U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Greece
As Delivered by Meryn Schneiderhan, Human Rights Officer
39th Session
The United States recommends that Greece:
1. Conduct thorough, transparent and credible investigations into reports of abuses against asylum seekers and migrants, including pushbacks at sea that endanger the lives of migrants, destruction of identity documents, and the forcible deportation of asylum seekers holding valid residency credentials.
2. Ensure that migrant and asylum-seeking populations detained in pre-removal facilities or residing at the country’s six reception and identification centers have healthy living conditions and access to education for children and are screened for trafficking indicators.
3. Strengthen the penalties for violence targeting members of national, racial, ethnic, and religious minority groups, women and gender non-conforming persons, acts of antisemitism, and other hate crimes.
We recognize irregular migration poses a significant challenge for Greece and urge it to respond in a manner consistent with respect for the human rights of the affected individuals.