On 21 September 2026, the Greek Forum of Refugees participated in a meeting of the working group bringing together the Hellenic Police, civil society organisations and human rights bodies. The meeting took place at the General Police Directorate of Attica, at the initiative of the Department for Combating Racist Violence of Attica.
The discussion focused on the police response to racist violence, hate crimes and discrimination, the protection and support of victims, and improvements to reporting procedures. Particularly important is the intention to establish an ongoing framework for cooperation through regular meetings and joint proposals.
We warmly welcome this initiative. The Hellenic Police play a crucial role in preventing and tackling racist violence. How officers receive a complaint, identify possible indications of racist motivation, investigate an incident and protect the victim has a direct impact on access to justice. It can also strengthen people’s confidence that they will receive protection when they need it.
We therefore consider it particularly positive that this initiative comes from the Police themselves and creates space for dialogue with human rights organisations and refugee and migrant communities. Our communities know first-hand the barriers a victim may face: fear, communication difficulties, uncertainty about their rights, or concerns about the consequences of reporting an incident. This knowledge is essential to developing effective protection practices.
Following the meeting, on 28 September, we received the draft “Manual on Equal Treatment and Respect for People in Frontline Policing” for consultation. The manual is intended to support police officers in their daily work. After reviewing it and discussing it with our Board of Directors and colleagues, we developed comments on safe access to reporting, interpretation, impartial investigation and continued support for victims.
Our concern about racist rhetoric and incidents of racist violence makes this effort all the more necessary. Appropriate information and ongoing training for police officers, in cooperation with human rights organisations and communities, can contribute to a more timely and effective response.
We thank the Department for Combating Racist Violence of Attica for the invitation and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully. For us, this participation is a responsibility towards the people and communities we represent. We are ready to contribute our experience, knowledge and daily work to the shared effort to combat racist violence and intolerance.
