This report highlights the systematic failure of the Greek system to protect unaccompanied migrant children. Approximately 1000 children entered Greece in 2008 without parents or caregivers. They are mainly coming from war-torn countries like Afghanistan, Somalia and Iraq. The Greek police is responsible for virtually all aspects of immigration and asylum yet several testimonies show that police officers and coast guards beat, kick or slap children and adult migrants. Children are routinely detained and procedures for assessing their age or vulnerability are totally inadequate. Only a small minority of unaccompanied children ask for asylum no matter how solid their refugee claim. Unaccompanied children face serious obstacles accessing asylum procedures in Greece and if they manage to apply for asylum only a few are represented by a guardian or lawyer. There is also a severe shortage of safe accommodation for unaccompanied foreign children.
