Last update:
15-Jan-2020

War conflicts, political and religious upheavals in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, the acute economic problems and the accompanying survival problems are the main causes of the refugee waves of recent years towards Europe, and, especially, towards Greece. Refugees, after they manage to enter, at risk of their lives, either from the sea or the land borders in Greece, particularly overwhelmed, experience sometimes, beyond practical problems, a persistent violation of their rights. Among these refugees, some population groups are more vulnerable to risks and violations of their rights: pregnant women, elderly people, LGBTI people, minors, and the unaccompanied minors. Especially for minors, specialized, international laws is in place to protect their rights. The Greek state, in cooperation with other governmental, non-governmental organizations and international organizations, takes special care to protect minors and unaccompanied minors. Today, in addition to the commitment to respect and compliance with international law, minors and unaccompanied minors are also protected by the harmonized with the European, national legal framework. The problems associated with the temporary stay or even permanent resettlement of refugees in Greece are acute. One of the most important problems is related to access to the health services, and, especially the management of the health problems faced by minors and unaccompanied minors. Although the Greek state has taken significant measures in the matter, there are still many weaknesses that need to be faced, in order to ensure the rights of all minor refugees. The development and implementation of the institutional framework are challenging and important issues to be explored.

Key words: Refugee crisis, asylum, socioeconomic crisis, minor refugees, health.