Meaningful Engagement

Migration in Greece

Over the last 3 blog posts I have represented a fun and touristic side of Greece, the one that outsiders commonly look at when thinking about the Hellenic Republic. However, like all other countries, Greece too has issues to manage on a local level. Some of these issues are recognised internationally and attract participation from the global community to help resolve them.

One particular issue that I think requires more attention is the marginalisation of groups of people. Some of the more prominent marginalised groups include refugees using Greece as an access point to Europe due to its eastern location. It is internationally understood that handling an influx of migrants can be a challenge for any country and with the landing of asylum seekers comes resistance from locals who may view it as a threat to the country's balance in terms of jobs, housing markets, resources, etc. This resistance can often turn extreme and, with Europe's 2016 border crossing restrictions, Greece has been put under increased pressure to accommodate refugees while it struggles with domestic financial disruptions. 

Migrant Settlements on Samos Island. Image Source.

Nevertheless, taking note of this situation, the international community, through NGOs and human rights groups, has taken it upon themselves to help migrants approaching the country navigate through the complex string of challenges that include adapting to new environments, understanding legal structures, integrating into new cultures and more. Groups like PRAKSIS and ARO have committed to providing support in terms of medicine, mental counselling and food. 

ARO's Refugee Relief Initiative. Image Source.

In addition to basic assistance, as an architecture student, I believe that many problems related to marginalising and adapting can be solved through design. For example, Zaha Hadid Architects unveiled tent classrooms intended "as schools and health clinics for displaced populations." Similarly, areas can be developed to encourage community engagement between all occupants of a region, including locals and migrants. Over time, such initiatives can potentially sensitise people to the problems of others and give way to the creation of new ecosystems that integrate everyone comfortably. Some architectural innovations relating to this can be viewed on the Dazeen website. 

Zaha Hadid Architect's Refugee Tents. Image Source.






References:


Location: Greece

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