GCR is a specialized Non-Governmental Organization, which was founded in 1989 by Harry Brissimi and 20 other human rights defenders and has been at the forefront of the protection of human rights in Greece.
Recognised as a special charity, GCR is registered with the relevant Ministries and holds Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 2001. It is also an operational partner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). It is also an operational partner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The GCR has been a member of the Executive Committee of the European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) since 1991 and has participated in the Separated Children in Europe Programme (SCEP) and the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) since 1999.
In 2005, the GCR was awarded by the President of the Republic, Mr. Karolos Papoulias, as an "Island of Quality in Collective Action" for its innovative volunteer and social work in Greece.
GCR provides free legal and social services (legal aid, psychosocial support, counseling) to refugees, asylum seekers, and third-country nationals entitled to protection.
GCR puts special emphasis on vulnerable groups, such as unaccompanied minors, victims of trafficking, victims of violence or torture, etc.
It also runs interpretation / translation services to facilitate communication between professionals and beneficiaries.
-Legal Services / Legal Aid
GCR’s Legal Service offers legal assistance and counseling through the asylum process, in all stages (first and second instance), representing people before Greek and international courts.
It handles objections to detention, annulment, appeals, interim measures before the European Court of Human Rights, and other litigation related to refugee rights.
-Social / Psychosocial Support & Counseling
The Social Unit supports individuals entitled to protection throughout the asylum process, dealing with social, psychological, practical needs (housing, health, integration).
-Interpretation / Translation
GCR provides interpretation in several languages to assist in communication between service providers and beneficiaries.
-Helpline (GCR Helpline)
GCR operates a Helpline that receives requests (call or text via mobile, Viber, WhatsApp) for legal aid and psychosocial support.
-Advocacy, Research, Education & Awareness
GCR engages in advocacy, policy input, public awareness campaigns, research, and publishes input to international bodies.

