BREAKING: EFKA ignores binding ECtHR interim measures decision
Recognised refugee in Greece deprived of necessary treatment for her survival one week after the Court's ruling
Zakia* is a young recognised refugee from Syria with a disability and a serious chronic illness who requires specific treatment and medication to survive. Last week, on 19 February, the European Court of Human Rights issued a binding interim measures decision, indicating to Greece to ensure her unimpeded access to that treatment.
Despite the obligation to implement the decision immediately, the Greek social security authority, EFKA, has still provided no solution one week later: it has not activated her AMKA (social security number), as requested last week by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum. Zakia* therefore still cannot access the treatment and care she needs. Beyond non-compliance with the court ruling, these actions put the young woman at immediate risk for her life.
Background: After Zakia* was recognised as a refugee, the Provisional Health Care and Insurance Number (PAAYPA) she had as an asylum seeker was automatically deactivated. In order to receive an active AMKA, Greek law requires a work contract or recruitment certificate, a requirement that is impossible for Zakia* to meet given her health condition. This constitutes discriminatory treatment against recognised refugees that does not apply to Greek nationals or citizens of EU member states.
Refugee Support Aegean (RSA) is legally representing Zakia* and has exhausted every available avenue before turning to the ECtHR. Greece now holds a binding decision from the Strasbourg Court. The decision nonetheless remains unenforced.
*Name changed for reasons of safety and protection of private life.
For full background of the case and the ECtHR interim measures, read here: https://rsaegean.org/en/ecthr-interim-measures-amka-refugee-greece/
