ABTTF submits written statement to the UN Human Rights Council on barriers to education for the Turkish Minority in Western Thrace

The Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF) has submitted a written statement to the 58th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), held in Geneva from February 24 to April 4, 2025. The statement, titled "Barriers to Quality Education for Children of the Western Thrace Turkish Community in Greece," highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Turkish minority in accessing education.

Violation of Educational Autonomy
📌 According to the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne, the Turkish minority in Western Thrace has the right to establish, manage, and control its own educational institutions at its own expense.
📌 However, Greek authorities have systematically eroded this autonomy, taking control of minority schools through unilateral legal and administrative measures.

Government Control Over Minority Schools
🔹 There are only two Turkish minority secondary schools and high schools in Western Thrace, located in Komotini (Gümülcine) and Xanthi (İskeçe).
🔹 On September 2, 2024, the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Regional Directorate of Education appointed new principals to both schools without consulting the elected school boards representing the Turkish community, violating bilateral and international agreements.

Unresolved School Infrastructure Problems
🏫 The Xanthi Turkish Minority Secondary School and High School, built in the late 19th century, lacks modern educational facilities.
📢 The Turkish community has long demanded the construction of a new school building that meets EU educational standards and eliminates the need for shift-based education. However, Greek authorities have ignored these requests.
🛑 In 2017, former Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras visited the school and promised a new building, but this commitment remains unfulfilled.

ABTTF Calls on Greece to Respect Minority Rights
✅ Educational autonomy must be restored, and Turkish students must have access to a modern school building.
✅ The UN Human Rights Council report increases international pressure on Greece to comply with its obligations under the Treaty of Lausanne and human rights standards.

🔗 Read the full statement submitted by ABTTF to the UNHRC:

https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/g25/029/78/pdf/g2502978.pdf