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The Cities Network for Integration (CNI) launched its operation in January 2018, based on a memorandum of understanding between the municipalities of Athens and Thessaloniki. To date, 14 municipalities have joined CNI: Athens, Aghios Dimitrios (Attica), Heraklion (Crete), Thessaloniki, Ioannina, Karditsa, Larisa, Livadia, Nea Filadelfeia/Nea Chalkidona, Piraeus, Tilos, Trikala and Tripoli.On September 2020 the Municipality of Neapolis - Sykeon has joined CNI becoming the network's 14th member.

THE CITY NETWORK FOR INTEGRATION (CNI) STRENGHTENS ITS OPERATIONS In recent years, local authorities have been at the The CNI is an initiative led by Greek Municipalities that host forefront of a number of challenges related to the refugee populations. Under CNI, for the first time Greek management of the refugee issue, while also trying to municipalities – regardless of their size – come together to efficiently safeguard peaceful coexistence in their local promote cooperation on integration issues and to have their communities. The smooth integration of refugees in these voices heard. communities is the main priority of the municipalities participating in the Cities Network for Integration (CNI). In fact, since April 2020, the operations of the Network have Indeed, many of these municipalities have developed been strengthened, with the support of the United Nations promising integration initiatives. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Greece. On The recent COVID-19 health crisis revealed that the basis of the needs and priorities identified by CNI Municipalities can swiftly react in order to avert social members, UNHCR and IOM jointly provide the necessary crises and respond to the needs of vulnerable population support, in order to develop mechanisms and local capacities groups, including refugees. with long term benefits both for migrant and refugee populations.

Municipalities share C O N T E N T S promising practices ΜMessage from the Executive Municipality of Trikala • P. 7 Advisor for Migrants and Identified priorities of CNI Municipality of Ioannina • P. 8 Refugees, City of Athens • P. 2 Members in the field of Municipality of Athens • P. 9 integration • P. 5 Municipality of Livadia • P. 10 Messages on behalf of UNHCR Municipality of Thessaloniki P.11 & IOM • P. 3 – 4 Visits to Municipalities Municipality of Larissa • P.12 - Members of the Municipality of Heraklion • P.13 Network • P. 6 Municipality of Karditsa • P.14 Municipality of Tilos • P. 15 CNI ACTIVITY STRENGTHENED BY UNHCR AND IOM

Τhe Municipality of Athens has been a pioneer in the field of social integration. It was the first municipality to provide reception and accommodation facilities to refugees as early as 2011, while developing a whole range of programmes for the integration of refugees in the city’s everyday life.

Today, in 2020, the smooth integration of refugees into our society and everyday life remains the greatest challenge faced by every Greek municipality that hosts refugee populations. Thanks to the Cities Network for Integration, Greek cities have the opportunity to share good practices, local expertise, and valuable tools at a time when the refugee issue poses a great challenge for our country.

Since April 2020, CNI’s intra-municipal cooperation has been strengthened. The immediate positive response by UNHCR and IOM to the City of Athens’ call to support the Cities Network, constitutes an extremely important step towards our common effort to strengthen integration and social cohesion.

Melina Daskalaki, Executive Advisor for Migrants and Refugees, Municipality of Athens

2 It is with great joy and enthusiasm that UNHCR, the duly mandated international body for the protection of refugees, has been supporting the Cities Network for Integration since 2018, while, since 2016 it has been supporting all municipalities implementing the ESTIA scheme.

The circumstances are now mature enough, in order for public policy – and those in charge of implementing it – to take a step forward on the refugee issue. In other words, it is time for the competent authorities to clarify what happens to those granted international protection status, because they are at high risk of persecution and/or serious violations of their fundamental rights in their home countries. The ‘next day’ of the refugee issue in Greece is undoubtedly multifaceted. The main issue currently in the limelight, is the transition of refugees, from a state of uncertainty and complete dependence on State Authorities for meeting basic needs (such as housing), to obtaining a legal status that warrants rights and obligations quite similar to those of a Greek citizen, but at the same time requires an active role in the search of housing and employment, and the need to overcome a number of bureaucratic hurdles.

At the same time, however, this transition process entails the gradual transformation of the refugee from an “object” of an administrative procedure, or an “object” of concern for local communities, to a “subject”, that is to say, an active member of the economic, social and cultural life of the country. In other words, a transformation of the refugee from a consumer to a “net contributor” of social capital. We do hope that the CNI initiative of the Municipality of Athens and the Municipalities participating in the Network, with the support of UNHCR and IOM, and the assistance from the State and the European Commission, will allow further investment in the ‘next day’ of the refugee issue, in the interest of social progress in Greece and the European Union. Updating and implementing the National Integration Strategy, as well as making the most of the potential role of Municipalities and their local communities, are undoubtedly top priorities.

Petros Mastakas Petros Mastakas, UNHCR Associate Protection Officer , UNHCR

3 The International Organization for Migration (IOM), is firmly oriented towards the support of Greek authorities – Central Government and Local Government – with regards to the issues of refugees and migrants residing in Greece. More specifically, IOM supports and implements both reception and integration programmes throughout the country, in close cooperation with other organizations and local authorities.

With regards to the Cities Network for Integration, IOM has been supporting CNI’s coordinated approach to social integration since December 2018, recognizing the value of cooperation at the local level, on the basis of safeguarding social cohesion and exchanging common experiences and information. Finally, IOM welcomes UNHCR in this joint venture, so that both organisations can efficiently support and strengthen the goals set by the members of the Cities Network.

Milan Colic Humljan Senior Project Coordinator, IOM

4 CITIES SET PRIORITIES

What do Greek municipalities need in order to effectively achieve the integration of refugee populations in the social and economic life at local level?

Through the “Needs Assessment” process that was completed in June 2020, the CNI team identified a number of key priority areas where municipalities* are in most need of support in order to effectively implement integration initiatives. As illustrated in the figure, the main priorities which emerged are the following: The need to strengthen municipal structures and services, the need for education activities and for further empowerment of refugees for their successful integration into the labour market, the need to raise awareness, share information and promote active participation among local communities, and the need for CNI to play a role in the promotion of institutional reform.

The figure below illustrates the priority axes described above and highlights specific fields of intervention.

*The following Municipalities participated in the Needs Assessment: Municipality of Athens, Heraklion (Crete), Ioannina, Karditsa, Larissa, Livadia, N. Philadelphia-N. Chalkidona, Piraeus, Trikala and Tripoli. 5 SERIES OF VISITS

The coordination team of the Cities Network for Integration has launched a series of constructive bilateral meetings, in order to start planning specific activities on the basis of the priorities and areas of need identified through a Needs Assessment process completed in June 2020. So far, the CNI coordination team has visited the Municipalities of Ioannina, Larissa, Piraeus, Nea Philadelphia-Nea Chalkidona and Thessaloniki. In parallel, meetings were also held with the Mayors of the municipalities of Ziros and Zitsa (Region of Epirus) in the context of the Network’s expansion initiatives with the addition of new members.

G. Sarelakos, M. Tomara (CNI Coordination Team), E. Chasioti (Associate Liaison Expert, UNHCR Greece | FU Ioannina), Moses Elisaf - Mayor of Ioannina, D. Ambatzidis, Special Adviser to the Mayor of Ioannina on issues of Social and Immigration Policy (left to right) Ioannina City Hall

D. Deligiannis, President of the Municipal Council, S. Voulgaris, Deputy Mayor of Social Affairs, K. Revisios, President of the Municipal Public Benefit Enterprise of Larissa | DI.KEL (left to right) Larissa City Hall

6 MUNICIPALITIES IN ACTION : Members of the Cities Network share promising practices

The Municipalities of the CNI, share initiatives that promote the integration of the refugees into urban life in areas such as education, employment, social care, awareness raising and community engagement. Moreover, faced with the COVID 19 crisis, municipalities have rapidly and effectively developed initiatives promoting the inclusion of vulnerable population groups, while safeguarding the wellbeing of both, employees and beneficiaries.

MUNICIPALITY OF TRIKALA: An open and people-oriented city

During the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, Trikala remained an open and people-oriented city. Safar is an experienced tailor from Iraq. Safar and his family make masks voluntarily, for the protection from COVID-19, not only for the ESTIA beneficiaries, but also for other vulnerable groups in the city. Read more here.

For 25 years, Safar owned a tailor shop in Iraq. He came to Greece 1.5 years ago, with his wife and five children, in search of a safe and better life.

We firmly believe that we can overcome crises only by being COVID -19 united and by helping one another.

Dimitris Papastergiou Mayor of Trikala - President of the Central Union of the Municipalities in Greece

7 MUNICIPALITY OF IOANNINA: Ioannina stands out at an international level

In order to be sufficiently prepared for the Additionally, the Dormitory for the COVID-19 pandemic, the Municipality of Ioannina Homeless as well as the Shelter for Victims implemented a series of actions and initiatives through of Gender-Based Violence provided support the newly-established Centre for Social Care and and accommodation to migrants who found Solidarity – a Centre which has been considered a themselves homeless during COVID -19, while best practice in the context of the Council of Europe’s information sessions were organised for network of Intercultural Cities. The municipality has migrants and refugees. assisted all vulnerable social groups in the area, including asylum seekers, recognized refugees and Roma. The municipality’s multifaceted action featured as a good practice on the page of In this context, a helpline was created, and through a the Council of Europe’s Network of cooperation with the “Help at Home” programme, Intercultural Cities, and was presented at provisions such as food, personal protective the online seminar of UNESCO’s World equipment, medicinal products, psychological and Network of Learning Cities. Moreover, the medical support were available to vulnerable Mayor of Ioannina participated in the Mayors citizens without a supportive framework, both Manage COVID-19 initiative of ACT NOW. natives and migrants.

During the COVID-19 crisis, we have seen everyday heroes from all walks of life, coming to the forefront. This crisis has shown to us that we are stronger when we are united

Moses Elisaf – Mayor of Ioannina (World Refugee Day: 20 June 2020)

COVID -19

Home food distribution to 1,500 beneficiaries from the Center for Social Care and Solidarity in collaboration with the Hellenic Red Cross.

8 MUNICIPALITY OF ATHENS: Athens comes out stronger after the pandemic

The Municipality of Athens designed and implemented the “Help at Home Plus” programme, and activated an unprecedented mechanism for the efficient support of vulnerable population groups living in Athens during the pandemic. Also, the Migrants Integration Center (KEM), used its resources to create a protective shield against a possible future outbreak of COVID-19. Indicatively, KEM produced information material, created a COVID-19 Crisis Communication plan, and expanded its team to include a health visitor.

During the lockdown period, the Athens Coordination Center for COVID -19 Migrant & Refugee issues (ACCMR) conducted an extensive emergency service mapping, in order to facilitate access to services by vulnerable groups – including migrants and refugees – during this difficult period. At the same time, the Co-Athens project, implemented under the City of Athens' Curing the Limbo integration programme, immediately adopted digital solutions to facilitate the cooperation between refugees and Computer lessons at KEM active citizen groups. Additionally,the City of Athens’ ADDMA (Athens Development and Destination Management Agency), implementing partner of the ESTIA programme was in continuous contact with its beneficiaries to provide information about the necessary preventive measures. Awareness & Information THE BAHAR PROJECT | ACCMR in collaboration with ActionAid Hellas, present “The Bahar Project: Many Recipes, One City” book that was produced with the financial support of the European Union as part of the “Faces of Migration” programme implemented by ActionAid. It is a book of recipes and personal stories , which introduces the reader to active and creative women who live in Athens – Greek, immigrants, refugees – which have carefully and lovingly prepared traditional dishes in the course of three events organised in the neighbourhoods of Athens. The Bahar Project gave the opportunity to the residents of the city to get to know flavours from Greece and from all over the world. The project is an initiative of ACCMR, and has been supported by “Athens 2018 - World Book Capital 2018, City of Athens”. 9 MUNICIPALITY OF LIVADIA: Community engagement and awareness raising

The Municipality of Livadia, in the context The Mayor of Livadia stressed out achieving the of a TV programme on the occasion of “World socioeconomic integration of refugees living in Refugee Day, 20 June” sent a strong message in the area is a prime goal of the Municipality. In support of peaceful coexistence and the social this context, K.E.DH.L. is implementing the inclusion of refugees. The programme presented HELIOS programme in collaboration with IOM some facts of the ESTIA Scheme for Asylum Greece, mainly focusing on Greek language lessons Seekers, and highlighted the prospects that many and the employability of the beneficiaries refugees have to integrate, in the context of IOM’s participating in the programme. At the same time, HELIOS Project, as well as other integration the Municipal Authority has proposed the initiatives implemented in Livadia. development of community service programmes through OAED for those migrants who wish to live Moreover, in the context of raising awareness in the and work in the area. local community, the Public Benefit Organization of the Municipality of Livadia (K.E.DH.L.) organized the event “Street Art Projection” – an event that involved the projection of photographs on the subject of refugees, shown in five different spots in the city. Awareness & We prioritize human beings, no matter where they come from Information

Ioannis D. Tagalegas - Major of Livadia (Message of the Mayor in the campaign “Everyone can make a difference” {UNHCR} on the occasion of World Refugee Day 2020)

10 MUNICIPALITY OF THESSALONIKI: A bridge towards integration & autonomy

The Shelter for Asylum Seeker Families, “Filoxenio” Filoxenio functions as an intermediate is a social structure created in Thessaloniki in May structure in the process of transition from the 2015. It is the outcome of a cooperation between the uncertainty of first reception, to an Municipality of Thessaloniki – which is the coordinator autonomous social life. It provides services which of the project – the Non-Governmental Organization offer to beneficiaries the necessary support, in “ARSIS” and the Greek Council for Refugees (GCR), order for them to be empowered and gradually which are partners of the project. “Filoxenio” is the become autonomous. At the same time, only protected shelter in northern Greece for beneficiaries are encouraged and supported in order vulnerable cases – families. to find a job. The duration of hosting in the Filoxenio is up to 12 months, while support staff is Referrals to Filoxenio are made only for cases of highly available on a 24hour basis. vulnerable families, with vulnerabilities ranging from physical or mental disability, mental illness, chronic or By the beginning of 2020, 56 families have been severe illnesses, to women or children at risk, single hosted, of which 41 single-parent and 15 nuclear, parents, carers of children, and families with significant and a total of 219 people (9 infants, 101 children, 16 adjustment difficulties. teenagers, 93 adults).

The Municipality of Thessaloniki expands its social structures to safeguard social cohesion and ensure Social Structures solidarity, thus indiscriminately satisfying the basic human rights of safety and dignified living.

Charis Aidonopoulos, Deputy Mayor of *Filoxenio is part of the Social Policy, Municipality of Thessaloniki REACT programme of ESTIA I and ESTIA II, respectively, implemented by UNHCR, in cooperation with local authorities and non- governmental organizations and funded by the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (ECHO).

The ground floor of Filoxenio includes 7 rooms, shared WCs, utility spaces, training and entertainment rooms, playground, staff offices, and adequate facilities for people with mobility difficulties.

11 MUNICIPALITY OF LARISSA: Youth has its say!

At a time when the notion of politics is obsolete and More specifically, young people 17 to 30 years, as irrelevant among young people, the Municipality of well as collectives are eligible to participate in the Larissa has created the Municipal Youth Council. The Council. Members will be selected by drawing lots aim of the initiative is for young participants to get among interested parties and will convene on a familiarized with decision making processes at local monthly basis. The term of office of the Council is level, and to participate in initiatives promoting social one year. justice and solidarity. As such, the young women and In preparation for the formation of the Council, men that will participate in the Council will work over 100 young people participated in education towards organizing and supporting local community workshops focusing on their familiarization with initiatives and will co-design – in collaboration with local government operations. In addition, an event the local authority of Larissa – a framework for the was organized focusing on issues related to the city’s Youth Strategy. The Council places great engagement of young people in decision making importance on the participation of vulnerable processes and their active involvement in population groups. institutional and political processes, where particular attention was paid to the engagement of vulnerable population groups.

As such, one representative (and one alternate member) from the refugee community will participate in the Council.

Our aim for the Municipal Youth Council is for it to become a ‘cell’ of democracy for our local community Active Participation Apostolos Kalogiannis Mayor of Larissa (Mayor’s quote - press conference for the formation of the Municipal *The Municipal Youth Council contributes to active and democratic citizenship (Citizenship Youth Council - June 2020) Education), in the context of the initiative Larissa, Learning City, a cities network of UNESCO, where Larissa acts as the global coordinator.

Event "Democracy - Youth and Open Societies" in the context of the formation of the Municipal Youth Council - July 17, 2020

12 MUNICIPALITY OF HERAKLION: Education as an integral part of social inclusion

Heraklion Development Agency, in the framework of the ESTIA programme, implemented by UNHCR, has collaborated with the Learning and Education Centers of SOS Children's Villages of Crete (in Heraklion) in order to strengthen the integration of refugee students in local schools and the local community. Until today, 44 students – 24 boys and 20 girls – aged between 8 and 18 from Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq have received learning support for Greek and English. The positive outcomes of this initiative are already visible, creating promising prospects for integration into the school community.

Education

13 MUNICIPALITY OF KARDITSA: ‘Cultivating’ employment opportunities in Thessaly

In the wider region of Thessaly, whose economy is Every year since 2017, when the city of mainly based on the agricultural and livestock sector, Karditsa hosted refugees and asylum seekers there is a great demand for labour. Asylum seekers and for the first time, 25-50 people are recognized refugees can benefit from employment employed in agricultural crops such as the opportunities in these sectors, which would create cultivation of tobacco, the harvest of peppers promising prospects for them to integrate more easily and other vegetables, etc. into the local community and be self-sufficient.

The Municipality of Karditsa, through its development agency ANKA identified such employment opportunities, and developed initiatives which promote refugee employment in the agricultural sector. More specifically, local agricultural cooperatives and local Employment farmers were approached and informed, and at the same time selected refugees were offered information sessions, followed by individual consultations with the assistance of interpreters. During the current period where protection measures against COVID-19 are in place, these information and consultation sessions continue through teleconferencing. At the Intercultural Centre Given the growing need for labour in the agricultural “Stavrodromi”, beneficiaries can get information about sector, the Cities Network for Integration is accessing basic public services, and are encouraged to currently in the pilot phase of implementing an attend Greek lessons. initiative where refugees in urban areas are matched with employers/jobs in rural areas, promoting integration in the labour market.

Karditsa - Refugees work to pick peppers for a new life

14 MUNICIPALITY OF TILOS: A cheese cooperative that brings together tradition & contemporary realities

Irinna, a small cheese cooperative of Tilos, was created in 2018, with the aim to revive the island’s livestock farming and processing of dairy products, while providing employment to the refugees who live there. The refugee crisis created a unique opportunity for the local government of Tilos, to revive the island's primary sector – a sector which has suffered from rural to urban drift and a shift towards the tourism industry. The Cooperative aims at the smooth integration and socialization of asylum seekers and recognized refugees. The cheese cooperative has just entered its second cheese-making period, and is now seeking to increase its production and sales. Learn more here.

Employment

On May 15, fifty new animals were brought to the island – an investment for the next dairy season.

15 For information on the Cities Network for Integration (CNI) Coordination Team:

Sarelakos George, Associate Liaison Expert - Project - Manager: [email protected] Office: +30 2105246225 | Mobile: +30 6932 644 435

Lampiri Dionysia, Associate Liaison Expert - Project Coordinator: [email protected] Office: +30 2105246225 | Mobile: +30 6942 495 338

Tomara Marina, Associate Liaison Expert - Communication Manager: [email protected] | Office: +30 2105246225 | Mobile: +30 6974 113 389

Maria Kallivoka, Administrative Assistant: [email protected] | Office: +30 2105246225