ECRI (European Commission against Racism and Intolerance), ECRI Report on Greece (fifth monitoring cycle), February 2015
Country
Greece
Title
Year
Type of publication
Geographical coverage
National
Area/location of interest
Type of Institution
Council of Europe body
Institution
Main Thematic Focus
Hate crime Incitement to hatred or violence Racism & xenophobia
Target Population
Muslims Migrants Right-wing extremists People with migrant background Refugees & asylum seekers Ethnic minorities
Key findings
The report stresses that Greece had still not ratified Protocol No. 12 to the European Convention on Human Rights and the authorities have not indicated any intention to prepare ratification. Although the Greek authorities acknowledge the need to fight racism, there is no comprehensive and multisectoral strategy in place to address its root causes and to involve civil society partners in the fight against racism. There has been a strong increase in the levels of incitement to racial hatred, in particular in the context of public discourse, including from representatives of political parties. Hatred is usually directed against immigrants, but also against Roma, Jews and Muslims. This situation is not adequately addressed and there is widespread impunity for acts of hate speech and insufficient official condemnation.The negative attitudes of members of the police towards migrants and their unwillingness to investigate cases of racist violence against the latter effectively added to a general atmosphere of impunity. In addition, there is inadequate support for victims, with the notable exception of some charitable non-governmental organisations providing assistance.
Methodology (Qualitative/Quantitative and exact type used, questionnaires etc)
The working methods for the preparation of the reports involve documentary analyses, a visit to the country concerned, and then a confidential dialogue with the national authorities.
Sample details and representativeness
ECRI’s reports are not the result of inquiries or testimonial evidence. They are analyses based on a great deal of information gathered from a wide variety of sources. Documentary studies are based on a large number of national and international written sources. The in situ visit provides the opportunity to meet with the parties directly concerned (both governmental and non-governmental) with a view to gathering detailed information. The process of confidential dialogue with the national authorities allows the latter to provide, if they consider it necessary, comments on the draft report, with a view to correcting any possible factual errors which the report might contain. At the end of the dialogue, the national authorities may request, if they so wish, that their viewpoints be appended to the final ECRI report.