Interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner for Human Rights

INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE WITH THE HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
THURSDAY, 5 MARCH 2015
INTERVENTION BY GREECE

Greece fully aligns itself with the Statement delivered earlier on by the European Union.

We would like to thank the High Commissioner for his comprehensive report and statement. We express our strong support to the independence and integrity of the High Commissioner’s mandate and his Office.

We fully understand the structural and organizational challenges that the Office has to face resulting from both financial constraints and the growing number of challenges and serious human rights violations worldwide.

Greece will continue its constructive engagement and dialogue with the Office including cooperation with Special Procedures, Treaty Bodies and implementation of UPR Recommendations. This stems from the commitment to the principles of democracy and human rights that are deeply rooted in Greek history and society.

Fully aware of the economic and social difficulties that have arisen during recent years for the Greek society as a whole and for the most vulnerable groups in particular, we have launched in 2014 our first Greek ‘’Action Plan on Human Rights’’ aiming at promoting a human rights approach to public policies.

With regard to human rights of migrants in particular, which remains an important challenge for my country, the newly elected Greek Government has appointed, for the first time, an Alternate Minister for Migration Policy. Both UNCHR and OHCHR have recently expressed their appreciation for the concrete and decisive action that the Government has taken to address a number of problems concerning the administrative detention of third country nationals in Greece.

Let me reassure you Mr High Commissioner that Greece looks forward to continue its close and productive cooperation with your Office.