In the open accommodation center “A step forward” by Doctors of the World of Greece were found this morning o Norwegian Ambassador Frode Overland Andersen and his Ukrainian counterpart Sergii Shutenko. The two ambassadors had the opportunity to see the premises of the structure and talk to women and children from Ukraine, who are temporarily hosted in the structure. Today, 12 people of Ukrainian origin live there, while 21 women and children from Ukraine have already been hosted.
At the same time, Doctors of the World, responding to the urgent conditions created by the war in Ukraine, are expanding their activities inside our country, in order to meet the needs of even more socially vulnerable groups, such as women and children refugees from Ukraine. . The field teams – social workers and Doctors of the World volunteers – provide social, legal and administrative support as well as material assistance to Ukrainian citizens who have taken refuge in Greece to date, working daily in Athens and Thessaloniki. So far, 582 families and a total of 1,537 people from Ukraine have received the necessary services from the Doctors of the World field teams in these two cities. Soon, in cooperation with the Ministry of Development, a new grant is expected to be approved through the EEA Financial Mechanism – known as the ESA Grants – to support the work of Doctors of the World for vulnerable populations from Ukraine, mainly women and children. .
It is reminded that the open accommodation center “A step forward” has been operating since the summer of 2020 with a grant of 1,105,400 euros from the “Asylum and Immigration” program of EEA Grants, with their managers SOL Crowe & HumanRights360.
On the occasion of today’s visit, the Ambassador of Norway to Greece Mr. Frode Overland Andersen notes: “It is our common duty and obligation to support the Ukrainian refugees, providing them with a safe haven and the help they need while they remain in Greece. This Doctors of the World structure is just a small example of how we can use projects already being implemented under the ESA Grants to support Ukraine. “On a larger scale, the Norwegian government has already committed € 200 million to Ukraine and its neighbors, responding to the needs of the war.”
The Ambassador of Ukraine to Greece Mr. Sergii Shutenko declares: “When Russia invaded Ukraine, a million lives of innocent people were destroyed in an instant. The children, the most affected and vulnerable group, have also suffered the horrors of this unprovoked and unjustified war. Our main goal now is to save our children – to save the future of Ukraine. We are grateful to all the countries, NGOs and institutions that today care for our children and help us protect them. In particular, we are grateful to Norway and Greece and to Doctors of the World. Most children are at a sensitive age where basic human values ​​are developing and need our support, whatever support we can provide, so that they feel connected and not abandoned by a responsible society. I am confident that with joint efforts we can save and protect our children. “.
On the occasion of the joint visit of the two Ambassadors, Mrs. Eugenia Thanou, General Director of Doctors of the World of Greece, states: “It is our great pleasure and honor that the effort made by Doctors of the World at this very critical time, for the care and protection of Ukrainian refugees in Greece, is applauded in this way. A big “Thank you” to the Honorable Ambassador of Norway to Greece, Mr. Frode Overland Andersen for his help and cooperation. Doctors of the World continue to be in contact with the Ukrainian embassy in Greece and the competent national authorities in the context of their constant intervention “.
A few words about EEA Grants
The European Economic Area (EEA) Financial Instrument (EEA Grants) represents the contribution of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway to reducing economic and social inequalities and strengthening bilateral relations with 15 European countries, including Hellas. The amount of funding for Greece, in the context of the current financial period, which extends until 2024, is 116.7 million euros.
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