Project Duration: 01/01/2022-31/12/2023 

Description:  IOM, through the HARP project and in close collaboration with a wide array of partners, supports the National authorities in improving the quality of humanitarian response and protection assistance to migrants hosted within the Greek Reception system. Particular focus is given to beneficiaries being in a situation of vulnerability. The project is funded by the Directorate General Migration and Home Affairs of the European Commission (DG HOME). 

Components: 

  • Site Operations Coordination: Targeted Site Management Support activities, such as data management, reception and distributions of Non-Food Items until their gradual handover to the Greek authorities. Transportation from/to remote sites and overall coordination of site activities and operations.  

  • Protection:  Direct assistance to vulnerable groups such as persons at risk of GBV and/or human trafficking, children at risk, persons with disabilities and mental health conditions. Prevention and awareness raising activities are also in place. IOM provides a comprehensive spectrum of protection assistance, including case management, legal and psychological counselling, cultural mediation and referrals to external services and community-based protection. The interventions aim at promoting the safety, dignity, well-being, and access to already existing services for all vulnerable persons. 

  • Community Support and Engagement: Access to accurate and comprehensive information and service mapping, promotion of sports, educational and recreational activities in and outside the sites. IOM also supports the organization of community-based interventions, such as community meetings, committees and volunteer groups. 

  • Skills Development: Tailored language learning, digital literacy, and empowerment activities as well as labor market orientation support to make beneficiaries familiar with the local context and prepare them for social and labor integration opportunities. The action seeks to empower and re-activate beneficiaries’ learning and other soft skills, thus contributing to the early integration of those who will be granted asylum in Greece. 

Implementing Partners: Municipality of Athens (through the Athens Development and Destination Management Agency (ADDMA)) ARSIS, Arbeiter Samariter Bund (ASB), Danish Refugee Council Greece (DRC Greece), the Greek Council for Refugees (GCR), METAdrasi, Solidarity Now and the Smile of the Child. 

Areas of Implementation: The project is implemented across 26 Accommodation Sites in mainland Greece.