Migration, Inequality and Social Integration: Refugee Children’s Experiences in the Greek Reception System

This study highlights the serious challenges faced by refugee and asylum-seeking children in Greece, both upon their arrival and in reception facilities. Reports of refoulement, violence, and limited access to asylum are compounded by living conditions characterized by isolation, restricted movement, inadequate housing, food, health, and psychosocial care, as well as shortcomings in child protection and interpretation services. Despite progress in school integration, children continue to face delays, transportation problems, educational gaps, and incidents of exclusion and racism. The children’s personal accounts vividly reflect intense feelings of fear, loneliness, anxiety, and entrapment, but at the same time highlight their resilience and their desire for education, social participation, and a secure future. Overall, there is a significant gap between institutional commitments to protecting children’s rights and the reality experienced by children in the Greek reception system.

refugee children, asylum seekers, forced returns, reception facilities, child protection, psychosocial support, health care, education, social inclusion, human rights, resilience.

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