greece are immediately kept in hotspots on the Greek islands with less access to care; this is particularly important for vulnerable people and children.
Moreover, these migrants have very little means of explaining the reasons for their departure and their asylum application. The new law prohibits many people who do not have legal support from appealing against the rejection of an asylum application, Oxfam explains. Time limits have been shortened considerably and in many cases expire before individuals are informed of the decision. Asylum-seekers can only appeal through a lawyer, but in Lesbos, for example, there is only one state-funded lawyer.
Link to the report: https://bit.ly/2CWx5Kk (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)