A delegation of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) visited Greece from 22 to 26 November 2021 as the first step in the preparation of a monitoring report. The visit was preceded by online meetings on 16 November 2021. During the visit ECRI’s delegation gathered information on effective equality and access to rights; hate speech and hate-motivated violence; and integration and inclusion.

The delegation held meetings with representatives of government and other authorities, the equality body and civil society. It also visited the Diavata long-term accommodation centre for refugees on the outskirts of Thessaloniki and the 4^th primary school of the Chalandri district in Athens.

Following this visit, ECRI will adopt a report in 2022 in which it will make a new set of recommendations on measures to be taken by the authorities to address racism and intolerance in the country. The implementation of two priority recommendations will be reviewed in two years’ time as part of ECRI’s interim follow-up procedure.

In its 2016 report, among other recommendations, ECRI asked the authorities to expand the competences of the Greek Ombudsman in a number of specified ways. It also recommended that the Greek authorities develop a national strategy, together with LGBT representatives, to combat discrimination against LGBTI people, including in educational facilities.