The Alternate Foreign Minister for European Affairs, Nikos Xydakis, met at the Foreign Ministry on Friday, 8 July, with the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muiznieks.
During the very friendly meeting, the collocutors focused on the issue of the refugee and migration crisis, the phenomena of nationalism and racism developing in Europe, and the repercussions of the economic crisis for human rights in the European countries most affected.
Mr. Muiznieks briefed Mr. Xydakis on the meetings he carried out during his visit to Athens, stressing the excellent impression he took away from his talks with members of the cabinet.
The collocutors took a common approach to the matter of the refugee crisis as a phenomenon that requires global vigilance, stressing that the solution to the issue needs to be based on strengthened cooperation and solidarity, not only among EU countries, but also on the part of the international community as a whole. Also stressed was the need to improve the performance of refugee relocation and resettlement mechanisms, as well as the process for reuniting families.
Special mention was made of the need to protect the unaccompanied minors among refugees. Mr. Xydakis briefed the Commissioner on the programme under way for handling the issue, stressing the need for Greece to be supported, both economically and in terms of human and material resources. He underscored, however, that in the unstable European environment, particularly in the wake of the Brexit referendum, we are seeing a retreat from the common European positions on receiving refugees, noting the risk involved in referendums, like the one planned by the Hungarian government, on implementation of the common European decisions that have been taken.
Commissioner Muiznieks stressed that Greece has made progress in confronting racism, through the implementation of the anti-racism law, and highlighted that he sees it as very significant that cases against Golden Dawn have been brought before the justice system. Moreover, he noted as very positive the differentiation he has observed in the public dialogue regarding refugee and migrant rights.
Mr. Muiznieks also briefed Mr. Xydakis on the positions and initiatives being taken on a European level to achieve solutions in the field of human rights. Referring in particular to the economic crisis, he noted that its results differ from country to country, and he praised the Greek government for keeping political respect for human rights a high priority under these conditions. He stressed that he will stand by Greece in its efforts towards recovery.
Finally, the collocutors referred to the situation in the wider Eastern Mediterranean and Balkan region. Mr. Muiznieks showed interest in the developments in the Cyprus issue. Mr. Xydakis reaffirmed Greece’s desire for the best possible solution to be found.
July 8, 2016