Refugees and Asylum Seekers Matter!
Along with Western Union International, we aim to raise awareness of human trafficking and exploitation. Therefore, we have gathered information and safety tips for Refugees and Asylum Seekers from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, and the broader community of those traveling to Europe seeking security in Greece and Turkey.
#STTAMAN
People escaping war and poverty arrive in Greece seeking safety and a better life. Unfortunately, there are people waiting to take advantage. It might be tempting to trust someone you meet, like a stranger (unconnected to a support organisation) who offers to help you. Sometimes, their promises are false, and you might find yourself trapped in a worse situation difficult to escape.
We have gathered information below on how to stay safe and not fall victim to exploitation and where you can turn if you need help and support.
What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is the movement or recruitment of people, either through deception, coercion or force for the purpose of exploitation. Traffickers often profit financially from exploiting people. Refugees and Asylum Seekers can be targeted for exploitative purposes in Greece.
Read more here
What Recruitment tactics are used by traffickers?
Refugees and asylum seekers are often offered help with travel and shelter in exchange for payment later. Don’t agree unless you know all the details. This is a method traffickers use to control and exploit people and can lead to debt bondage.
Read more here
Can you spot a trafficker?
Traffickers have many faces. They can be any age, gender or nationality. Survivors often say they were trafficked by partners, spouses, friends, even family members.
- Traffickers are usually motivated by financial gain and are masters in the art of deception.
- They know how to gain trust and make you feel special.
- They often target young people with offers of friendship.
- They may buy you gifts, give you money or offer you drugs or alcohol.
Read more here
How do they control people?
Traffickers often force people into doing things they don’t want to do. They will pressure and force people to stay in the situation using threats and intimidation.
The trafficker may convince you the police are on their side. This is a lie. Trafficking is illegal in Greece.
Do you need help and support?
Have you or someone you know have been mistreated or exploited? If yes, please contact these organisations for free confidential help and advice.
Please mention STOP THE TRAFFIK if you make contact with any of the organisations listed below.
The 112 European emergency number
If you or anyone you know are in immediate danger, call the 112 European emergency number. The number is free of charge, 24/7, anywhere in the European Union. Citizens can dial 112 to reach the emergency services, including the police, emergency medical services and the fire brigade.
The 1109 National Human Trafficking Hotline
The hotline is available to answer all urgent calls related to human trafficking from anywhere in the country, 24/7, anonymously and with the ability for translation in over 200 languages. To call from Greece dial 1109.
📞 0030-2310019880
📧 info@1109.gr
METAdrasi
If you are an unaccompanied minor and feel in danger or experience homelessness, you can contact METAdrasi for help and support. The helpline runs from 10.00 to 18.00, from Monday to Friday. You can text us via WhatsApp and Viber.
STOP APP
- Have you seen a suspicious job advert online?
- Has someone offered you work that seemed suspicious?
- Are you or someone you know being forced to work, or being exploited?
Download the STOP APP and the incident anonymously and securely.
National Emergency Response Mechanism for Unaccompanied Minors
If you are under 18 years old, you are alone or without your parents or an adult who takes care of you, in any location in Greece, and you do not have a home or you are not safe in the place where you live, you can call the number below via mobile or landline or the number on (0030) 2132128888 or via WhatsApp or Viber on (0030) 6942773030.
This hotline belongs to the Special Secretariat for the Protection of Unaccompanied Minors of the Ministry of Immigration and Asylum and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The team that will answer your call, with the help of an interpreter, will inform you about the process that will follow, so that either you are transferred immediately to a safe environment, or you are referred to the competent authorities for further assistance depending on your needs.
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