In a recent statement, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights raised alarm over Greece’s treatment of migrants and the Roma communities, following a visit to the country earlier this month. This visit involved meetings with Greek officials, NGOs, and individuals directly affected by reports of migrant pushbacks and dire living conditions in refugee camps, highlighting systemic discrimination against Roma populations. The Commissioner’s exploration aimed to assess Greece’s asylum processes, border operations, and the safeguards in place for vulnerable groups amidst persistent allegations of human rights infringements.
Commissioner Michael O’Flaherty acknowledged the unique challenges Greece faces as a gateway for migrants entering Europe, noting how changing migration routes have led to escalating numbers of asylum seekers. He pointed out the inadequate levels of solidarity from other European nations in sharing the burden while simultaneously praising Greek authorities for their thoughtful handling of Syrian asylum seekers’ status amid these pressures.
A significant focus of the Commissioner’s inquiry was the tragic Pylos shipwreck in June 2023, which resulted in approximately 750 fatalities. During his discussions with the Greek Ombudsman—who had compiled a report on the Coast Guard’s conduct during the incident—the Commissioner insisted on a need for accountability regarding any border-related human rights violations and advocated for measures to avert such calamities in the future.
The Commissioner also voiced grave concerns about the human rights challenges faced by Roma communities in Greece, underscoring the urgent need for more robust initiatives to safeguard their rights. He stressed that significant hurdles remain, including widespread discrimination and social exclusion, urging the Greek government to take decisive action to enhance the living conditions and integration of Roma populations, facilitating their inclusion in society.
These current issues reflect a pattern of ongoing human rights violations. Just this past January, the European Court of Human Rights found Greece guilty of systematically pushing back asylum seekers, ruling in favour of a woman who had been forcibly returned to Türkiye, thereby underscoring the urgent need for reform in these areas.
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights raised concerns about Greece’s treatment of migrants and Roma communities. Following his visit, he emphasised the need for accountability regarding migrant pushbacks, poor living conditions in refugee camps, and ongoing discrimination against Roma. The Commissioner also called for improvements in the lives of Roma individuals and highlighted the need for greater European solidarity to address these challenges.
The Council of Europe Commissioner has articulated critical concerns about Greece’s handling of migrants and Roma communities, highlighting systemic discrimination and the dire conditions faced by these vulnerable groups. The need for accountability following incidents like the Pylos shipwreck and a push for concrete improvements in the living conditions of Roma individuals are paramount. Greece’s challenges as a migration hub necessitate a greater collective European response to uphold human rights standards.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
