Most legal remedies against detention in Greece require a lawyer, meaning that many asylum seekers have no way to challenge their illegal detention. We try to tackle this severe issue by helping individuals submit claims against their detention before Greek, European, and international bodies. We also engage in advocacy to raise awareness about the practices and conditions on Kos and work with other lawyers and actors on the island to develop strategies against the detention.

Focus: Vulnerable Groups

No one should have to live in conditions like those prevailing in Greece for refugees. But some suffer in worse conditions than others: homeless women are particularly vulnerable, survivors of torture need special treatment, children have a right to school. Human rights apply to everyone. But vulnerable people are even more at risk of becoming victims of human rights violations. The state has an obligation to provide them with special protection. We demand this and support (inter alia) persons with special needs.

Since opening in January 2021, we have secured the release of eight individuals from the pre-removal detention centre through various interventions.

In July 2021, the Ombudsman responded to a request by Equal Rights calling on the police to release 19 migrants unlawfully detained in the Kos pre-removal centre. However, despite two orders from the Ombudsman, the police have refused to release our clients.

In October 2021, we published a report on detention practices and conditions inside the Kos pre-removal detention centre. This was the first full-length report ever issued on the subject and will be an important tool for challenging detention on Kos in the future.