Athens Coordination Center for Migrant and Refugee Issues (ACCMR)

The unprecedented plight of refugees in recent years found European governments unprepared to deal with a global humanitarian crisis. In Greece, public and private forces channeled an enormous amount of resources for relief efforts; however, gaps and a lack of coordination often hampered results.

The Athens Coordination Center for Migrant and Refugee issues (ACCMR) was developed to bring together the major entities serving refugees. Starting with 35 members, the ACCMR grew to include 92 of the most prominent national and international organizations, as well as smaller grassroots organizations and municipal agencies, all sharing data and resources to strategically address immediate and future needs of refugees as well as inform policy and spending.

A Strategic Action Plan for Refugee and Migrant Integration was also developed by the ACCMR, which serves as a model for municipalities across Greece. The ACCMR hosted ongoing trainings and education seminars such as staff workshops on minors experiencing trauma and training courses for young refugees on coding with SAP Corporation.

The ACCMR also led the creation of the "Cities Network for Integration”, which comprises 13 municipalities who have joined forces to promote refugee integration into local communities, as well as share experiences and best practices.