EEA1

 

 

 

 

Duration: July 3-5, 2024

 

Description: The proposed initiative seeks to contribute towards enhancing the orderly and humane voluntary return of migrants, including vulnerable groups, to their Countries of Origin (CoO) through enhanced cooperation and knowledge-sharing between Greece and Norway.

The project will particularly promote best and innovative practices regarding:

(a) the predeparture accommodation and support of returnees in the Open Center for Applicants of Voluntary Return (OCAVRR), run by IOM Greece; and

(b) protection mainstreaming, as applied throughout the assisted voluntary return process in Greece: both elements are acknowledged as best practices and currently embedded in the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) projects implemented by IOM in Greece.

 

IOM Greece and AVRR programmes: Over the course of the past years, the option of voluntary return and, in particular, the AVRR programming set forward by IOM, is preferred by both the Governments and the migrants as more cost effective, humane and conducive to good relations among all stakeholders. IOM Greece has built on IOM’s global expertise with 40 years of experience in AVRR activities and developed the technical skills and experience, adjusted to local requirements. Equally importantly, IOM Greece relies on the close cooperation and support of IOM Missions in the countries of origin and the good relations developed with national and European stakeholders, including local authorities, law enforcement, the diplomatic community in Greece and civil society.

 

Funding: The Bilateral Cooperation Initiatives project is being implemented under the Asylum and Migration programme of the EEA Grants, by IOM.

 

 

 

 

 

About EEA Grants

The EEA Grants represent the contribution of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway towards a green, competitive and inclusive Europe.

There are two overall objectives: reduction of economic and social disparities in Europe, and to strengthen bilateral relations between the donor countries and 15 EU countries in Central and Southern Europe and the Baltics. The three donor countries cooperate closely with the EU through the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA). The donors have provided €3.3 billion through consecutive grant schemes between 1994 and 2014. For the period 2014-2021, the EEA Grants amount to €1.55 billion. The priorities for this period are: 1) Innovation, Research, Education and Competitiveness, 2) Social Inclusion, Youth Employment and Poverty Reduction, 3) Environment, Energy, Climate Change and Low Carbon Economy, 4) Culture, Civil Society, Good Governance and Fundamental Rights, 5) Justice and Home Affairs.

The EEA Grants are jointly financed by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, whose contributions are based on their GDP. Eligibility for the Grants mirror the criteria set for the EU Cohesion Fund aimed at member countries where the Gross National Income (GNI) per inhabitant is less than 90% of the EU average.

More information: www.eeagrants.org & www.eeagrants.gr

 

About Program II: “Asylum and Migration” (Addressing urgent needs for the reception and screening of Asylum Seekers and for the Accommodation of Vulnerable Groups)

The “Asylum and Migration” (Addressing urgent needs for the reception and screening of asylum seekers and for the accommodation of vulnerable groups) programme in Greece, financed by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, was awarded a total budget of 16,5 million euros as part of the EEA Grants 2014 – 2021. The program aspires to contribute to ensuring legal protection, support and care for the most vulnerable asylum seekers, with emphasis on unaccompanied children. The Fund Operator for the “Asylum and Migration” programme in Greece is SOL Consulting S.A in partnership with HumanRights360. More information: https://www.asylumandmigration-eeagrants.gr

 

About the Fund Operator

The Fund Operator for the “Local Development and Poverty Reduction” programme and “Asylum and Migration” (Addressing urgent needs for the reception and screening of asylum seekers and for the accommodation of vulnerable groups) programme in Greece is SOL Consulting S.A in partnership with HumanRights360.

About SOL/ Crowe

SOL Crowe provides auditing and consulting services to an expanded network of organizations and companies operating in the public and private sector in Greece and abroad. The Company provides customized solutions in the entire spectrum of consulting services aimed at supporting, reorganizing and sustainable development of our customers. The services provided cover all areas of corporate activities - Management Consulting Services, Tax Services, Financial Services, Risk Management Services, Human Resources Services, Business Monitoring Services, HTL Services, Technology Services - creating direct and visible value to businesses

 

and organizations. The company is staffed with highly specialized consultants, with experience and professional knowledge and competence, ensuring the efficiency and quality of services provided. More information: https://solcrowe.gr/

 

About HumanRights360

HumanRights360 is a civil society organization established in Greece. Its mission is to protect and empower the rights of all, with no discrimination, giving special focus on the most disadvantaged and vulnerable populations. The cornerstone of its action is the belief that the social inclusion may be achieved only through the protection of the individual, political and social rights of the entire population, and that through wider alliances, both in Greece and internationally, open and tolerant societies can be built, rejecting the Far-Right rhetoric, the extremism and xenophobia, and encouraging the participation of all citizens. The main pillars of HR360 activities is integration services (mainly in refugees’ field such as legal aid and borders monitoring), reintegration services and support of vulnerable people (homeless, ex prisoners), combating hate crimes through recording incidents for the Network of Racist violence, promoting campaigns, participating to researches, reports, editions and providing legal support to victims of racist crimes, strategic communication and advocacy for human rights protection, and management of regranting programmes. More information: https://www.humanrights360.org/