Eight representatives from embassies, the EU, UNHCR, and IOM listened to the experiences of 23 small grassroots NGOs from across Greece, all working in support of refugees. It was a unique gathering, because small NGOs rarely have much access to embassies, and embassy representatives almost never get the chance to speak with so many NGOs at once who are truly working on the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are the ones taking the risks to fill the enormous gaps left by Greece and the EU,\u201d one of the NGOs said. And those risks have grown significantly in recent years. Calls for criminalisation are increasing, and so is the legislation that enables it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A bitter example of this is the so-called \u201cboat trials.\u201d When a boat arrives, the police look for the person who was steering it. That person is arrested and accused of human smuggling. But human smugglers are not on those boats. After the arrest, an extremely brief trial follows. Thousands of people are unjustly imprisoned in Greek prisons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We were guests at the residence of the Dutch Ambassador to Greece. It was very special to be able to meet there, and that representatives from other embassies had also been invited. And it was one of those days when something happens that you cannot plan or orchestrate, yet that is exactly what makes it so extraordinary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to the danger of criminalisation, these NGOs are dealing with declining income, suddenly losing access to the camps where they work, and struggling with what they can still do or say without putting people or their organisations at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the day unfolded, the atmosphere began to change. The initial tension faded. People started sharing openly and honestly, while also contributing to the report we are preparing for embassies and others on the effects of this legislation. As the stories began to connect, a picture emerged that was heartbreaking, infuriating, and deeply sad. But also inspiring: these people are doing it. They are doing what truly matters, despite fear, despite danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Two worlds met. Two worlds trying to position themselves within a discourse that speaks of human rights, while holding on to those rights often proves to be an illusion. Two worlds that did not know each other before, yet where something like solidarity began to emerge. \u201cNext year at the French Embassy,\u201d I joked to a French diplomat. \u201cThat sounds like a good plan,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI was very sceptical about this day,\u201d one of the participants said, \u201cbut that turned out to be completely unjustified.\u201d \u201cI hope you realise the enormous impact you have created with this day,\u201d another wrote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I find it impossible to capture the richness of this day in a short piece. That will be done more fully in the report we are finalising this week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n