After the Crisis Narrative: Refugee protection and the politics of care in Greece
What has changed for refugees in Greece over the past ten years — and what still needs to change?
Join After the Crisis Narrative: Refugee protection and the politics of care in Greece; an open session organized by Columbia Global Center Athens, in collaboration with the Columbia School of Social Work and the Department of Social work, University of West Attica, marking 10 years since the pivotal 2015–2016 refugee arrivals and 75 years since the ratification of the Refugee Convention.
This session brings together students, scholars, practitioners, and members of civil society to reflect on how refugee protection has been reshaped over the past decade — and what so-called “post-crisis” realities mean in practice for rights, protection, social welfare systems, and social work.
In 2015–2016, Greece became a principal entry point to Europe for people fleeing war and persecution, particularly from Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq. What began as a large-scale humanitarian response gradually shifted toward policies emphasizing containment, deterrence, and accelerated procedures. Ten years on, this event asks how those shifts have transformed access to services, protection, and everyday life for displaced people.
What’s on the agenda
Welcome Remarks
- Panagiotis E. Kaldis, Rector, University of West Attica (UNIWA)
- Stefanos Gandolfo, Director, Columbia Global Center Athens
- Vasilios Ioakimidis, Head of Department, Social Work, University of West Attica
Keynote Presentation
- Melissa D. Begg, Dean, Columbia School of Social Work
Presentations
- “Guardianship and Protection Frameworks for Unaccompanied Minors” – Argyro Karakosta, Assistant Professor, UNIWA
- “Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice in the Context of Migration” – Sofia Dedotsi, Assistant Professor, UNIWA
- “Advancing Refugee Integration: Practical Strategies for Long-Term Success” – Mashkhura Akilova, Senior Lecturer, Columbia University
- Columbia World Projects "Healing Roots: An Evidence Map and Roadmap for Refugee Mental Health Interventions" - Paraskevi Lampropoulou, Project Partner Columbia University, Faculty of Medicine,MD, MSc, PhDc , University of Ioannina
