Statement by Greece Item 9 - Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, follow-up and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action
UNITED NATIONS
HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
28th Session
23 March 2015
Statement by Greece
Item 9 - Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, follow-up and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action
Mr. President,
Greece fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union.
We strongly believe that the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance should unite the world as this phenomenon is unfortunately still present in all of our societies. It has to be fought effectively and at all levels.
The principle that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights lies at the core of our values. Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance undermine those principles and are challenges which the international community must face together.
Greece in its constant efforts to improve the legal framework to effectively fight racism has recently adopted a new law amending previous ones with a view to strengthening the existing criminal anti-racism legislation and adjusting it with the relevant EU Council Framework Decision.
Additionally, Greece has set the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance as a top priority in its first national Action Plan on Human Rights launched last year.
Finally, we are pleased to announce that Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and related Intolerance Mr Mutuma Ruteere is expected to visit Greece at the beginning of May this year.