A rigorous warning of the treatment of them and was addressed to the Council of Human Rights Commissioner for Human Rights. Michael O ‘Flacherti, who visited our country from 3 to 7 February, focused on protecting them in the context of border control operations, taking into account the challenges facing Greece due to its geographical location and persistently inadequate levels European solidarity. At the same time, it focused on the issue of human rights and the social integration of the Roma.
Responsibilities
For the tragic, in which about 750 people were killed, he met with him, who had just completed his report on his actions and omissions of his members in managing the incident on June 13 and 14, 2023, as well as survivors, lawyers and. Mr O ‘Flacherti called on the Greek authorities to take decisive measures to ensure the appropriate criminal and disciplinary accountability for the tragedy.
Many Commissioner’s interlocutors have drew his attention to many reports of continuing summary resettlements of immigrants, often combined with violence, both in terrestrial and marine. In the light of a recent conviction for Greece by the European Court of Human Rights, due to the systematic practice of third -country nationals by the Greek authorities, the Commissioner called on the country to adopt a “zero tolerance” approach and to take responsibility. to those responsible.
Mr O ‘Flacherti emphasized the importance of independent human rights monitoring in the context of border controls and called for the proper functioning of the new mechanisms set up in the context of it, which will be implemented in 2026. He recognized the issue of abrupt increase in arrivals. and, as well as overcrowding in several existing structures in other islands, but demanding adequate reception facilities in accordance with international standards and fast transport, especially unaccompanied minors, from the islands to the mainland.
Roma rights
The other issue that the Commissioner dealt with during his visit to our country is that of Roma’s human rights. Based on a previous visit last June to Thessaloniki, he placed particular emphasis on the issues of adequate housing and it.
Mr O ‘Flacherti welcomes the adoption of a comprehensive national strategy and plan of action for the social integration of Roma, but notes the need to overcome obstacles to the local implementation of the strategy and the need to enhance the participation of Roma in design, Apply and monitoring the relevant measures.
In fact, in this context he visited a settlement in Chalandri (Mint), where he noticed that, despite the efforts made by the locals and the municipality, housing conditions “remain miserable” and the Roma communities living there face persistent discrimination in their Kathimerini. life. As he said during his visit to Chalandri, “all of us, all over Europe, we must wake up to the situation in which the Roma is. We have to work with them to honor and respect their human rights. “
Rise
More generally, the Commissioner raised the alarm for the unfavorable environment facing lawyers and civil society organizations who support vulnerable people, as well as researchers. In addition, he recalled that it is important that strong states based on the rule of law should be assessed and supported by the role of civil society and media, while pointing out that prosecutors should ensure that investigations are being carried out in accordance with European case law Court of Human Rights.
With whom did he meet
During his visit to Greece, the Commissioner met, inter alia, with the Minister of Migration and Asylum, the Minister of Maritime and Island Policy, the Minister of Social Cohesion and Family Affairs, the Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou and the Prosecutor. He also met with representatives of the UNHCR for refugees, the European Commission and Frontex, as well as with experts, lawyers, civil society organizations and victims of human rights violations committed at the border. He also met online with the Minister of Citizen Protection.
