Major Challenges | Strong increase in immigration in the last 15 years, especially from the Balkan neighbouring countries. Incidents of clashes and friction, widespread attitude of intolerance or indifference towards groups of ethnic difference (immigrants, Roma, Muslims. Continuing tensions with Turkey, resulting in suspicion and rivalry. Greek cultural heritage becoming sometimes a subject of destortion or unhistorical misappropriation with dangerous effects on peace in the region. |
Main Interpretations | Universalist approach to integration (stressing common factors such as equality of rights; differences seen to be of lesser importance). Plans to improve tolerance and respect for "others" and to encourage interaction. Fixing a permanent platform for dialogue in areas of tension, e.g. with Muslim population in Thrace. |
No central authority for ICD; the main responsibility lies with the
Ministry of Internal Affairs, Public Administration & Decentralisation
(http://www.ypes.gr/)
Coordination of matters related to immigration, refugees and minorities, as well as social inclusion of immigrants.
EX: Monitoring, analysis and coordination of measures creating conditions in order to sustain and develop minority cultures and to preserve the most important elements of their identity. Funding of projects related to minorities.
Policies:
Central Association of Municipalities and Communities (K.E.D.K.E.)
(http://www.kedke.gr/)
Network for the diffusion of information and encouragement of action.
EYID-coordination body:
Hellenic Ministry of Culture / Directorate for the European Union
National implementation strategy : http://ec.europa.eu/culture/eac/dialogue/strategies_en.html
(considered as integrated action plan proposed for 2008 and beyond).
Hellenic Ministry of Culture (http://www.culture.gr/)
Increased mutual recognition and respect for cultural diversity through cultural exchanges and events showcasing diverse artistic, literary and cultural activities.
EX: Book Fair and International Film Festival of Thessaloniki, Athens Festival.
PLUS: Cultural bodies / organisations active in the field of intercultural dialogue.
Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs with special Secretary for Cross-cultural Education
(http://www.ypepth.gr/en_ec_home.htm)
Policies:
Efforts have led to a remarkable increase in the number of immigrants accepted into higher education. Significantly less school dropouts occur among Muslim children attending the programme; empowerment of approx. 200 intercultural dialogue facilitators (teachers, animators, educators).
Ministry of Education, General Secretariat of Youth
(http://www.neagenia.gr/)
ARSIS - Social Organisation for Youth Support
Non governmental organisation that specialises in the provision of social support to young people and in defending their rights in order to combat and prevent their social exclusion.
Ministry of Culture - Vice Minister for Sport
(http://sportsnet.gr/)
International Olympic Truce Centre
(http://www.olympictruce.org/)
Joint initiative by the International Olympic Committee and Greece (2000 - to date). The forum seeks to promote synergies between different stakeholders with one shared objective: promoting peace through sport and the Olympic ideal - on a political as well as a grassroots level, including mediation, dialogue and learning activities.
The Greek Ombudsman
(http://www.synigoros.gr/en_index.htm)
This independent authority investigates individual administrative actions or omissions or material actions taken by government departments or public services that infringe upon the personal rights or violate the legal interests of individuals or legal entities.
CIVIL SOCIETY (EX):
NGOs, civil society organisations, immigrants' organisations, e.g.
Ministry of Culture, Directorate of International Relations
(http://www.culture.gr/)
Support for third sector-driven trans-border cultural tourism projects, such as "Ways of the Olive" (UNESCO) and "Ways of the Wine" (Kiev Initiative); participation in "Cultural Routes" in South East European Networks.
Hellenic Foundation for Culture (HFC)
(http://www.hfc.gr/)
Entity of private law, falling under the Ministry of Culture. Its main aim is the promotion of Greek culture and language throughout the world. It operates as a national network co-ordinating the activities of over 30 NGOs active in the Euro-Mediterranean Dialogue (as Greek correspondent organisation of the Anna Lindh Foundation for Dialogue between Cultures, Alexandria).
European Cultural Centre of Delphi (ECCD)
(http://www.eccd.gr/index2.htm)
Established as a "corporate body under private law" under the supervision of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and the auspices of the Council of Europe. Its aim is to "serve international cultural interests" and "develop common cultural principles that will unite the peoples of Europe" through the publication of studies on European culture, the organisation of cultural assemblies and other artistic activities.
