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

Sari Nissi 75 III. Data centralization essential to matching names with numbers The issue of missing and deceased migrants does not of course concern only Greece but it is global. this adds to the complexity in providing answers to the families of those missing. They often do not know who to approach; and the option to approach authorities is excluded due to fear towards measures potentially taken against them. They often cannot talk about this within their communities due to the stigma surrounding the missing. Neither is the tracing service of Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (also called restoring family links ) very well known – even if it is an old service – available for everyone looking for their loved ones. The good news is that in Europe, many countries have a system in place to register and identify the dead –such as post mortem data and DNA profiles. The challenging – bad – news is that many obstacles remain in informationsharing that is needed to be imported as to allow to connect the families andthe unidentified bodies across Europe, and beyond. Without this, thousands of graves will stay with only numbers, no names. The ICRC is calling for three actions. First, there should be better stand-ardization of protocols for data management of dead bodies. The same protocol should be used by all countries, and within the EU in particular. Second, each country should equally design one authority to be responsible for datacentralization, so that coordination at national, and international level would be more efficient. Third, the so called “third countries” –countries of origin of deceased migrants– need to be supported in creation of a mechanism where the families can register their cases. IV. Concluding with a positive Greek initiative In 2017 and in 2018, ICRC together with the Hellenic Police’s forensic Science Division organized round-table meetings where Greek authorities agreed on the need to improving the legal framework so will allow better data centralization and coordination among all concerned authorities. The ICRC sees an opportunity that the Hellenic Republic could be at theforefront in restoring the dignity of dead migrants and supporting the families. This type of an example is needed as to en- courage the whole europe, and be-yond, take action as to assure dignity to dead migrants. Of course, ultimately, we hope that Basheer’s story is the last one of its kind, and means for safe passage are created, as migratory flows are here to stay.