The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights has urged Greece to ensure accountability for human rights abuses against asylum seekers following a recent visit. Michael O’Flaherty emphasised the need for swift and decisive action concerning the tragic Pylos shipwreck. He also called for a stringent stance on pushbacks and improvements in accommodation shelters, especially for unaccompanied minors arriving on the islands.
In a concerning finding, the Greek Ombudsman has suggested disciplinary actions against eight coastguard officers linked to the Pylos shipwreck, which resulted in over 600 fatalities in June 2023. The Ombudsman’s investigation highlighted clear evidence of neglect and failure to act appropriately before the tragedy. In response, NGOs have called for total transparency, asserting that accountability is vital for the victims’ dignity and for the integrity of democracy in Greece.
A newly released NGO report raises alarming issues regarding the rule of law in Greece, particularly concerning state officials’ accountability for actions against asylum seekers. The report draws attention to ongoing violence, intimidation of human rights advocates, and a lack of meaningful prosecutions for those responsible for serious human rights violations over the last five years. Notably, the judicial system has failed to initiate charges against public officials despite numerous investigations.
On Levos island, a Palestinian refugee was acquitted of charges related to people smuggling, shedding light on the troubling practices of the Greek Coast Guard. Witness testimonies revealed violent encounters during his arrest, reflecting a systematic pattern of brutality against those seeking safety. His lawyer praised the verdict as a significant recognition of the injustices faced by asylum seekers, marking a hopeful turn in the judicial approach to such cases.
In another critical development, the European Court of Human Rights has instructed Greece to take urgent measures to improve living conditions in the Samos Closed Control Access Centre, an area plagued by reports of severe mistreatment, particularly of unaccompanied minors. Following a legal aid group’s appeal, the court emphasised the need for immediate action to prevent further harm to vulnerable detainees. However, many minors remain trapped in deplorable conditions, highlighting a pressing humanitarian crisis that demands urgent attention.
The Council of Europe demands accountability for human rights violations against asylum seekers in Greece. The Greek Ombudsman has recommended disciplinary actions against coastguard officers linked to the Pylos shipwreck, while a new NGO report highlights serious rule of law concerns. A Palestinian refugee was acquitted of smuggling charges, revealing systemic violence from the coastguard. Additionally, the European Court of Human Rights has called for urgent improvements in the treatment of minors in Samos.
The ongoing situation regarding asylum seekers in Greece presents grave human rights concerns, with the Council of Europe urging accountability and reforms. The findings of the Ombudsman and the recent acquittal of a Palestinian refugee accentuate the systemic issues within the Greek Coast Guard and judiciary. Furthermore, the European Court of Human Rights’ intervention underscores the urgent need for action to improve the living conditions of vulnerable individuals. These developments call for immediate and resolute reforms to uphold human rights and justice in Greece.
Original Source: ecre.org
