Commissioner for Human Rights

Strasbourg, 13.04.2010 - "I welcome the first steps taken by the Greek government towards the establishment of a fair, accessible and swift refugee protection system. Changes in the field of protecting the rights of migrants, especially asylum seekers, are particularly urgent" said Thomas Hammarberg, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, as he published today three letters sent to the Greek Government.

Following the Commissioner's visit to Greece on 8-10 February, the letters were sent to the Ministers for Citizen Protection and of Justice, as well as to the Deputy Minister of Interior. The letters focus on the human rights of migrants, especially asylum seekers, minorities, and the conduct of members of law enforcement agencies.

In view of long-standing, serious shortcomings in the field of asylum, the Commissioner highlights the urgent need for the authorities to support the ongoing reform in this field with the necessary institutional capacity and tools for implementation. The Commissioner also urges the authorities to address the situation of unaccompanied or separated migrant children.

The Commissioner calls for the full and effective implementation of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights concerning freedom of association of members of minorities. He also recommends the ratification by Greece of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, signed in 1999. The need to combat anti-Gypsyism, for example through pedagogical and awareness raising measures in schools and society at large, is also addressed.

Finally, the Commissioner welcomes the plans to establish an office to deal with police complaints. In order to ensure effectiveness, the Commissioner highlights the importance of the institutional and practical independence of such a mechanism and the adequacy of its investigatory powers.

During his visit to Greece the Commissioner held discussions with members of the Greek government and international and national organisations, including NGOs. The Commissioner also traveled to Patras, where he met local representatives of the Police and Coast Guard and a number of migrants.

Read the reply of the Minister of Justice

Read the comments of the Ministry for Citizen Protection