Fenix Humanitarian Legal Aid

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Fenix Humanitarian Legal Aid

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Fenix works to remove barriers that people in need of refuge face within the asylum procedure.

We have tax-exempt status as a 501(c)3 non-profit in the USA (Fenix LTD) and operate as a MKO (NGO) in Greece.

10/14/2026

A busy day at our legal clinic in Mavrovouni camp, Lesvos.

The asylum system is complex, and knowing your rights is crucial. That’s why we hold legal information sessions on specific aspects of the asylum procedure, adapting the topics to the needs we hear from clients and observe through our daily work.

This week, we held group sessions on asylum interviews and the actions people can take after a decision, as well as individual, tailored sessions to help people prepare for their asylum interviews.

Before each session, we also do an outreach in the camp to share information about our services and invite people to join.

Everyone deserves access to clear, relevant information to understand and protect their rights.

10/12/2026

Our third quarter 2026 highlights

A look back at some of the work, progress and milestones from July to September:

• A significant legal victory at the European Court of Human Rights
• Supporting and preparing people through our legal clinic in Mavrovouni camp
• Strengthening our advocacy work to challenge practices that undermine people’s rights

We remain committed to a future where rights are respected and everyone can live with safety, dignity, and freedom.

10/08/2026

This week, 'Samir', the newest book by internationally acclaimed graphic novelist Aimée de Jongh, is out!

It has been really special to be part of the process behind this book. Aimée worked with us in 2024 and 2025, and during that time, she had many conversations with our clients and team members that helped shape 'Samir'.

The book tells a powerful story about what it means to seek asylum: the challenges, but also the moments of community and solidarity along the way. Narratives around people forced to flee are becoming increasingly harsh, but 'Samir' brings a sense of humanity to these stories and makes space to reflect on the consequences of Europe’s migration policies.

, thank you for trusting us and for this wonderful collaboration. We are very happy to see 'Samir' out!

10/06/2026

Today, 6 October, a trial begins on Rhodes against Tommy Olsen (Aegean Boat Report) and Panagiotis Dimitras (Greek Helsinki Monitor Agreement), who face charges for allegedly facilitating the “unlawful entry” and “unlawful stay” of third-country nationals in Greece, as well as “forming and participating in a criminal organization”.

This is another step in Greece’s targeting of civil society and human rights defenders for their solidarity with people who seek asylum. The chilling effect of trials like these has already had a direct impact on the ability of people seeking safety to access essential and lifesaving services. Silencing witnesses allows crimes at borders to go undocumented and unaccounted for.

We emphasise that it is primarily people who seek asylum who face criminalisation and lengthy prison sentences, often without proper trial and due process, for fabricated charges of smuggling and “illegal entry”.

10/05/2026

Caption: “Can you explain why Turkey is not safe?”
“You can find it on the internet.”

Asylum interviews are often long and stressful. But every now and then, an unexpected answer comes along. Here are some of our clients’ responses that were simply too good not to share.

09/30/2026

On 24 September 2026 the European Court of Human Rights issued its joint judgment on the case of A.M. and others v. Greece, which amongst other applicants regarded our client A.L. (application no 1880/21).

The Court condemned Greece for subjecting our client A.L., a vulnerable asylum applicant, to degrading and inhumane living conditions in the Moria camp on Lesvos.

These legal wins remind us that strategic litigation, although it needs a long breath, is an important avenue toward justice and accountability.

Read the full press release about the case on our website - find the link in our bio.

09/28/2026

Stricter border measures are forcing people seeking asylum to take longer and more dangerous routes across the Mediterranean, with more people arriving to southern Greece.

However, because of lacking reception facilities, people are transferred between reception locations across Greece. In recent weeks, people have been transferred to Lesvos, while others have been transferred from Lesvos to remote camps on mainland Greece.

These changes create uncertainty around asylum procedures, access to already limited services, and the support networks people rely on.

09/23/2026

Capacity bridging is about bringing different sectors and expertise together.

Through our Capacity Bridging Program, we share our legal knowledge with others while learning from their experiences and expertise.

By working and learning together, we can help make sure that people have access to rights-based, high-quality, and inclusive services.

09/14/2026

An approach that puts people first.

Recently, sociology professor Heba Gowayed visited Fenix as part of her research for her book "The Cost of Borders".

Several Fenix clients chose to share their experiences of crossing borders and navigating legal challenges in Greece with Heba.

They also spoke about their experiences accessing support at Fenix, and about the aspects of our approach that made a difference to them.

For us, it was meaningful to hear our philosophy reflected in the words and experiences of the people we support.

You can learn more about Heba's book via this link: https://www.hebagowayed.com/the-cost-of-borders

02/12/2026

These are the words of Marie, who was forced to flee her country after being kidnapped, tortured and imprisoned.

Every day, our clients’ experiences challenge prevailing negative narratives about refugees - narratives that completely overlook the violence and persecution that force people to leave everything they know and love behind.

Do you want to read more about what Marie thinks people should know about being a refugee? Sign up for our prize draw and you might win a set of three letters from clients!

Drawing by

Address

1406 Chester St
South Bend, IN
46615-1113

Website

https://www.fenixaid.org/

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