Right to equal protection. Against any form of discrimination.
Why is it useful in your everyday life?
- Racism: Persistent discrimination against certain individuals or groups often leads to racism. Racism is the perception that people are not equal to each other, but are divided into superior and inferior on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, political beliefs, etc. Racism often leads to violent behaviors, verbal or physical attacks, extreme violence or even murders.
- Domestic violence: The perception that women are not equal to men can lead to physical, sexual or psychological abuse of women, often by their husband or father. In fact, in some countries this kind of violence is tolerated. Domestic violence is the most hidden crime in the world.
Problems you may face
- It is often difficult to understand that you are being discriminated against. In addition, it is very difficult to prove it and many people tells you that there is nothing you can do.
- I am afraid to tell the police that my husband beat me or that I was insulted by some persons while I was walking on the street because I am a Muslim. I have no valid legal documents and I am afraid I will be arrested.
You have to remember: Any form of violence in Greece is illegal. The police have a duty to protect you if you have been involved in a violent incident either at home or elsewhere. Under the conditions provided by law, a residence permit in Greece may be granted for humanitarian reasons to victims or witnesses of incidents of racist violence or victims of domestic violence.
Examples of discrimination:
- I was not hired to work because I have a health problem or I am disabled.
- I cannot enroll my children in school because we are Muslims.
- I was last served at the Tax Office because I am from Afghanistan.
- I was fired because I am gay.
- I am paid a lower salary than my colleagues because I am a woman.
- I was told to get up from the bus seat because the Greeks have priority and I am coming from another country.
- The owner did not rent me a house because she told me that she does not want “black men” in the apartment building.
Possible solutions and answers
– What can I do if I experience violence in my home?
It is important to seek for assistance. You should contact the police immediately and report the incident.
– What can I do if I am discriminated against?
If you face discrimination in the workplace, you can file a complaint with the Labor Inspection and an electronic report to the Greek Ombudsman.
- If you are a person with disability, you can contact the association related specifically with your type of disability. Respectively, there are also parent associations for children with disabilities.
- If you are a victim or witness of a racist attack:
- Call the relevant hotline of complaints of the Police Department for Combating Racist Violence (11414).
- Report directly to the Police Department for Combating Racist Violence or to the Police Station of your area.
- File an anonymous report to the Racist Violence Recording Network.
- If you are a woman victim of violence:
- Call the hotline for support of victims of domestic violence (call at 15900, email: sos15900@isotita.gr).
- Call the telephone line of the Mental Health Clinic of vulnerable groups of the Municipality of Athens (phone: 210-5246515- option 3).
- File a complaint to the Police Department of your area.