NEW YORK -(ANA-MPA/G. Garantzioti)
Greece’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office at Geneva denied in a note verbale allegations by the ‘Federation of Turks of Western Thrace in Europe’ of discrimination against the Muslim Minority in Thrace.
The Greek Representation also presented the legal and institutional framework guaranteeing the rights of the Minority’s members.
The Muslim Minority’s Status
According to the note verbale, the Muslim Minority of Thrace is recognized as a religious minority, based on the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923. The treaty makes no reference to ethnic origin, a fact that is reflected in the composition of the minority that includes Turks, Pomaks, and Roma. With over 120,000 members, the Minority comprises nearly one-third of the population of Thrace. As Greek citizens, the members of the Minority enjoy full rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution and European legislation.
Education and Religious Rights
Greece underlines its compliance with the provisions of the Treaty of Lausanne for the Minority’s education and religious freedom.
– Minority schools: The state funds 88 Minority schools and 2 Medrese (religious schools), enough to cover the demand for registrations.
– Mosques: Over 240 mosques operate in Thrace, a fact that establishes the ratio of mosque to citizens of Islamic faith the greatest in Europe.
– Mufti seats: The imams are paid by the three Mufti seats under the Ministry of Education and Religions.
– Clerics: The imams of temples are paid by the three Mufti seats under the Ministry of Education and Religions.
Incorporation in society and economy
– Greece, the note verbale said, has instituted a series of measures to facilitate economic and professional participation of the Muslim Minority, such as:
– Preferential quota: A 0.5% has been established for entry in universities and in examinations for the civil service.
– Employment support: Programs supporting labor market integration.
Freedom of Mass Media
As mentioned, the Greek legislation ensures freedom of expression and pluralism in mass media.
In Thrace, members of the Minority manage:
– 5 radio stations,
– 6 daily newspapers,
– 5 online news sites, and
– 1 magazine.
“The Greek authorities do not intervene in the content of the media, while the rare court cases are brought by private individuals, often members of the Minority,” the note verbale noted.
Protection of people who self-identify in terms of religion Greece, it is mentions, guarantees freedom of expression and protects groups that self-identify in terms of religion Law 4491/2017 protects from the incitement to hatred or violence based on religious beliefs. Our country, through its official stance, seeks to highlight the respect and protection in provides to the Muslim Minority, responding to allegations that do not reflect reality, it noted