Equal Legal Aid

➡️Increased legal support, closer to refugee camps In Greece, asylum-seekers are often isolated in remote refugee camps, far from cities and legal resources. Limited and expensive transport, systematic discriminatory police control and the risk of pushback make it difficult for them to access legal assistance. Many face rejection of their asylum claims and have just 30 days to appeal - a critical and complex procedure that requires urgent legal support. Our team is working to set up legal clinics in community centres close to these camps. This collaboration is essential to ensure that asylum seekers are informed of their rights, prepared for their interviews and appeals, and represented in court, giving them a fair chance in their asylum application. 🤝A warm thank you to each community centre for their exceptional welcome and invaluable cooperation in making these interventions possible. Habibi.Works, BAAS - Be Aware And Share, IHA - InterEuropean Human Aid Association Germany e.V., Northern Lights Aid Open Cultural Center (OCC) Every week, people seeking protection are transferred from the islands to the mainland, moving from one camp to another. Most of them have already had their asylum interviews and are waiting for a decision, which unfortunately will be negative in many cases. For several months now, the appeal procedure has been suspended due to a lack of interpretation, which has led to the systematic postponement of appeals and interviews and plunging hundreds of people into uncertainty. ⚖️In this context, our legal support is more important than ever. Despite the many challenges, we remain committed to ensuring that everyone has access to their rights, legal representation and a fair trial. #AccessToJustice #SupportAsylumSeekers #LegalAidForRefugees #HumanRightsMatter #EqualAccess

📢 We have co-signed a joint letter with 35 other organisations to the Greek Ministry of Migration calling for the immediate restoration of interpretation services for #asylum seekers in Greece. Read the letter here: https://lnkd.in/dgeMJTQC 🔴 Since May this year, the provision of interpretation within the asylum and reception services in Greece has been severely disrupted. As a result, asylum seekers' fundamental rights have been violated, including the right to access the asylum procedure and health services. Interpretation is funded by the #EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF). Despite the availability of funds, long delays in renewing the contract with the provider of interpretation services have led to months of disruption. This breakdown is just another example of a wider pattern of neglect by the Greek state of the basic needs of asylum seekers and refugees. The denial of such basic services threatens their safety, legal rights and dignity, and reflects a systemic failure to uphold basic humanitarian standards. 🔴 Financial deprivation: Since May 2024, asylum seekers in Greek camps have been deprived of their meagre but essential monthly allowance. Isolated from urban centres and lacking public transport, many rely on this allowance to meet their basic needs. But the payments stopped without warning or explanation - just a text message notification. Now, with no official update from the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, they face growing uncertainty. 🔴 Overcrowded and insalubrious refugee camps with limited access to food and water: Access to drinking water and food in Greek refugee camps falls far below safe standards. Residents face a humiliating routine of waiting for hours, even in extreme weather conditions, sometimes only to find that rations have run out. A 2024 report by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) describes food distribution as 'chaotic and undignified', highlighting a worsening humanitarian crisis. These repeated violations of the fundamental rights of exiles illustrate the absolute contempt of the authorities for them and their irresponsible management of European public funds, as well as the arrogance of a government that has repeatedly breached European and international law since its election in 2019. These violations are part of a relentless escalation of abuses, often irreparable and always unpunished. #HumanRights #AccessToJustice #StandWithRefugees

🚨No more deadly borders 🚨 In response to EU President Ursula von der Leyen's support for offshore detention centres and recent rollbacks of asylum rights by other EU leaders, migrant-led organisations are taking a stand. Today, we share their powerful letter to EU institutions, calling for humane alternatives to Europe's increasingly restrictive and deadly border policies. Calling for an EU that respects the lives and rights of all migrants and refugees, the groups urge leaders to abandon policies that harm vulnerable people seeking safety. Read the full letter here: https://lnkd.in/dwvgv4Vp #EndBorderViolence #RefugeeRights #EuropeForAll

📢20 years of Frontex, 20 of violence. On 26 October, Frontex, the EU's border agency, celebrates its 20th anniversary. ELA joined 80 organisations to call for its end. Frontex has endangered lives, undermined core EU values and opened the door to corporate exploitation - leading to serious human rights abuses at Europe's borders. The reality: From violent border raids to collaboration with regimes that detain and abuse people seeking safety, Frontex has proven to be a failed, dangerous experiment. Despite evidence of its complicity in abuses, Frontex continues to expand. 💸 Corporate ties & abuses: Billions poured into surveillance and weaponry instead of helping those in need. Frontex's corporate partners include companies such as Israeli firm IAI, whose drones help target vulnerable people in the Mediterranean. 🚨It's time to end Frontex! Its resources must be redirected to build a migration policy that is centred on care, compassion and justice. We're calling on the EU to prioritise safe, humane policies over militarised borders. Europe faces a choice: cling to militarised borders or choose compassion and justice. The choice we make today will shape our world for generations to come. Read the letter here: https://lnkd.in/dttreaMz #AbolishFrontex #JusticeForAll #HumanRights #MigrationJustice

On 20 May, we shared Aisha's testimony. After six years of fighting for her rights to be recognised in Greece, Aisha had decided to leave Greece by applying for family reunification with her son in France. Two weeks ago, Aisha received her decision. Listen to her good news in the video Images: Sideris Nanoudis Music: Dimos Vryzas #RefugeeRights #FemaleGenitalMutilation #AsylumSeekers #ProtectWomen #EndFGM #HumanRights #FGMSurvivors #RightToHealth #RefugeeProtection #GenevaConvention #WomensRights #StopFGM

🔈 Calling all legal professionals: Support us in defending the rights of exiles in Greece and Europe! ⚖️ Since 2020, Equal Legal Aid has been fighting to provide quality pro bono legal assistance to asylum seekers stranded in northern Greece. In a particularly hostile context, where rejected and criminalised asylum seekers can no longer exercise their most basic rights, our commitment is more crucial than ever. We see the gravity of the situation every day. Since our launch, we have helped more than 1,300 people from 50 countries who have fled conflict, disaster and persecution because of their political opinions, beliefs or gender. Young, vulnerable and often victims of violence, these people need rigorous legal representation to gain protection in Europe. With a dedicated team of 12 volunteer lawyers, interpreters and legal advisers, we advise, inform and represent them at every stage of the asylum procedure, from the moment they make their application until all appeals have been exhausted. We have also brought more than 30 strategic cases before the Greek courts and are actively advocating at European level for fairer asylum procedures that respect human rights. In order to continue this vital work, we need to strengthen our network of partners specialising in the defence of human rights and asylum law in Europe. To date, our work has been supported by French and international law firms such as DLA Piper, Medici Law firm and ACQUIS, as well as by Barreau de Lyon, Barreau de Marseille, the Ordre des Avocats au Barreau de LILLE and the Avocats du Barreau de l'Essonne. We were also honoured to receive the Trophée Pro Bono of the Barreau de Paris (Ordre des avocats de Paris) prize in 2023 and the Medici for Equality prize in 2024. However, despite our many valuable supporters, we have seen a decline in funding in recent years, with funds being redirected to other regions or causes. The continuation of our mission now depends on new financial support, both short and long term. We need your support! 🌍 As a legal professional, you know better than anyone the obstacles faced by people struggling with complex legal procedures. Whether it is through a personal donation, support from your firm, or by spreading this message to your networks, your commitment is vital to our cause. Every gesture counts! 👉 To find out more about our actions, or have a chat, contact us. The support of legal professionals is a powerful symbol of unity for access to justice for the most disadvantaged. Together, we can build an ecosystem of solidarity in defence of human rights and access to justice! Thank you for your commitment 🙏! #ProBono #HumanRights #EqualJustice #LegalAid #Solidarity #AsylumSeekers #AccessToJustice

🔈 Appel aux professionnel·es du droit : aidez-nous à défendre les droits des exilé·es en Grèce et en Europe ! ⚖️ Depuis 2020, Equal Legal Aid se bat pour offrir une assistance juridique pro bono de qualité aux personnes exilées bloquées dans le nord de la Grèce. Dans un contexte particulièrement hostile, où les demandeurs et demandeuses d'asile, refoulé·es et criminalisé·es, ne peuvent plus exercer leurs droits les plus fondamentaux, notre engagement est plus crucial que jamais. Chaque jour, nous sommes témoins de la gravité de la situation. Depuis notre création, nous avons accompagné plus de 1 300 personnes, originaires de 50 pays, ayant fui des conflits, des catastrophes et ayant subi des persécutions en raison de leurs opinions politiques, croyances ou de leur genre. Jeunes, vulnérables, et souvent victimes de violences, ces personnes ont besoin d’une défense juridique rigoureuse pour obtenir une protection en Europe. Grâce à une équipe dédiée de 12 avocat·es, interprètes et juristes bénévoles, nous les conseillons, les informons et les représentons à chaque étape de la procédure d’asile, du dépôt de leur demande jusqu’à l’épuisement des voies de recours. Nous avons également engagé plus de 30 contentieux stratégiques devant les tribunaux grecs et plaidons activement au niveau européen pour des procédures d’asile plus justes et respectueuses des droits humains. Pour continuer cette mission indispensable, nous avons besoin de renforcer notre réseau de partenaires spécialisés dans la défense des droits humains et du droit d’asile en Europe. À ce jour, notre travail a été soutenu par des cabinets français et internationaux tels que DLA Piper, Medici Law firm et ACQUIS, ainsi que par les Barreau de Lyon, Barreau de Marseille, Ordre des Avocats au Barreau de LILLE et Avocats du Barreau de l'Essonne. Nous avons également eu l’honneur de recevoir le Trophée Pro Bono du Barreau de Paris (Ordre des avocats de Paris) en 2023 ainsi que le prix Medici for Equality en 2024. Cependant, malgré de nombreux soutiens précieux, nous observons depuis quelques années une réduction des financements, redirigés vers d’autres régions ou causes. La poursuite de notre mission repose désormais sur l’obtention de nouveaux soutiens financiers, à court et long termes. Nous avons besoin de votre soutien ! 🌍 Professionnel·les du droit, vous connaissez mieux que personne les obstacles auxquels sont confrontées les personnes aux prises avec des procédures juridiques complexes. Que ce soit par un don personnel, un appui de votre cabinet, ou en diffusant ce message à vos réseaux, votre engagement est essentiel pour soutenir notre cause. Chaque geste compte ! 👉 Pour en savoir plus sur nos actions, contactez-nous. Le soutien des professionnel·es du droit est un symbole fort d’unité pour l'accès à la justice des plus démuni·es. Ensemble, nous pouvons bâtir un écosystème solidaire pour défendre les droits humains et l'accès à la justice ! Merci pour votre engagement 🙏

Valia was one of the first ELA volunteer lawyers in 2021. In September 2023, she rejoined us as a lawyer from Athens and was responsible for representing asylum seekers before the Athens-based authorities. Her new position and strong involvement has helped to significantly redistribute and rationalise our heavy workload for almost a year. Valia is a particularly rigorous and dedicated lawyer whose expertise quickly made her indispensable to the team. Her kind and acute approach to legal challenges has fostered a supportive environment for people in the move and colleagues alike. Unfortunately, due to a lack of funding, we were unable to continue her position beyond July 2024. We are grateful to have worked with her and deeply appreciate the invaluable contributions she made during her time with us. Although we are sad to see her go, we know that her skills and commitment to justice will continue to make a difference wherever she goes. We wish her well in her new adventures! Here is Valia’s testimony:  “Working for ELA was an enriching experience. I had the chance to grow professionally thanks to the support of my colleagues who were always keen to share their knowledge and expertise. Indeed, representation of asylum seekers before the administrative court is in practice an inaccessible choice· despite the fact that, in theory, free legal aid is provided by the national legislation· meaning, despite the fact that it is the people’s right· despite the fact that there are many grounds for tackling the second instance decisions on the asylum applications, due to the -many times- flawed and unlawful asylum procedure in Greece. ELA being one of the few organizations providing this kind of legal support, gave me the chance to understand important legal gaps and omissions of the greek asylum procedure, and actually challenge them before the Court.  This would not have been possible without the rest of the team members who were always motivating, zealous, solidary, and if I may say “believing in the impossible”.  Thank you for everything.  Keep up the amazing work!” #grateful #legalaid

Today marks one year since Hamas' attack in Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking hundreds of hostages. One year since the Israeli war machine unleashed its full weight on Gaza, resulting in mass destruction and a humanitarian catastrophe. One year of Palestinian genocide. This tragic anniversary is marked by the horrific escalation of terror and violations of international law. The destruction and human suffering has spread to Lebanon, where more than 2000 people have been killed and 1 million displaced in just 10 days. Our thoughts are with all the victims and their families who continue to bear the burden of this unimaginable tragedy. On this deadly day of remembrance, we call on the international community to intervene with urgency, to uphold justice, to work for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the occupation. #CeaseFireNow

In the last week alone, Israeli bombs have killed more than 1150* people in Lebanon. So far, 1 million people have been displaced, including 100,000 who have fled to Syria. Mobile Info Team and ELA have supported people who have fled the Middle East seeking safety in Europe for many years. Over the past year especially, we have been contacted by Palestinians living in Greece who are desperate to reunite with family members trapped in Gaza. We are horrified at the war crimes of Israel's far-right government, whether they are happening in the West Bank, Gaza or Lebanon. We repeat and join the call of international organisations for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, the Occupied Palestinian territories and Gaza, the guarantee of protection for civilians, unrestricted access to humanitarian aid and medical evacuations, and the establishment of safe routes. For all those seeking safety in Europe, we urge for the right to asylum to be upheld. ➡️We join the Left group of the European Parliament in calling for the suspension of the EU’s trade and association agreement with Israel and demand an immediate and unconditional arms embargo on Israel. https://lnkd.in/eASnFSke ➡️ To donate directly to citizen-led initiatives providing aid to displaced populations in Lebanon: https://lnkd.in/eKMZDbA3 *Report from the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. #StopSendingArms #EndtheOccupation #CeasefireNow