ΑΛΛΗΛΕΓΓΥΗ ΣΤΗΝ ΕΕ: ΕΞΕΛΙΞΕΙΣ ΣΤΟ ΠΕΔΙΟ ΤΗΣ ΠΡΟΣΦΥΓΙΚΗΣ ΠΡΟΣΤΑΣΙΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΠΡΟΚΛΗΣΕΙΣ ΣΤΗΝ ΕΕ ΚΑΙ ΣΤΗΝ ΕΛΛΑΔΑ

Lorra Pappa 71 application of international law reinforce inequalities and discrimination and lead down a slippery path of us not taking democracy for granted in western societies. I would like to close this presentation on a note of optimism and share with you, a bright example of solidarity. last month, 5 unaccompanied minors were trans- ferred from Metadrasi from Greece to Portugal, outside of the usual channels of relocation or family reunification. yes it is possible. Through the discretionary clause under Article 17 of the Dublin III Regulation. A great cooperation between MetAdrasi, the Portuguese and Greek authorities and Portuguese NGOs. And due to the fact that these kids were not transferred through relocation program, Portugal could not receive the 300 euros per person for eighteen months from the European Commission. So, Metadrasi found the resources from private donations to support the Portuguese NGOs’ effort to receive and integrate these 5 Afgans. A bright ex- ample of cooperation among national NGOs and EU member states and an open challenge for other EU member states to follow this example, in order to protect these “other” 1.000 children leaving in Greece in camps, in detention or on the streets. 90% of them will stay in european soil, in Greece or other member states through relocation, family reunification or through smuggling networks. And as long as we do not actively awaken and try to address the issue, as long that these children and minors are not considered as our own children, we compromise our future, and the rhetoric of hate, isolationism and mistrust will continue to gain ground. Thank you.