Persisting systematic detention of asylum seekers in Greece

Greece continues to systematically impose deprivation of liberty against asylum seekers and to expose people seeking protection to serious violations of fundamental rights and to unsuitable conditions in pre-removal centres and police stations. The practice persists despite sharp criticism and mounting condemnations of the country by international bodies.

This note analyses current detention practice based on the latest available statistics on immigration detention and judicial review thereof, as well as on testimonies from refugees detained in Greece.

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Rhodes: Newly arrived refugees with no shelter and adequate food, at the mercy of winter

In recent months the majority of new arrivals of refugees on the Rhodes – including families with children – end up sleeping on the streets.

21 Dec 2023

Summary of the event: “Through the eyes of those who experienced it”.(VIDEO)

Refugees and islanders talked about the effects of the deal on their lives and on local communities. The event was coordinated by journalist Fotini Lampridi.

18 Mar 2021

No room for complacency towards racist violence one year after the conviction of Golden Dawn

One year after the historic conviction of Golden Dawn, the Racist Violence Recording Network calls to mind the importance of the judicial decision that sent a clear message against the criminal organization and organized racist violence. In parallel, the Network warns that there is no room for complacency, as the modus operandi of organized violence continues to severely affect social cohesion.

13 Oct 2021

Voices of refugees three days after the destruction of Moria camp

11 Sep 2020

ESCAPE AGAIN: Afghan refugees deported from Germany are forced to flee a second time to save their lives

Afghan refugees deported from Germany are forced to flee again. Refugee Support Aegean (RSA) researchers met with four of the…

19 Feb 2018

Refugee women in the offside

Greece encampment policy and services takeover lead to isolation and deny protection

21 Mar 2023

Hearing before the Court of Justice of the European Union on Thursday 14 March on the preliminary questions of the Greek Council of State regarding Turkey as a “safe third country”

On Thursday 14/32024, hearing before the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg, regarding Turkey as a “safe third country”

13 Mar 2024

19 refugees dead in the devastating fires and escalation of racist violence in Evros, Greece

The tragic human toll currently includes 19 confirmed dead refugees on Evros and escalation of racist discourse and practices

23 Aug 2023

Ministry of Migration and Asylum’s persistence on Turkey’s characterisation as a “Safe Third Country” for refugees returns to the Council of State

Αίτηση ακύρωσης στο Συμβούλιο της Επικρατείας

11 Jun 2025

Beneficiaries of international protection in Greece | Access to documents and socio-economic rights

This Legal Note provides up-to-date information on the situation of beneficiaries of international protection in Greece, including readmitted status holders from other European countries, drawing on a third party intervention submitted on 24 February 2021 by Refugee Support Aegean (RSA) and Stiftung PRO ASYL in the case of Alaa Asaad v. the Netherlands before the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).

22 Mar 2021