The twelfth part of the online programme series of the Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF) titled ‘‘Facts about Our Country’’ was broadcast on 1 February 2024.
Former United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues Dr. Fernand de Varennes, who had visited Western Thrace in 2019, was the guest of the programme.
In the programme moderated by ABTTF International Relations Director Melek Kırmacı Arık, Varennes answered the questions with respect to the definition of ‘‘national minority’’ within the scope of international human rights law, the general situation of minority rights in Europe, the general situation in Greece regarding the protection of national minorities, and the issues of the Western Thrace Turkish community in Western Thrace in Greece.
Varennes indicated that the issue of the definition of ‘‘national minority’’ is a little bit complicated, and noted that ethnic, linguistic, and religious minorities are referenced in the UN, and that the concept of ‘‘national minority’’ is used especially in Europe. Noting that ethnic identity is related to culture, Varennes underscored that the Turkish minority in Greece can be defined as an ethnic, linguistic, and even religious minority.
Pointing out that unfortunately there is a decline in respect for the rights of national minorities in Europe, Varennes stated that at the UN level, minority rights are accepted as human rights and that the UN offers stronger protection for minority rights than existing European mechanisms. Revealing comparative examples from Europe, Varennes explained that the rights of the German minority in Italy are well protected, whereas minority rights are not recognised in France.
Varennes underlined that Greece could do much more in the field of minority rights and indicated that progress with respect to the rights of the Turkish community in Western Thrace could be addressed in areas such as the right to choose their own religious leaders as well as education in their native language, Turkish. Noting that it is normal and useful to use the European mechanisms to try to protect the rights of the members of the Turkish community as a national minority in Greece but that the UN mechanisms should also be considered this regard. Varennes noted that the Greek government has been reluctant to use the European mechanisms, therefore it is important for the Turkish community in Western Thrace to further take international mechanisms regarding minority rights into consideration.
Explaining that the Greek government should move away from some fears that the protection of minorities will weaken the country, Varennes recommended the Greek government to consider the protection of minority rights from a positive frame of mind and to approach this particular issue not as a threat to national sovereignty but as a way to respect minority members as equal citizens of Greece.
Furthermore, Varennes touched upon the fact that political intolerance and prejudice is on the rise not only in Greece but throughout Europe and noted that some politicians use nationalism to blame or point the finger at minorities as if they constitute a threat, declare them as scapegoats and portray them as a threat.
Noting that it is important to become much more visible and effective in the lobbying activities, that sometimes a lot of effort is spent for this, but that ultimately success is achieved, Varennes highlighted that the way the minorities are treated throughout Europe and the world must change, that we are currently going through an extremely difficult and antagonistic period that is almost against minorities, and that it is important to redouble efforts in this regard.
You can watch the entire programme, which was broadcast live simultaneously on ABTTF’s YouTube channel and Facebook page in English by clicking the links below:
