Education for all? The right to education in Greek refugee camps. A case study

Abstract

In the last years, due to ongoing and new conflicts, the European Union (EU) and its member states have seen increasing numbers of refugees seeking for refuge and security. Since 2015, more than 100 thousand people, 60% of whom are younger than 30 years old, arrived at the shores of Europe in Greece and were suddenly confronted with new challenges and problems instead of finding themselves protected. There are many children as well who, in comparison to adults who are more or less capable of dealing with the problems that they face upon their arrival in Greece, the refugee children are most vulnerable because they are facing a different reality from other children, living under very poor conditions in camps that are affecting their physical and emotional health. While many of their human rights are not respected, the thesis at hand is aimed at analysing how and to which extent the right to education of refugee children in Greek camps is respected and fulfilled. Education is a human right to which any child should have access; however, education in situations of emergency is difficult and many children are being left behind. For refugee children, education is a central tool to make their protection, integration and development possible. This study aims to analyse the legal provisions and their implementation within the framework of Greek refugee camps and the extent to which these provisions are failing to protect the right to education of refugee children. This thesis compares international and regional legislation with national legislation to elaborate on the development of the discourse regarding the implementation of protection mechanisms. Through interviews with experts working in refugee camps and research, it has been found that the right to education of refugee children is not respected and that many children are having problems integrating into society. Therefore, this thesis also provides suggestions that could change this situation.