“Thank you for helping me to be granted asylum in Greece”. Muamba is a victim of torture from the Democratic Republic of Congo and he is one of the thousands of people who have received legal support from METAdrasi’s team.

In the islands of Lesvos, Samos, Chios, Leros and Kos, where the “hot spots” are located, METAdrasi offers legal aid, free of charge, to the exceptionally vulnerable population of asylum seekers that remain trapped, under unacceptable living conditions, within the context of special fast-track process of asylum claims examination.

The locally established lawyers of the Organisation offer support throughout all stages of the asylum process, in the first and second degree, including cases of family reunification (Dublin III). Additionally, in special cases, they undertake the free of charge legal representation to the competent Administrative Courts, with the aim of providing legal advocacy of the beneficiaries’ fundamental procedural and substantive rights, including the absolute right of non-refoulement to a territory in which there is a real risk of torture or/and inhuman and degrading treatment. Special emphasis is given to the need for international protection of vulnerable groups, such as unaccompanied minors, victims of torture, victims of serious physical, psychological or sexual violence, victims of human trafficking, individuals that suffer from post traumatic stress disorder syndrome.

More than 65,100 individuals have benefited from this activity, which started in 2011 and since July 2016 is being implemented with the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.