In recent years, media has repeatedly reported on the unbearable conditions for people on the run on the Greek islands, especially Lesbos. However, the situation of unaccompanied minor refugees who made it to the Greek mainland was largely ignored. Data about the number of unaccompanied minors in Greece are sometimes contradictory and not always consistent. It is estimated that around 4,500 unaccompanied children with escape and migration history live in Greece, with Afghanistan, Pakistan and Syria the main origin countries. More than 90 percent of them are male, the vast majority between 14 and 18 years old. About a quarter of them are homeless or lives in precarious conditions outside of accommodations, admission and identification centers.

Children and adolescents who live on the street are faced with a variety of difficulties. Without your own place, in uncertain legal conditions and without stable social ties to families and friends, you lack a feeling of belonging. You have to take responsibility for adults very early. In addition, education and training are interrupted, which has a negative impact on its future in the long term. All of this makes the children and adolescents who live on the street physically, mentally and socially susceptible to exploitation.

Steps is a civil society organization based in Athens. Steps supports people who live on the street and opens up opportunities for them so that they become independent. The partner organization also offers access to food, advice, first aid, clothing and body care. In the medium -term goals of the organization are the provision of living space to enable people on the street to privacy. You are supported to further develop your skills and/or to complete an apprenticeship.

In cooperation with the Greek Human Rights Organization Human Rights 360, Steps offers street social work and on the subject of legal advice that shows refugee children and adolescents from their current situation. Steps accompanies unaccompanied minor refugees, working children and victims of human trafficking on the streets of Athens in court proceedings, looking for sleeping places and walking to the doctor. In this way, young people find back in social structures, get to know their fundamental rights and demand them. They are supported in building an independent life. While the focus of Steps' work is in practical and direct support, the organization also regularly contributes to research projects and campaigns. This is intended to analyze and improve the structural conditions for people on the street.