The State Department has published its annual report on human rights in Greece

The US State Department has published its annual report on the human rights situation in Greece.

The introductory note states, “There were no significant changes in the human rights situation in Greece during the previous year” (2023).

As the report indicates, there are credible reports of significant human rights issues, including cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment of detainees, migrants, and asylum seekers by Greek authorities, as well as crimes against minority groups and LGBTI+ individuals.

The US Department of State reports to Congress on human rights situations in all aid recipient countries and all UN member states.

The report also acknowledges that the government has initiated steps to investigate, prosecute, and penalize officials implicated in human rights abuses. However, there have been complaints regarding the effectiveness of these investigations and the accountability of such incidents.

In its 46-page report, the State Department extensively references numerous corruption cases, as well as instances of excessive police violence, illegal surveillance using malicious software against politicians, journalists, and citizens, incidents of torture, theft, and the imposition of additional burdens on refugees and immigrants.

“The report records complaints by non-governmental organizations without further investigation or independent verification,” stated the Foreign Ministry. “This indiscriminate recording suggests serious human rights issues in all countries with a developed rule of law,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized.

.@SecBlinken released the Human Rights Report today, documenting the status of human rights in nearly 200 countries and territories. “Countries that respect human rights are more likely to be peaceful, prosperous, stable.” https://t.co/IrNBtr4wgJ

— Department of State (@StateDept) April 22, 2024