26 Sep 2011
September 20-21, Thessaloniki, Greece: In the framework of the project Mario Bulgarian and Greek child protection authorities, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors as well as NGOs have met in Thessaloniki to explore opportunities to enhance child protection between both countries, before, during and after the movement of children and their families, draw up a summary of recommendations based on the exchanges of the meeting and to establish regular bi-lateral contacts on the issue of migrating children and families. The meeting was characterized by frank, open discussions and some concrete suggestions. Both sides were interested and ready to find solutions to the problems. However it became evident, that budgetary issues also influence solutions and both sides raised the issue that the financing of proper returns needs to be secured.
Thessaloniki prosecutor of minors, Ms. Ekaterini Kargiannakidou – pointed out that they notify the Bulgarian Embassy in each case they have a minor in court, however they have little or no response from the Bulgarian side. Also, they wanted safeguards in case a child is being returned to Bulgaria, that the child will be safely taken into custody and his/her reintegration in Bulgaria will be secured. Bulgarian authorities focused on the fact that Bulgarian children should return to their home country and assured their Greek counterparts that the children will be temporarily placed at the crisis centers while social workers will work on finding durable solutions for the children. They also complained of the lack of information coming from the Greek side: “Without direct contact between authorities it is hard to do anything – we don’t even know of their (i.e. the children in Greece) existence” said Petar Petrov, chief inspector at the General Directorate criminal Police, Crimes Against Children Sector. Both sides agreed that there is a clear disconnect in information flow and that the best way would be to have direct contact between authorities, without the involvement of the Embassy or consulate.
Another action point discussed at the meeting was the necessity to organise a return visit of Greek authorities to Bulgaria, to visit the crisis centers and to see the child protection system in practice, in order to feel confident once they are making decisions about return that the children are well placed in Bulgaria.
A lot of the discussion circled around the legal guardians of the children: Greek authorities have lots of difficulty identifying the proper guardian of the child, since many people may pose as such and show falsified documents. Bulgarian authorities insisted that a child can only leave the country (legally) if both parents have given their written consent, countersigned by a notary. The problem however is that most children getting into contact with Greek authorities have not crossed borders legally, or they do not have these papers. However, there is always someone who unexpectedly comes forward with a document that states they are the legal guardians of the child.
At the same time it also became evident, that once identified, Greek authorities have difficulties placing them, since there is no specialized shelter available in Greece. Georgios Moskos, Ombudsman Responsible for Child Rights said that “solutions need to be found to protect children in Greece before they are sent back, so a durable solution is found for them”.
In his concluding remarks Athanasios Kotsionis of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs suggested that the two sides “should cooperate multinationally at all levels, i.e. police, prosecutors, etc.”. He also suggested that a system of immediate communication should be found to ensure quick and easy exchange of information. [JA]