The purpose of her visit was the discussion on refugee issues in Greece with representatives of Médecins du Monde – Greek Delegation. In the discussion also participated after invitation: Mr Giorgos Tsarbopoulos, Head of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees Office in Greece, Mr Spyros Koulocheris, Head of Legal Unit at Greek Council for Refugees, Mrs Ioanna Babasika, President of NGO METAdrasi and Mrs Maria Athanasiou, Board member of NGO Medical Intervention.
The topics of discussion were mainly on migration issues: reception conditions and general treatment of migrants and people seeking international protection; the procedure for granting asylum; detention centers and NGOs actions.
Particular attention was drawn to: the curtailment of the right to free access to health care services for increasingly more uninsured fellow citizens; the severe social repercussions of financial crisis; and the upsurge of racist violence.
Legislative framework that applies in each case, particular procedures and usual practices were presented by the Organizations. At the conclusion of the discussion, organizations pointed out the areas where there is imperative need for immediate changes. Mrs Boldrini listened to the Organizations representatives’ views with avid interest and concluded the discussion by pointing out that it is the shared responsibility of all EU member states to address these issues, and not the exclusive responsibility of Greece or Italy.
