Memorandum by the Greek Ombudsman
A memorandum by the Greek Ombudsman raises serious concerns about the recent updates to the migration bill, particularly regarding lone refugee children. The report warns that the proposed changes do not adequately safeguard the best interests of the child, individualized assessments, or safe reception in the destination country.
The memorandum calls for removing the provision allowing the administrative detention of minors, even as a last-resort measure. It also highlights that short appeal deadlines and higher fees for subsequent asylum applications further limit meaningful access to justice, leaving vulnerable children exposed.
The Association of Greek Administrative Judges has similarly noted that several provisions may infringe fundamental rights and fail to comply with EU asylum and human rights standards.
These concerns underscore the urgent need for legislative reforms that genuinely protect minors and uphold their rights.