Greece responds to ABTTF submission at UN Human Rights Council on Minority Education Issues
Greece’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office in Geneva has submitted an official response to a written statement presented by the Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF) during the 61st Regular Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, addressing concerns over educational rights and autonomy for the Turkish minority in Western Thrace.
In its written reply to the UN, Greece stated that the Muslim Minority of Western Thrace, which it said consists of more than 120,000 Greek citizens and is recognized as a religious minority under the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne, benefits from special protections in the fields of education, religion, and civil life. The government further argued that minority members enjoy all rights guaranteed by the Greek Constitution and European legal frameworks.
The Greek authorities emphasized that education remains at the center of their minority policy, asserting that temporary school suspension measures implemented in minority schools are not discriminatory and are consistent with regulations applied throughout the national education system.
Regarding the administration of minority schools, Greece stated that the responsibilities and powers of school board committees are clearly defined under Ministerial Decision 62092/2002. According to the government, these committees are responsible for managing school revenues and operational expenses and do not possess permanent usage rights over school buildings or office facilities.
The response further maintained that Greece’s educational policy is guided by the principles of inclusiveness, equal opportunity, and educational excellence. Greek authorities argued that ongoing efforts aim to strengthen the quality of education provided to minority students, equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary to succeed in modern society.
The reply came after ABTTF submitted a written statement to the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council, held in Geneva between February 23 and March 31, 2026. Titled “Denial of the Right to Quality Education for Turkish Children Due to Violations of the Educational Autonomy of the Turkish Community of Western Thrace in Greece,” the document alleged that the educational autonomy guaranteed to the Turkish minority under the Treaty of Lausanne has been systematically undermined.
The full text of Greece’s written response has been made available through the United Nations Human Rights Council documentation portal.
