A/HRC/18/13
34.
Portugal noted with appreciation the fact that Greece recognized in its national
report that the situation of asylum-seekers was a major challenge that needed to be
addressed as a matter of priority. Portugal sought further information on the reform of the
asylum system initiated in 2010 and asked Greece to share some preliminary results of its
implementation. Portugal made recommendations.
35.
Norway was worried about the humanitarian situation of illegal migrants residing in
Greece awaiting their deportation. It considered vital that unaccompanied children have
access to effective guardianship and advocacy. Norway noted the absence of legislation
protecting individuals from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Norway made recommendations.
36.
Argentina thanked the Greek delegation for the information provided on the
management of migratory flows and the integration of social minorities in terms of access
to work, housing education and health care. It recognized Greece’s support to the
functioning and financing of human rights bodies. Argentina made recommendations.
37.
Lebanon noted Greece’s ratification of the core human rights agreements and
fulfilling its reporting obligations. It further noted Greece’s efforts to combat discrimination
and to promote gender equality. Lebanon asked Greece to further elaborate on measures
adopted to ensure burden sharing with other EU countries to deal with the increasing flows
of irregular migrants. It made recommendations.
38.
Armenia appreciated efforts to prevent ill treatment and torture. It expressed
appreciation for the commitment to forge global international cooperation on migration,
such as the third Global Forum of Migration and Development hosted in Athens. It
encouraged Greece to strengthen efforts to prevent and punish human trafficking and to
protect trafficked victims, to eliminate stigmatization and and cooperate with countries of
origin. It made recommendations.
39.
Hungary commended Greece for efforts in tackling overpopulation of prisons
though detention prison conditions were still disturbing. It expressed concern about
insufficient legal aid and inadequate language interpretations for asylum-seekers. Hungary
asked for information on the shortage of interpreters; on access to a fair asylum procedure;
on the timeline for registration and efficient processing of asylum applications. Hungary
also encouraged Greece to follow up with child abuse cases to bring those responsible to
justice. Hungary made a recommendation.
40.
Italy noted that Greece had adopted legislative measures and policies to promote
gender equality and fight against discrimination of women. Italy further noted that Greece,
over the last decade, had taken initiatives at legislative and operational levels, in
cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), to combat trafficking.
It encouraged Greece to continue the fight against child and women trafficking.
41.
Switzerland noted that the use of excessive force by the police is a reality in several
countries, as well as mistreatment by security forces. Victims are often vulnerable groups
such as migrants, asylum-seekers or minority members. Switzerland welcomed the
legislative reforms on asylum request, which constitute a progress for the asylum–seekers’
protection. Switzerland made recommendations.
42.
Denmark acknowledged the National Action Plan for Migration Management, but
noted that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
continues to characterize the situation as a “humanitarian crisis”. It expressed concern about
unaccompanied minors and vulnerable groups. It noted that the Special Rapporteur on the
question of torture described several shortcomings in Greek prisons, and that measures have
already been taken to improve the situation for detainees in prisons and those held in police
custody. It made recommendations.
7
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