Greece details rights for Muslim minority in thrace
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Greece presented a detailed account of its policies toward the Muslim minority in Thrace to the United Nations Human Rights Council, responding to a written statement from the Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe.
Athens explained the community, which includes people of Turkish, Pomak, and Roma origin, is a religious minority as defined by the Treaty of Lausanne (1923). The population has grown from 80,000 in 1923 to over 120,000 today. Greece outlined five key areas of its strategy.
These include religious freedom with over 240 mosques currently operating, a new law ensuring transparent selection of Muftis with minority participation, and recognizing the Alevis as a distinct religious community with the right to establish their own places of worship. The government also funds 83 primary schools, 2 secondary schools, and 2 Islamic religious schools for the minority. Additionally, four minority members currently serve in the national Parliament and over 100 hold positions in local government.
The Greek side clarified it is constructively cooperating with the Council of Europe, having already amended its Civil Code to align with international standards regarding associations, and is conducting training for Greek judges. Greece characterized Thrace as a model of harmonious coexistence between Muslim and Christian communities.
