BackIn 2017, the Greek State enacted a mechanism for the external, independent monitoring of the implementation of the UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities and assigned this responsibility, which it proclaimed a “promotional framework”, to the constitutionally-established Independent Authority of the Greek Ombudsman. The Ombudsman’s first report under this mandate, has been submitted to the competent UN committee.
Pursuant to the law, the objective is to monitor the implementation of the Convention; to express an opinion on the compatibility of the promoted public policies at central, regional and national level; as well as the compatibility of national law with the provisions of the Convention. Other than the actions for the general promotion and protection of the rights of disabled persons, as the competent body, the Greek Ombudsman reviews individual complaints in relation to the infringement of specific rights of disabled persons; it undertakes awareness-raising actions on issues that are associated with the rights and obligations arising from the Convention; it prepares studies and surveys in relation to the implementation of the Convention’s articles on individual sectors and submits an annual report with an assessment of the public policies and the implementation of applicable legislation, as well as proposed measures for addressing deficiencies and needs that were ascertained in practice and need to be legislatively regulated or amended. In order to achieve this objective, the Greek Ombudsman takes every appropriate measure and collaborates with the National Confederation of Persons with Disabilities (ESAMEA).
Source: The Greek Ombudsman's Office
