The Silent Humanitarian Crisis in Greece: Devising Strategies to Improve the Situation of Migrants in Greece … “A 5-STEP COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY” AIM • Split into specific objectives and define each • Demonstrate that there is a problem which must be addressed • Show reflection on issue and attempt to find alternatives to develop a comprehensive approach • Show your awareness of other initiatives and how your project will build on these MESSAGE Three pillars: i. Identify problem ii. Explain solution and iii. Who will deliver it for each TOOLS • How the project and the message can be delivered • Balance and evaluate impact of various options AUDIENCE • Who do you want to speak to? • Develop different messages for each audience • Seek alternative audiences beyond existing allies who are affected directly or indirectly by these issues EVALUATION In setting your target, develop measuring tools including: • Key performance indicators: statistics of the numbers of people reached through meetings, clientele, and subscribers • A risk analysis and alternatives for obstacles faced Recommendations Through the panel presentations and the group discussion which followed, the following recommendations emerged on the importance of good communication work for human right defenders. 1. Connecting with media – NGOs working in the field must serve as an active database of facts and testimonies of the situation migrants face on the ground. They must also provide guidance and oversight, ensuring journalists are reporting accurately. 3. Social media – Representatives of civil society, migrant organisations and other bodies should embrace social media as a new, easy and cost-effective tool to share information, fuel discussion and incite mobilisation. Concluding Remarks The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants, Mr François Crépeau, visited Greece from 25 November to 3 December 2012 as part of his yearlong study on the management of the external borders of the European Union and its impact on the human rights of migrants. As part of this study, Mr Crépeau visited EU institutions in Brussels, and undertook country visits to Tunisia, Turkey, Italy and Greece. On 3 December 2012, the last day of his visit, the Special Rapporteur made an official statement on his visit to Greece highlighting key issues which emerged from his encounters with Government representatives, civil society organisations, international organisations, the European Union (EU)’s representation in Greece, as well as migrants themselves, including in detention centres. At the end of his official statement, Mr Crépeau urged that a coherent strategy be put in place to ensure that those unable to return home are not left in limbo. “It is contrary to the human rights framework to pursue a policy that leaves individuals in a state of legal limbo such that one cannot build a future of any kind and can only live day after day at a level of precarious survival, in constant fear of arrest, detention and deportation.” Mr François Crépeau, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants, giving remarks on the concluding panel of the event. Having noted that it is partially the needs of the EU labour market for exploitative labour that attracts irregular migrants, and that it is EU policies and practices that force them to stay in Greece, the UN Special Rapporteur remarked in his statement that “there is a strong need for solidarity and responsibility-sharing within the EU in order to ensure full respect of the human rights of all these migrants.” In his end of mission statement, Mr Crépeau urged “Greek authorities to undertake all the necessary measures to combat discrimination against migrants” and recommended the Greek government ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. Highlighting concerns in the official statement over the systematic detention in inadequate conditions for prolonged periods of migrants, and particularly families and children, Mr Crépeau urged the Greek government and the EU to collaborate to ensure the law 3907/2011 on the Establishment of an Asylum Service and a First Reception Service is put in operation promptly and smoothly. Throughout his statement, the UN Special Rapporteur welcomed NGO initiatives to provide practical support to migrants including shelter, medical care and other basic necessities and denounced the administrative hurdles and under-utilisation of existing funds to support such initiatives. He thus urged “both Greek authorities and the EU to enhance their support to NGOs who provide services to migrants.” 2. Developing a communication strategy – Communications must be considered as key element of the work of NGOs and a general strategy in accordance with its mission and objectives must be implemented, as part of the existing work plan. 28 29