ABTTF submits rights violations report on Western Thrace Turks to the United Nations

The Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe has submitted a comprehensive written contribution to the United Nations Human Rights Council of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), highlighting ongoing rights violations and structural challenges faced by the Turkish community in Western Thrace, Greece.

The report, prepared for the fourth UPR cycle (2022–2027), evaluates Greece’s implementation of recommendations from the previous review and raises concerns about persistent shortcomings in minority rights protections.

“Weak Protection of Minorities” in Greece
According to ABTTF, Greece continues to fall short in protecting ethnic, linguistic, and religious minorities. The federation argues that systemic discrimination remains a key issue and calls for stronger safeguards aligned with European and international human rights standards.

Non-Implementation of European Court Rulings
A central point in the report is Greece’s failure to implement rulings by the European Court of Human Rights concerning associations bearing the term “Turkish” in their names. ABTTF states that despite rulings dating back nearly two decades, no concrete steps have been taken by Greek authorities, raising concerns about compliance with international legal obligations.

Sharp Decline in Minority Schools
The report also highlights a significant decrease in the number of Turkish minority primary schools in Western Thrace. While 188 schools were in operation in 2011, this number is projected to fall to 83 in the 2025–2026 academic year. ABTTF links this decline to austerity measures introduced after 2010, arguing that they undermine educational rights guaranteed under the Treaty of Lausanne.

Religious Autonomy Under Pressure
ABTTF further claims that the religious autonomy of the Turkish community—protected under both the Treaty of Athens and the Lausanne Treaty—is being eroded. The report criticizes Greece for appointing muftis unilaterally rather than recognizing those elected by the community, describing the practice as a violation of religious freedom.

Hate Speech and Media Bias
The federation also points to rising hate speech in political discourse and segments of the Greek media. It alleges that prominent members of the Turkish minority are frequently targeted by misinformation, contributing to anti-Turkish sentiment in society.

Call for Compliance with International Standards
In its concluding recommendations, ABTTF urges Greece to:

• Recognize the ethnic identity of the Turkish minority in Western Thrace
• Restore educational and religious autonomy rights guaranteed under international treaties
• Ratify key international instruments, including the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention for the
• Protection of National Minorities and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages

Greece is scheduled to undergo its next UPR review during the 53rd session of the Working Group in Geneva between 2–13 November 2026, where submissions from civil society organizations, including ABTTF, will be taken into consideration.