ELIL's Dedication on International Women’s Day

“‘ELIL creates a safe environment free of judgement and prejudice by assigning an experienced female lawyer and a professional female interpreter for women and girls to share their deepest fears and traumas that made them flee their perpetrators.”

— Farah, interpreter's coordinator

Today is International Women’s Day and this blog describes how ELIL is committed to assisting refugee women seeking safety. In Greece, where over a quarter of those seeking international protection are women, ELIL has played a crucial role in providing legal assistance as, in 2023, 38.01% of the individuals we assisted were female. 

Challenges Faced by Refugee Women: 

Upon arriving in Greece, women who have endured extreme violence and dangerous journeys often encounter new challenges. Refugee women, in particular, are faced with issues related to their gender, societal roles and standing. Their access to fundamental rights and hence legal assistance is often limited, making them more susceptible to discrimination and violence. The lack of facilities and the poor conditions in camps place a particularly heavy burden on women, who often shoulder the majority of care responsibilities for children and other relatives.

Legal Assistance Tailored for Women: 

Recognising the challenges faced by refugee women, ELIL is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space within our offices. Our lawyers do extensive research into country-of-origin information, focusing on matters relevant to gender-based claims. This includes understanding the legal position of women, political and social rights, cultural norms, and the risks they may face upon return after seeking asylum.

ELIL is very aware of the need for sensitivity, particularly when supporting refugee women with their asylum case. Acknowledging that some women may hesitate to disclose the full extent of persecution for a variety of reasons, ELIL actively pays special attention to addressing psychological and social barriers, ensuring women can safely and confidently present their claims.

ELIL's Approach: 

To facilitate open communication, ELIL acknowledges the importance of having female staff, particularly lawyers and interpreters. With 70% of our lawyers, and almost 50% of our interpreters, being female, ELIL ensures a culturally sensitive approach to addressing the specific needs of refugee women. 

In the three locations we work in Greece, we are actively engaged in centres specifically oriented towards assisting women and children. In Athens, we work at Action for Women, an organisation dedicated to women's rights with an all-female team and management, providing support for the recovery, resilience and integration of women seeking asylum. We also have duty hours at the JRS Women’s Centre, a centre with social workers offering psychosocial support and a medical clinic providing initial aid. 

On Lesvos, we have regular duty at When We Band Together. WWBT is a community centre for women and children outside the Mavrovouni camp. In Thessaloniki, our team has weekly duty hours in the centre of the Quick Response Team, a space that offers various activities exclusively for refugee girls and women residing in Diavata camp. 

These initiatives are crucial for ELIL and, recognising the challenges women may face in reaching our offices, are vital to ensuring we can support refugee women. We prioritise having regular duty hours in locations that are accessible to women, creating a safe and calm environment where they can discuss their asylum cases and receive support in advance of their asylum interviews.

As ELIL continues its work, we are steadfast in our commitment to empowering refugee women by providing tailored legal assistance and creating a supportive environment that recognises and addresses the challenges they face. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the resilience and strength of women seeking safety.

Q&A with an ELIL Volunteer Asylum Lawyer

In ELIL we have a lot of people who dedicate their time and expertise to assist our lawyers and interpreters with our daily work. One such individual is Patricia, a volunteer asylum lawyer who came to Athens for a month.

Q1: Can you share a bit about your background as a lawyer in Germany and what led you to volunteer with ELIL?

P: I practiced civil law for fifteen years but felt the need for more meaningful work and this motivated me to shift towards me to asylum and migration law. Learning about ELIL's work through the German Bar Association drew me to volunteer, especially given my language skills in Greek and Persian.

Q2: Reflecting on your time providing legal help to refugees in Greece, could you highlight a particular memorable experience or a challenging situation you navigated?

P: One striking moment involved a very resilient girl who had been badly injured due to a suicide attack in her country. Another challenging one was a three-hour conversation with a detainee in Greece, navigating interruptions and background chaos. Coping with these experiences often led to a nightly ritual of the treadmill.

Q3: In comparing the legal challenges faced by refugees in Greece and in Germany, have you experienced or observed differences?

P: Yes, Germany appears better organised with more guidance from authorities. Greece, on the other hand, often seems more arbitrary and the unique challenges of the Turkey deal are exclusive to the Greek context. The types of asylum seekers also differ, influencing the nature of legal challenges.

“Legal assistance is pivotal in guiding asylum seekers on what to communicate. Many lack an understanding of what’s crucial for their case. It’s not about inventing stories but ensuring they emphasise relevant aspects of their own stories, aligning with conditions outlined in the Geneva Convention.”

— Quote Source

Q5: Can you share an instance where legal aid made a significant difference in someone's case or life?

P: Legal assistance is pivotal in guiding asylum seekers on what to communicate. Many lack an understanding of what's crucial for their case. It's not about inventing stories but ensuring they emphasise relevant aspects of their own stories, aligning with conditions outlined in the Geneva Convention.

Q6: What advice would you provide to those considering volunteering with ELIL?

P: Volunteers must maintain emotional resilience and ensure they can handle the often challenging stories. Understanding the emotional toll is crucial for effective volunteering. Self-care is very important, as highlighted by personal experiences of needing a nightly treadmill or an evening with some colleagues and friends.

Q7: How can individuals with legal backgrounds contribute to making a difference, even if they cannot directly volunteer for ELIL?

A: Individuals can collaborate with the lawyers from ELIL in different countries, providing information, and dispelling misinformation. I still collaborate with the Greek Lawyers of ELIL when they have specific questions about the legal context in Germany, for example in a family reunification case.

Sharing legal knowledge and offering support can contribute significantly to a more informed public discourse on the asylum process.

At ELIL, our team of volunteer lawyers stands as the backbone of our work. Collaborating with our staff lawyers, these volunteers play a pivotal role in providing comprehensive legal support to asylum seekers, engaging in thorough asylum preparations, and drafting essential supporting documents, such as written submissions. If you feel inspired to contribute your legal expertise, we invite you to explore volunteering opportunities with us. Discover how you can be part of the work at ELIL by visiting www.elil.eu/volunteer-with-us.

ELIL 7 YEARS: An Interview with the Managing Director Phil

How has the nature of your work evolved over the past years?

Our work has experienced significant changes, but has fundamentally stayed the same. Starting as a small group of volunteers in one location, we have evolved into an organisation with 35 staff members and volunteers across six locations in two countries.

Our focus has always been on addressing the critical lack of legal support for refugees at the European borders. Our belief – and goal – is that every refugee should have access to an independent, expert asylum lawyer throughout their asylum procedure.

The pressing need first emerged on Lesvos at the end of 2015 and the beginning of 2016, and it continues to be the location where this need is most evident. Thousands of people arrive each year and undergo the asylum procedure without any state-provided legal assistance. They are expected to navigate this complex process, which determines their asylum status in Greece and their physical safety, within a short timeframe and with no support. This was the case back in 2016 and, unfortunately, has worsened over the last seven years, which has led us to expand our work beyond Lesvos, first to Samos (2020), then Athens (2021) and Thessaloniki (2022).

In the face of these challenges, the European legal profession has demonstrated unwavering support for our organisation, illustrating its commitment to the profound importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights. I believe this is because our work aligns with the fundamental role of a lawyer: providing the best possible advice and helping our clients navigate legal procedures effectively. This principle extends to our work in Poland (Warsaw and the Belarus border), where our goal is the same - namely to ensure access to legal assistance for those who have been forced to flee their homes and are seeking protection.

“ I believe this is because our work aligns with the fundamental role of a lawyer: providing the best possible advice and helping our clients navigate legal procedures effectively. ”

Regarding my role within the organisation, I would say that as ELIL has undergone growth, my role has shifted from hands-on management to a more strategic position. I now focus on long-term planning, managing a larger team and maintaining strong relationships with donors, Bar Associations and other stakeholders. Overall, though, upholding our mission and principles remains my top priority – what this means in practice is trying to ensure that as many refugees as possible receive expert legal support. 

In summary, our organisation has evolved and expanded over the past years, but our core mission and principles have remained steadfast. We continue to address the critical need for legal support for refugees, help people navigate complex legal processes and work to uphold the rule of law and protect human rights. Our work may have changed in scope, but our unwavering commitment to empowering those in need and upholding their rights remains at the heart of everything we do.

What is one of your earliest memories with ELIL?

Phil in Moria camp in front of the ELIL container with 2 volunteer lawyers

My earliest memories with ELIL involve two cases that highlighted the importance and need for legal assistance. In the first case, a man from Iraq approached us in Moria camp on Lesvos. He had already done his interview, but wanted some information about the next steps. He explained that, during his interview, he told the Greek authorities that he is a truck driver willing to work hard, pay taxes and contribute to society in Greece. However, he later disclosed to us that he belonged to a persecuted religious minority and his family had been killed by a militia. He had not revealed this during his interview, fearing it would make him appear vulnerable or burdensome. Whilst his approach was completely logical to those unfamiliar with asylum law, it was highly detrimental to his case as it meant he was automatically labelled as an economic migrant. If he had sought legal advice before his interview, he would have been better equipped to truthfully present his case and would have been far more likely to be granted the protection his circumstances warranted. This particular case underscored the importance, and need, of legal assistance.

On the other hand, I remember our first successful case, where a man from a country in West Africa received a positive asylum decision. We had worked extensively with him, gathering evidence of his involvement in human rights activism. The joy and relief we felt upon his positive outcome was profound. It was especially meaningful as it challenged the authorities' assumptions – as his country of origin is not considered to be a high-risk country - and showcased the difference legal assistance can make, especially in cases where the need for protection may not be immediately obvious.

In what ways has the demand for legal assistance changed and how has ELIL adapted its services?

ELIL has continuously adapted to the shifting landscape and the changing need for legal assistance. The past seven years have witnessed frequent policy, procedural and legislative changes, and ELIL has adjusted accordingly. While our core work remains centred around preparing individuals for their asylum interviews, it has become more complex. Administrative support has become increasingly vital, as accessing and navigating the asylum procedure has become more challenging. At the same time, there has been a significant shift in the speed of the procedure, transitioning from an extremely slow process back in 2016 to a very quick one – for example, on Lesvos, the whole procedure can now be concluded within two weeks of arrival. In this extremely limited timeframe, we must promptly connect with the people upon their arrival, provide essential legal information, prepare them through one-on-one consultations, gather necessary documents, draft supporting written submissions and, where possible, represent them at interview.

In response, ELIL has adapted its approach and boosted capacity, in order to assist as many people as possible. Our flexible approach, coupled to partnerships such as the Greece Pro Bono Collaborative, help us reach more people within the limited time frame. Nevertheless, the overarching concern remains that there is a continuous trend of stricter procedures, reduced safeguards, faster timelines, and a future EU Asylum Pact that may exacerbate the situation.

In terms of impact, ELIL's has assisted over 17,000 people over the past seven years. The organisation consistently achieves recognition rates that are double the Greek average, emphasising the value of legal support during the procedure. This core activity – providing expert legal assistance in relation to the asylum interview – remains our most important one. Other more specialised activities, such as the assistance provided to unaccompanied children in relation to age assessment, ensuring suitable accommodation and family reunification, are also vital. At the same time, on a more general level, it is important to demonstrate to people that there are lawyers on their side who are committed to fighting for their rights and upholding fundamental legal principles and safeguards.

One other major adaptation relates to the geographical scope of our work. The need expands well beyond Lesvos and, indeed, beyond Greece. This, of course, is not a new development, but ELIL now has greater capacity to respond – notably through our four offices across Greece and our new projects in Poland. In particular, the project to support refugees crossing the Poland-Belarus border, which began earlier this year, implements the exact same model and principles as our work in Greece. We assist those crossing the border in applying for asylum, we work to secure their release from detention and support with their asylum application. This project was initiated because we saw clear parallels with the situation in Greece – namely, large numbers of refugees arriving with not enough lawyers to assist them, a strict and quick asylum procedure and a lack of state-provided legal aid.

One thing that has not changed is that there are simply not enough lawyers in comparison with the need. Capacity remains the primary challenge for ELIL. The increasing number of arrivals – with more people arriving to Greece in 2022 than in any year since 2019 - coupled to a scarcity of lawyers, creates an ongoing struggle to assist all those in need. The organisation strives to boost its capacity through strategic planning and fundraising, always with the aim of getting more lawyers and more interpreters, and remains committed to protecting people's rights and providing comprehensive assistance.

What inspired you to establish ELIL?

I had always wanted to use my skills and expertise as a lawyer to help people, but I had followed a different path at the start of my career and was working as a commercial lawyer. Then, I saw the situation in Lesvos at the end of 2015 and decided I had to do anything I could to help.

I left my job at a commercial law firm and headed to Greece with the aim of helping in any way that I could. I didn't have a clear picture of what that would look like, but I knew I had to do something. Therefore, when I arrived in Lesvos in January 2016, I came as an independent volunteer, not as a lawyer. For months, along with countless other volunteers, I distributed food, clothes, tents and backpacks to people passing through Lesvos.

 Back then, the borders were open and individuals generally spent no more than 48 hours on the island before continuing their journey. But everything changed in March 2016 with the EU-Turkey deal. Suddenly, the borders closed and people found themselves stuck on Lesvos. They had no choice but to go through the asylum procedure in Greece, a process they hadn't anticipated or desired. The majority of them wanted to reach countries like Germany, France or Belgium. It was during this critical shift, after the EU-Turkey deal, that looked around and noticed that people from almost every relevant profession were volunteering and using their professional skills to contribute. Doctors joined medical organisations, logistics experts helped build essential infrastructure, but the lawyers, few in number, were volunteering together with the other volunteers. There was no mechanism or framework for lawyers to use their legal expertise.

“When I recall the encounters with individuals who have faced unimaginable hardships, it underscores the sheer injustice of the situation. We, as lawyers, are meant to fight against injustice, and this situation epitomizes it.

”

That realisation formed the core motivation behind establishing ELIL. Could we create a structure that would allow lawyers to use their skills to make a difference in a humanitarian context? The answer, which has been proven time and again over the past seven years, was a resounding yes. It was imperative to find a way for lawyers to help in a situation where basic rights, the rule of law and access to justice were profoundly at risk. Thinking back to Lesvos in 2016 provides a constant reminder of the tragic circumstances people face. Tens of thousands of individuals were fleeing persecution, war and violence in search of safety and sanctuary in Europe. However, instead of finding the warmth and open welcome they hoped for, they encounter a complex and hostile legal system.

To be able to provide even the slightest alleviation of their suffering and to support them in their pursuit of justice is a powerful motivation. When I recall the encounters with individuals who have faced unimaginable hardships, it underscores the sheer injustice of the situation. We, as lawyers, are meant to fight against injustice, and this situation epitomizes it. It is important to note that here I am speaking about the entire EU approach and response. The situation in Greece, and indeed at the Poland-Belarus border and any EU external border, is not a domestic issue specific to that country; it is a European issue and needs a European response.

We have seen a shift towards the demonisation of refugees and the erosion of legal safeguards across Europe. However, at the same time, we have welcomed hundreds of new colleagues, volunteers and staff members who fight to uphold the rule of law and protect people’s fundamental rights. This injects fresh energy and perspective into our work, and prevents us from becoming jaded or disheartened. Witnessing their dedication and witnessing the impact they make reinvigorates our team. It is a privilege and an honour to work alongside such remarkable individuals who exhibit this commitment.

We often express the hope that one day organisations like ELIL will no longer be needed. We should not exist - our goal is for the state to provide proper funding and support for independent local lawyers and a system that guarantees that everyone has access to legal representation throughout the asylum procedure. Until that vision becomes a reality, however, we remain committed to doing everything we can to uphold the rule of law, defend human rights and provide access to justice for refugees at the EU’s borders.

A Day in the Life of an ELIL Legal Assistant on Lesvos

ELIL was founded on Lesvos in 2016. Seven years later, arrival numbers are still high, there are very few legal assistance actors left on the island and people are often called to attend their interview at extremely short notice. In this context, the ELIL Lesvos team remains committed to providing free, independent legal assistance to as many people as possible.

In our latest blog, three of our legal assistants, Gianna, Rosie, Matilda, share their experience of what a day volunteering for ELIL on Lesvos might look like. We invite you to follow them as they go about their work!

ELIL’s legal assistants check the calendar and prepare for the day ahead. Today, they will support in several consultations, conduct research for a family reunification case and assist with a legal information session for people from Sierra Leone.

In the Mytilini office, a legal assistant, a lawyer and an interpreter sit down for a one-on-one consultation with a minor who has survived a harrowing shipwreck. The applicant is in need of legal assistance to navigate the complex legal process as he adjusts to life after the traumatic experience. This consultation represents a critical step towards ensuring fair process and upholding the child’s rights. The legal team listens carefully and takes notes on his situation.

Once the consultation is over, the legal assistants turn their focus to a family reunification case. This process can be complex, requiring extensive research and preparation to increase the likelihood of a successful outcome. The goal of the legal team is to demonstrate to the authorities that the applicant and their family member have a valid and important relationship that justifies reunification.

To achieve this, the legal assistants first contact the applicant to request primary evidence, such as passports, marriage certificates or addresses of relatives.

An additional step involves the drafting of a re examination request that outlines the legal information that applies to the case and explains why the relative and the applicant should be reunited. This document provides critical information that helps the authorities understand the urgency and importance of the case, as well as the reasons why the family needs to be together. By assisting the lawyer in following these steps, the legal assistants provide valuable support to families seeking reunification in difficult circumstances. 

In the early afternoon, the legal assistants attend a legal info session, which aims to inform refugees on the asylum process and address any questions they may have. These group sessions are run in response to a high demand for legal assistance from new arrivals, who are often assigned interview dates at very short notice. The legal assistants carefully check the attendance and ensure that all applicants are present. The lawyer runs the session with the interpreter and ensures that all questions are addressed.

As the day draws to a close, the legal assistants wrap up their work by collecting any notes taken and sending them to the lawyers. This ensures that all the information gathered throughout the day is shared with the rest of the team and nothing is lost.

No day is the same for a legal assistant, as they help to navigate complex legal processes and to provide vital legal assistance. We are grateful for their dedication and hard work!  If you’re interested in joining our team as a legal assistance, please visit our website for more information on how to apply.

ELIL Lesvos and Legal assistants

Legal assistants take detailed notes during consultations and work on research for legal memos for various types of cases, from first instance to family reunification. This involves researching the legal framework, analysing the specific case and assisting in the drafting of a memo that outlines all the information gathered.

The ELIL team on Lesvos includes Greek Asylum Lawyers, interpreters, legal assistants and a Project Officer. Each member of the team plays a vital role ensuring that refugees and asylum seekers on the island receive the legal support they need. Whether it’s conducting regular group legal info sessions, providing one-on-one assistance or working on legal memos, the team is dedicated to helping refugees navigate the complex asylum procedure and understand their rights and obligations.

From Legal Assistant to Project Officer

Can you tell us a little bit about your background? 

My name is Serena and I come from Turin (Italy), where I completed my Master’s Degree in Law. Like most of the people starting this academic path, I wanted to be a Prosecutor. During my studies, however, I discovered the concept of fundamental human rights and their relevance to our lives. Since then, I have never stopped studying them. I completed a second Master’s Degree in Human Rights and Conflict Management at the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna (Pisa, Italy). I then gained work experience in institutional contexts, such as at the Council of Europe, the United Nations and the EU Delegation to the UN in Geneva. Alongside my work, I also volunteer  with a Turin-based organisation, StraLi for Strategic Litigation, which employs strategic litigation to defend human rights, mainly as relates to the environment or to vulnerable people like detainees and migrants. I have a deep passion for music and sing every now and then - especially with my dad! I read tons of books (my favourite is “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee); during the first lockdown I started cooking; and since I moved to Greece, I have developed a serious obsession with Greek yoghurt!

You started your journey at ELIL as a legal assistant. What inspired you to volunteer?

Following my work for various institutions, I was keen to gain first-hand experience of how the issues I had studied and worked on actually affected people. ELIL gave me the opportunity to listen to people’s stories, to look them in the eye and to understand the very real impact of having human rights denied or barely recognised. ELIL has been (and still is) an opportunity for growth - professionally and, perhaps even more so, personally. It has allowed me to meet wonderfully dedicated and passionate young professionals.

“ELIL gave me the opportunity to listen to people’s stories, to look them in the eye and to understand the very real impact of having human rights denied or barely recognised.”

Can you describe a particular moment that stands out for you?

What has impacted me the most are the passion and the tireless work of both lawyers and interpreters. They do not consider any one case more important than the next: the lawyers remember every person they met, their story and their progress through the asylum procedure. Considering that in Athens ELIL assists around 400 people each month, this alone is incredibly impressive. They take really good care of applicants, supporting them every step of the way, defending their rights and helping them however they can (for example by referring them for medical support or to other organisations based on need). The interpreters, in addition to acting as an impartial mouthpiece for people seeking asylum, are skilled in making them feel comfortable and listened to. Essentially, what has left the strongest impression are the people working for ELIL, who never stop fighting for applicants’ fundamental rights and dignity.

You are about to start a new role at ELIL as a Project Officer in Thessaloniki. What do you expect from this new position? 

Firstly, I want to say that I am very grateful to have the opportunity to continue to contribute to ELIL’s mission and projects. The situation in the North of Greece is constantly evolving, with many people choosing to cross the land border rather than the sea route. As a result, there is an increasing need for legal aid. Working as Project Officer in Thessaloniki will give me broader, more in-depth knowledge of the current situation in the region and of the challenges and obstacles faced by new and not-so-new arrivals. In addition, and most importantly, I am very much motivated to build and maintain strong and stable relationships with the actors already working in the area in order to reinforce the system of support and social inclusion of asylum seekers and enable them to holistically access their basic rights.

Why do you think it is important for people to support the work we do? 

What I find constantly inspiring about ELIL is not only its mission - providing free legal assistance to asylum seekers - but also its greater impact. Thanks to ELIL, asylum seekers are heard, understood and supported. And this is precisely why people should continue to support ELIL’s work. No one should feel like they have been forgotten, as many of those seeking asylum do. We need to continue to assist, listen and try to make their aim - to live a safe, dignified life - a reality. I would recommend that anyone reading this show their support for this wonderful organisation. With your help, our work can reach even more people!