UN Special Rapporteur concerned by remarks of Greek Migration Minister

United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders Mary Lawlor has expressed concern over comments made by Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum Thanos Plevris regarding civil society organizations.

In a post on social media platform X, Lawlor said she was “disturbed by reports” that the minister suggested inspections would be carried out on numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as a response to their defense of refugee rights.

Lawlor stressed that the ministry should support human rights defenders rather than target them with restrictions and arbitrary interventions.

According to Greek media, more than 100 NGOs have opposed the government’s recent decision to suspend asylum applications from North African migrants for three months and to deport those whose claims are rejected. Reports suggested this opposition angered Minister Plevris.

Speaking on a television program, Plevris said he was surprised that NGOs registered with the ministry would act against it, and confirmed that “administrative inspections” would be conducted.