Pictured in Lesvos, Greece, in February 2022, Sohel Mia fled Bangladesh due to threats to his life. HIAS is assisting Mia with legal counsel and representation. (Ayman Oghanna for HIAS)

Greece

Pictured in Lesvos, Greece, in February 2022, Sohel Mia fled Bangladesh due to threats to his life. HIAS is assisting Mia with legal counsel and representation. (Ayman Oghanna for HIAS)

Founded

2016

Connect

HIAS Greece

+30 22510-55488

Linkedin

The Eastern Mediterranean route from Turkey to Greece’s eastern borders is one of the most widely traveled refugee pathways in the world. Refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia travel to Greece via sea and land, seeking safety in Europe.

Since 2014, more than 1 million people have crossed into the country, fleeing violence and humanitarian crises in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries. With this large influx of refugees, access to basic needs is scarce and vulnerable people are not sufficiently protected. Greece hosts about 169,000 refugees and about 25,000 asylum seekers, stateless people, and other people in need of protection.

Since 2016, HIAS Greece has provided critical services to refugees and asylum seekers.

Our Work in Greece

HIAS Greece provides high-quality protection services including legal support and representation to refugees with a focus on those who are most vulnerable, such as children and survivors of torture or violence. We also support community mental health care for those in need. In this way, HIAS plays a critical role helping refugees to take the first steps toward regaining control and stability in their lives. We also advocate for refugee rights in Greece.

Protect Displaced People
Learn More

Impact

HIAS Greece client Pieter Wittenberg and Staff Attorney Maria Spiliotakara pose outside the courthouse in Lesvos during the proceedings of their case on January 15, 2026. (HIAS Greece)

HIAS Greece client Pieter Wittenberg and Staff Attorney Maria Spiliotakara pose outside the courthouse in Lesvos during the proceedings of their case on January 15, 2026. (HIAS Greece)

HIAS Greece Successfully Defends Humanitarian on Trial

As governments around the world increasingly shut the door on refugees and asylum seekers, humanitarians like HIAS Greece’s client Pieter Wittenberg continue to provide lifesaving aid.

Chillingly in 2018, the Greek government charged Pieter and 23 other volunteers and NGO workers with facilitation of illegal entry for profit, membership of a criminal organization, and money laundering.

Essentially, they were charged for providing humanitarian assistance, and if found guilty, could have served up to 20 years in jail.

Read more

HIAS’ services are free. If someone tries to charge you for services claiming they represent HIAS, please report it at our confidential email address: ethics@hias.org. HIAS has a zero-tolerance policy on fraud and corruption. 

For any other inquiries please email us at info@hias.org.