Supporting a Father and Child Seeking Protection
In November 2024, an Afghan man reached out to ELIL after arriving in Greece with his 6-year-old daughter. He had been in the country for about 20 days but was unable to register for asylum or access medical care. The Ministry’s registration platform was closed at the time, leaving him without an appointment. He explained that he suffers from serious chronic health issues requiring urgent treatment, and that his main concern was ensuring his daughter’s safety and wellbeing.
ELIL responded immediately. Working with a social worker and medical organisations, we arranged medical tests to confirm his condition and then contacted the Ministry to request an exceptional registration appointment. Given his vulnerability as a single parent with severe health problems, the request was granted, and within a week he was officially registered and provided with a medical insurance number to access treatment and medication.
The family’s first accommodation was unsafe: they were placed in a container without a door or window glass, exposing them to cold and insecurity. ELIL’s lawyer intervened with the authorities, including the Ombudsman, and the family was relocated the next day to a safer facility.
From then on, ELIL coordinated every aspect of the applicant’s medical care. We liaised with hospitals, camp staff, and social services to ensure appointments were scheduled on time.
Our team accompanied him to procedures, arranged childcare for his daughter, and secured interpretation beyond the one hour covered by the camp to make sure four-hour medical sessions could proceed smoothly. Because asylum seekers were not receiving the financial support foreseen by law, ELIL also covered the cost of essential medication.
We also prioritised the daughter’s right to education. Her first camp did not provide access to schooling, so ELIL pushed for relocation to a camp near Athens where she could be enrolled. She now attends school, is monitored by social services, and has received the medical care needed for her development.
Finally, ELIL supported the father in preparing for and attending his asylum interview with the Asylum Service. He is now awaiting a decision, while continuing to receive ongoing medical treatment and support.
Update 01/09/2025: the man and child have both received refugee status.
