New initiative to combat discrimination launched by the Ministry, the GNCHR and KMOP
The Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family Affairs, the National Commission for Human Rights (GNCHR) and KMOP took part in the launch meeting of the ECOSYSTEM initiative on Wednesday 13 November 2024. The initiative aims to strengthen cooperation in tackling discrimination in Greek society, and the meeting highlighted each organisation’s role in this shared effort. ECOSYSTEM
The meeting was opened by the Deputy Minister of Social Cohesion and Family Affairs, A. Papakosta; the Secretary-General for Equality and Human Rights, A. Patsogianni; the President of the GNCHR, M. Gavouneli; and the Vice-President of KMOP, A. Klapsis.
In her opening remarks, Deputy Minister Papakosta, who is responsible for equality and human rights, stressed the importance of collective action and public awareness in addressing deeply rooted social issues.
“ECOSYSTEM embodies our commitment to a fairer and more inclusive Greece. By providing citizens with comprehensive information and strengthening our institutions, we are building an ecosystem of support, knowledge and resilience. ECOSYSTEM is more than an initiative; it is a promise to future generations of a Greece that truly upholds the values of equality and social justice,” she said.
Ms Patsogianni underlined the importance and necessity of cooperation between organisations. Ms Gavouneli noted that the GNCHR acts as a bridge between the authorities and civil society. She said that the Commission would contribute its longstanding experience, together with the expertise of its members, to support the State’s institutional body responsible for drawing up a new National Action Plan against Racism and Intolerance. She also stressed the need to design measures that can be put into practice.
KMOP Vice-President A. Klapsis highlighted the importance of cooperation in tackling discrimination, strengthening rights and supporting the National Awareness-Raising Campaign on equality.
With the participation of the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family Affairs, the GNCHR and KMOP – Social Action and Innovation Centre, the project will contribute to the development of the second National Action Plan against Racism and Intolerance. It will also improve victims of racist violence’s access to useful information and support services through a digital platform available in 10 languages. The platform is expected to serve thousands of people, helping them find information about their rights and the services available to them.
The initiative is being implemented under the European Union’s Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme and is expected to conclude in September 2026.
It is based on cross-sectoral cooperation and seeks to strengthen dialogue between public authorities, civil society organisations and international organisations, helping them address multiple forms of discrimination effectively by building an active ecosystem.
The project’s activities include training programmes for public officials, strengthening their ability to respond to victims’ needs and promote multi-agency cooperation. It also aims to inform and raise public awareness through a national campaign.
The meeting concluded with a constructive discussion of future challenges and next steps, reaffirming all partners’ commitment to creating an environment in which multiple forms of discrimination are addressed effectively and equality is promoted for everyone.