What is a Guardian?

If you are an unaccompanied minor, that is, under eighteen (18) years of age and you are in Greece without the company of your parents or another adult who is legally responsible for your care, the competent authorities, such as the Reception and Identification Service, the Asylum Service and the Hellenic Police, are obliged to immediately inform the General Secretariat for Vulnerable Citizens and Institutional Protection of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, as well as the competent Public Prosecutor, so that a Guardian can be appointed to support and represent you.

The Guardian is the person who undertakes to protect your rights and to look after your safety and well-being. At the same time, they help you with the procedure of applying for international protection, with your accommodation, with your access to education and health services, as well as with every important matter concerning your life and your future in Greece.

The Guardianship Officers have the necessary knowledge and experience to always act with the best interests of the minor and the protection of their rights in mind.

Guardianship is based on the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, emphasising the best interests of the child, their protection and respect for their voice and their needs. The Guardian acts as a stable, trusted person for the minor, offering support, safety and guidance during a particularly difficult period of their life.

Through the National Guardianship System for Unaccompanied Minors, the goal is for every child to have the care and representation they deserve, so that they can live with dignity, protection and equal opportunities for their future.

Which organisations have guardians:

• ΜΕΤΑδραση (METAdrasi): has a network of guardians in various areas of Greece and helps children understand their rights, take part in decisions that concern them and access services. 214 100 8700 / 214 100 8717
• PRAKSIS: has guardians and social workers who offer support, legal information and follow-up on everyday matters and protection. 210 520 5200

If you need help:
If you do not yet have a guardian or you do not know who they are, you can ask for information from the Special Secretariat for the Protection of Unaccompanied Minors:
213 212 8355
sg.vp.guardianship@migration.gov.gr
https://migration.gov.gr

You can also call the line 15107 (free of charge) to ask for guidance.

Remember:
The guardian is there for you. They represent you, protect you and help you build your future safely.
If you do not yet have a guardian, you have the right to ask for one to be appointed to you.