Offering work for the protection of unaccompanied minors in our country, the Non-Governmental Organization ZEUXIS was distinguished in Brussels at the high-level conference recently organized by the Belgian Presidency of the EU in collaboration with the European Migration Network, on the occasion of the end of its term and the adoption of the Pact on Asylum and Migration.

The director of ZEUXIS, Panagiotis Nikas, was invited by the Belgian presidency to present the NGO's work with unaccompanied minors in the Safe Areas of the Closed Controlled Structures on the islands of Samos, Chios, Kos, and Leros. This work was evaluated as good practice and highlighted as an example of multi-actor collaboration to strengthen procedural guarantees for the protection and support of vulnerable populations.

"We operate within the closed controlled structures where safe areas have been created, meaning separate hosting centers within the closed structures for unaccompanied minors," said Mr. Nikas, adding that a key element of the program is the synergy of various actors working for the benefit of the minors.

Caring for the well-being of unaccompanied refugee children and ensuring their rights as provided by European, International Law, and international conventions, the services provided by ZEUXIS's specialized staff include a holistic approach and specialized assistance according to the needs identified on each island and the specific needs of unaccompanied refugee children.

"Whatever concerns the unaccompanied minors arriving on these four islands, we take care of it. We connect them with health structures, provide medication where needed, give them clothes, shoes, snacks every day, and we have psychologists and social workers," explained Mr. Nikas. In other words, the organization provides these services until the registration process of the minors is completed upon their arrival on these islands and until they are placed in one of the structures on the mainland.

Since February, 1,130 children have benefited from the program.
The support contributes to inclusive integration and prepares the children for the next phase, which is their transition to Unaccompanied Minors Hosting Centers on the mainland. The services are provided in collaboration with the Reception and Identification Service, the Asylum Service, the National Public Health Organization, and the Prosecutorial Authorities.

The project "Safe Areas for Unaccompanied Migrant Children (Samos, Leros, Chios, and Kos islands)" is co-financed by the Swiss Contribution for the reduction of economic and social inequalities in the EU and the Ministry of Migration and Asylum and is implemented by ZEUXIS in cooperation with the General Secretariat of Vulnerable Citizens and Institutional Protection.

Currently, the NGO also operates hosting centers for minors in Athens and Piraeus, one for boys and one for girls, providing hosting services, including accommodation, nutrition, access to education, non-formal education provision, and access to medical and pharmaceutical services. The boys' hosting center "Phoebus" is a fully furnished and equipped space, suitably configured and staffed with specialized personnel (Social Workers, Psychologists, Educators, Legal Advisors, Daily Care Supervisors, Interpreters, etc.), where up to 32 unaccompanied minor boys can find shelter, warmth, and protection. It operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays, and provides all the supportive services provided for by the Framework of Standard Operating Rules and Licensing of Unaccompanied Minors Hosting Centers.

Similarly, the Unaccompanied Minors Girls' Hosting Center "OIKOS" aims to create and provide an adequate framework for hosting, protection, and support, as well as the development of autonomy and independence skills in preparation for the minors' transition to another framework (foster care, semi-autonomous living, open adult structures, etc.), taking into account their age and any specific needs they may have.

’Safe Areas for Unaccompanied Migrant Children (Samos, Leros, Chios and Kos islands)” The project is supported by the Swiss contribution to reducing economic and social disparities in the EU and the Hellenic Ministry of Migration and Asylum and is implemented by Zeuxis in cooperation with the General Secretariat for Vulnerable Persons and Institutional Protection - Ministry of Migration and Asylum