Syrian refugee children on the move. Legal status and socio-political perspectives; the case of Greece

Abstract

After nine years of conflict, the Syrian crisis continues to have a huge impact on children inside Syria, across the region and beyond. Grave violations of children’s rights describe the ongoing crisis not only as a humanitarian and displacement crisis, but first and foremost, as the largest protection crisis of the 21st century. Since the start of the conflict in 2011, millions of Syrian children, either with their families or even alone, have chosen perilous journeys in search of a haven of protection, dignity and mostly hope. While millions sought refuge in neighboring countries, numerous souls have crossed the turbulent waters of the Aegean Sea into the shores of Europe to seek asylum. And while the arduous journeys have proven lethal for too many Syrian children On The Move, for those reaching frontline EU countries dealing with the refugee crisis, such as Greece, overcrowded RICs, long asylum procedures, lack of information, limited access to protection, healthcare and education services are the harsh reality many boys and girls face upon arrival. The aim of this Paper is to give the reader the opportunity to virtually travel along with Syrian children On The Move on their journey from the beginning until reaching the Greek shores and, thus, fully develop an understanding of their harrowing journeys. Moreover, another purpose of this research is to present the timeline of the humanitarian crisis in Syria, and the response of the European Union and of the United Nations since the outbreak of the conflict. Furthermore, this Paper particularly examines the case study of Syrian children refugees in Greece and provides answers regarding their rights, and the sociopolitical perspectives that determine their integration. Finally, the reader may find suggestions as to what further actions are deemed necessary by the international, regional and national nexus as to reassure that Syrian refugee children in the EU, and in Greece in specific, may fully enjoy their rights as children and as refugees to the fullest, as set forth in the Convention of the Rights of the Child and the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees.