The Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, has raised significant concerns regarding Greece’s treatment of migrants and the human rights of Roma communities. His remarks, issued after a recent visit to the country, highlighted systemic issues in the treatment of asylum seekers, border operations, and the ongoing discrimination against Roma.
O’Flaherty’s visit, which involved discussions with Greek officials, NGOs, and affected individuals, focused on several key areas: allegations of migrant pushbacks, poor living conditions in refugee camps, and the marginalization of Roma populations. The Commissioner acknowledged the challenges posed by Greece’s geographical position as a primary entry point into the European Union but stressed the need for stronger European solidarity to address these challenges.
One of the most poignant aspects of the visit was the Commissioner’s review of the Pylos shipwreck in June 2023, where around 750 lives were lost. O’Flaherty urged Greek authorities to ensure accountability for the Coast Guard’s actions and to implement measures to prevent similar tragedies. He also called for a thorough investigation into potential human rights violations committed at the country’s borders.
Equally troubling, the Commissioner expressed concern over the persistent social exclusion and discrimination faced by Greece’s Roma communities. O’Flaherty emphasized the urgent need for concrete action to improve the living conditions and integration of Roma populations, who continue to experience widespread marginalization.
These concerns are further compounded by a ruling from the European Court of Human Rights in January 2025, which found Greece guilty of engaging in systematic migrant pushbacks. The court ordered compensation for a woman forcibly expelled to Turkey, underscoring the broader human rights violations that Greece must address.
The Council of Europe’s call to action serves as a reminder that while Greece continues to face immense migration challenges, there is an urgent need for reform in its treatment of vulnerable populations, including both migrants and Roma communities.
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