The first of the launch events signalizing the official beginning of the “Local Development and Poverty Reduction” and “Asylum and Migration” Programmes funded by the EEA Grants (2019 – 2024) ended with significant response and attendance. Both Programmes, funded with 23mln EUR, intend to enhance the economic and social cohesion and to ensure the functioning of the national asylum and migration system, as well as to ensure the right to access to the asylum procedures.
“Migration is by nature an international phenomenon and is a part of the reality of Europe today. The challenges stemming from migration cannot be solved by one country alone, but must be addressed through cooperation and mutual support. Norway has been assisting Greece for a number of years and will continue to do so both as a matter of solidarity but also as a means to solving a joint challenge.” notes Frode Overland Andersen, Ambassador for Greece and Cyprus.
“Through the combined efforts of highly professional Greek, Norwegian and international organisations, the programmes financed by Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein will provide sustainable positive impact for vulnerable groups in the Greek society; like children, migrants and asylum seekers and disadvantaged Greek population” highlighted Frode Mortensen, one of the Financial Mechanism’s Office representatives.
“It is very important for us, as the Fund Operator of the Programmes, that EEA Grants provide such an important funding dedicated to a more just and inclusive society for all. Our role comes with high responsibility and also commits us to striving for equal access to human rights for all people”said Epaminondas Farmakis, founder of HumanRights360, which alongside with SOL Crowe are the Fund Operator of the Programmes in Greece. “At this time, it is very important to get the projects started quickly and to achieve the goals that have been set,” he added.
The Open Call for Proposals was also presented during the event, calling civil society organizations and NGOs to submit proposals for future programmes. The Open Call’s philosophy is to improve open accommodation facilities for vulnerable asylum seekers by creating 300 accommodation places. Among these places, 225 are dedicated to unaccompanied minors and 75 for other groups of vulnerable asylum seekers, with priority to pregnant women and single parents.
On Wednesday, November 6, at 15:00, the second launch event will take place in Thessaloniki, at the “Xanthippe Hoipel” Hall of MOMus – Museum of Contemporary Art. The event will end with a short training on the Open Call for Proposals.
For more information:
Fotini Kokkinaki – Communication Officer
Email: fotini.kokkinaki@humanrights360.org
tel: +306970280150
