By Anna Konstantinidi Apergi, Special Advisor – Diversity Charter Greece
In this year’s report, Amnesty International, in the section on our country, seeks to provide an overview of the human rights situation at a time when institutional safeguards are being put to the test.
Of particular concern are the ongoing reports of border violations in the context of migration, as well as issues related to press freedom and the protection of journalists. At the same time, the report revisits incidents of police violence and highlights the need for meaningful accountability, beyond piecemeal or delayed investigative procedures.
In the area of gender-based violence, it is noted that, despite the increased visibility of the issue, significant gaps remain in prevention and the effective protection of victims. At the same time, regarding LGBTQI+ rights, a contradictory picture emerges: on the one hand, certain institutional developments, and on the other, a lack of further legislative initiatives, combined with intensifying hate speech in public discourse.
The report highlights a critical issue: progress on human rights is neither linear nor a given. On the contrary, it requires constant vigilance, political will, and active social participation. In an environment where inaction can act as a factor of regression, the systematic documentation and exposure of violations are essential.
See also: Landmark ruling by the ECJ. It requires legal recognition of gender identity in all Member States
Specifically, Amnesty International states:
In general: Criminal charges have been filed against 21 Coast Guard officers in connection with the shipwreck off Pylos in 2023. An unlawful three-month suspension of access to asylum was imposed on individuals who arrived in Greece via North Africa, constituting discrimination against them and resulting in mass detentions under unsuitable conditions. A new law on the return of third-country nationals negatively affected their rights. A criminal trial began against 24 humanitarian workers who had provided assistance to people in distress at sea. Reports continued of unjustified and excessive use of force against peaceful protesters. A controversial blanket ban on demonstrations in areas outside the Parliament building was introduced. Legislation aimed at combating gender-based violence faced strong criticism for failing to prioritize victim support and prevention. Four executives from companies linked to the Predator spyware scandal were indicted. Reports of attacks against members of the LGBTQI community continued. More than a quarter of the country’s population was at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
Mass demonstrations were held demanding justice and accountability for the victims, survivors, and their families in the wake of the catastrophic train collision in Tempi in 2023, in which 57 people lost their lives. In February, the National Organization for the Investigation of Aviation and Railway Accidents and Transport Safety concluded that the tragedy was the result of a combination of human error, poor infrastructure, and systemic failures in railway safety management. Between June and August, amid a severe heatwave that may have been exacerbated by climate change, massive wildfires destroyed tens of thousands of hectares of land, claimed the life of one man, and caused damage to homes and critical infrastructure in regions such as Crete, Chios, Attica, and Achaea.
Read the full report here!
