In a context of asymmetry of information, ever-changing regulations and a system that treats asylum seekers as beneficiaries, rather than as individuals with agency and decision-making power over their futures, a traditional approach to legal aid is not enough.
Fenix provides asylum seekers and refugees on Lesvos with a holistic service that includes legal aid and representation, as well as protection and case management, and mental health support. We operate with the aim of empowering the refugee communities and removing the barriers that prevent them from having real and effective access to the right to seek asylum.
Our individual casework is deeply linked to our high quality, evidence-based advocacy and strategic efforts, which strive to create a more just and equitable European asylum system. Our teams connect individual action with structural change; we could not do one without the other.
We look at the client as a whole to assist with their legal and non-legal issues, wellbeing and empowerment through protection, legal and mental health services. The service is tailored to assist the individual person with their specific issues in a connected manner.
We use field based information to put rights violations on the agenda of relevant stakeholders, including Greek and European law and policy makers and civil society. We pursue impact litigation before Greek and European Courts and legal interventions to Greek, European and International complaint mechanisms.
We engage with the NGO and refugee community to facilitate increased service provision, collaboration, and understanding of the needs of the population we support.
