Assistance from National institutions
Human rights are fundamental rights and freedoms that every individual is entitled to, regardless of race, religion, nationality, gender, or other characteristics. In Greece, there are several national bodies that can help individuals who believe their rights have been violated.
Major National Bodies:
National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR):
The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) is Greece’s national human rights institution, functioning as an independent advisory body to the state on issues related to the protection and promotion of human rights.
Mission of NCHR:
- Monitoring the implementation of human rights law in Greece and abroad.
- Providing advice to the state on the promotion and protection of human rights.
- Informing the public about human rights issues.
- Advocating for human rights at national and international levels.
Contact Information:
- Website:https://www.nchr.gr/
- Address: Neofytou Vamva 6 (3rd floor), Athens 10674
- Phone: 210 7233221 – 2
- Email:https://www.nchr.gr/contact-el.html
Citizens’ Advocate:
Citizens’ Advocate serves as a guardian of rights in both the public and private sectors, focusing on monitoring and promoting the application of the principle of equal treatment, children’s rights, and the rights of vulnerable groups.
Role of the Citizens’ Advocate :
- Mediates disputes between citizens and administrative bodies (e.g., Ministries, Municipalities, Independent Authorities).
- Investigates complaints about maladministration, abuses, and injustices by administrative bodies.
- Protects citizens’ rights, such as the right to good administration, access to information, and data protection.
- Advocates for citizens’ interests against unfair or illegal acts of administration.
- Proposes improvements in legislation and administrative practices.
- Informs citizens about their rights and how to claim them.
Contact Information:
- Website:https://www.synigoros.gr/
- Address:
- Athens: Chalkokondili 17, PC 104 32
- Thessaloniki: HELEXPO AE, Egnatia 154, PC 546 36
- Phone: 213 1306 600
- Email: press@synigoros.gr
National Transparency Authority (NTA):
The National Transparency Authority (NTA) is a fundamental pillar of Greek democracy, playing a crucial role in promoting transparency, accountability, and combating corruption. Established in 2019, it aims to consolidate efforts and enhance effectiveness in addressing corruption in the public sector.
Responsibilities:
- Inspections: Conducts inspections of public bodies, local authorities, and public law entities, investigating complaints and identifying any misconduct.
- Whistleblower Protection: Provides protection to whistleblowers reporting corruption incidents, ensuring their anonymity and safety.
- Transparency: Promotes transparency through the disclosure of data and information, such as officials’ asset declarations.
- Education: Informs and raises public awareness about transparency and integrity, implementing education and training programs.
The NTA plays a crucial role in strengthening public trust in institutions by ensuring the proper and transparent management of public funds. Its activities contribute to combating corruption, which undermines economic development, the rule of law, and social cohesion.
Contact Information:
- Website:https://aead.gr/
- Phone: 213 2129 700
- Email: kataggelies@aead.gr
116 111 Child Helpline:
The 116 111 Child Helpline is a free, 24-hour, immediate, and confidential phone line for children and adults wishing to report cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children.
Who Can Call:
- Children: You can call anonymously to talk about anything that concerns, worries, or frightens you.
- Adults: You can call to report cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children that you have observed or to seek help and guidance.
Issues You Can Address:
- Abuse: Physical, sexual, psychological
- Neglect: Care, nutrition, education
- Exploitation: Sexual, trafficking, labor
- Danger: Suicide threats, running away from home, addiction
- Concerns: About yourself, other children, relationships
Operational Procedure:
- Experienced psychologists will listen to you carefully, support you, and help you.
- Calls are free from both landline and mobile phones from anywhere in Greece.
- The line is immediate, with no waiting.
- Communication is confidential.
Don’t hesitate to seek for help!
Additional Organizations:
In addition to the main national bodies, there are other organizations that can offer help to individuals who believe their rights have been violated.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): There are many NGOs in Greece working in the field of human rights. You can find more information at:
Lawyers: If you believe your rights have been violated, you can consult a lawyer. Your lawyer can inform you about your rights and help you obtain legal assistance.