Vulnerability to Exploitation and Trafficking of Bulgarian Children and Adolescents in Greece A case study of street based survival strategies in Thessaloniki

The immediate objective of this research is to give an indicative as well as detailed picture of the extent and specific dimensions of the phenomenon of child begging in Greece, particularly of children and families from Bulgaria. This group has increased rapidly in recent years, particularly in Northern Greece, with Thessaloniki – where the research was mostly carried out – as a main destination. The data gathering exercise lasted a month and through social work on the street and interviews with relevant services, providing thereby relevant information.

The information gathered throughout the research led to the conclusions that there is a clear and urgent need for transnational coordination and immediate adoption of measures in both countries. These measures should be part of a comprehensive and effective plan of action aimed at understanding, monitoring, tackling and ultimately addressing the phenomenon as well as creating/activating a web of services for social assistance and protection of children.

The key elements of such a plan should include:
– The conclusion of a specialized intergovernmental agreement
– The transnational coordination and cooperation between law enforcement authorities, the judiciary and the social services of both countries
– The creation or activation of national networks of services and agencies for the direct management of cases in the country of origin, that is Bulgaria, and the destination country, Greece.

The main areas of intervention should be:
– In Greece: information and public awareness actions; intergovernmental social research – assistance and temporary accommodation – voluntary repatriation keeping the best interests of the child as a primary consideration
– In Bulgaria: prevention – reception and assistance as well as reintegration as part of durable solutions keeping the best interests of the child as a primary consideration

Excerpts from the Foreword by Nikos Gavalas, founding member of Arsis