The abovementioned law 3907/2011 cannot be applied yet, because there are no screening centers. In
practice referrals are done by NGOs working in the field or in the few reception centers.
In practice torture survivors were referred in the past to the Medical Rehabilitation Centre for Victims of
Torture (MRCVT), when it used to work as an NGO on such issues, and now are referred to
“Metadrasi”, an NGO providing inter alia legal-medical reports . They are also referred to “Babel” for
their rehabilitation. “Babel” implements a mental health programme financed by the Ministry of Public
Health. Both Metadrasi and Babel offer their services only in Athens.
In practice, NGOs manage the Accommodation Centres and choose which people to accommodate
based on vulnerability. All vulnerable groups and not only unaccompanied children are given priority.
7. Provision of information
According to Article 3 of the Presidential Decree 220/07 the authorities competent to receive and
examine an application for asylum, namely the General Police Directorates of the Greek regions and the
Security Departments of the Police Directorates of International Airports of Athens and Thessaloniki,
must inform the applicant immediately and in any case within 15 calendar days, providing them with
information material in a language that they understand. This material, published with the care of the
Greek Police Headquarters, mainly describes the asylum procedure, the rights and obligations of the
applicant, with special emphasis on the applicant’s obligation to cooperate with the authorities and to be
at the disposal of the competent authorities throughout the asylum procedure, as well as the
consequences of not complying with these obligations.
This material must also provide information on the existing reception conditions, including health and
medical care, as well as on the operation of UNHCR in Greece and other organizations that provide
assistance and legal counselling to asylum applicants. The Greek Action Plan also foresees the
provision of information in a systematic manner to new arrivals at 5 locations, namely, Orestiada,
Alexandroupoli, Samos, Lesvos, Chios. This is envisaged as necessary action upon reception, pending
the establishment of the First Reception Services.
In practice, however, the few brochures delivered do not include all the necessary information.
If the applicant does not understand any of the languages in which the information material is published
or if the applicant is illiterate, the information must be provided orally, with the assistance of an
interpreter. A relevant record shall, in such case be kept in the applicant’s file.
8. Freedom of movement
Without prejudice to Article 6 paragraph 5 Presidential Decree 220/07 - according to which the stay of
the asylum seekers may be limited at a specific area for reasons of public interest, public order or if
necessary with regards to the fast and effective completion of the asylum procedure -, applicants may
move freely within the territory or within the area assigned to them by the Central Authority and choose
their place of residence. The assigned area cannot affect their private life and must allow them sufficient
scope so as to enjoy access to all benefits under this Decree (P.D 220/07). In any case, applicants must
immediately inform the authorities competent to receive and examine their application, namely, the
Greek police, of any change in their address. No previous authorization is needed for changing the
place of residence.
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