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Greece

4. Social Inclusion

4.5 Initiatives promoting social inclusion and raising awareness

Last update: 9 February 2026
On this page
  1. Intercultural awareness
  2. Young people's rights
  3. Key initiatives to safeguard democracy and prevent radicalisation leading to violent extremism

 

Intercultural awareness

1. National Programme for Intercultural Mediation Training

Authority: Ministry of Migration and Asylum (Directorate of Social Integration – Intercultural Mediation Department)
Timeframe: Launched March 2024 (pilot) — ongoing programme
Type: Professional training programme for intercultural mediators
Description: A structured 206-hour training programme designed to strengthen the capacity of intercultural mediators working with third-country nationals (TCNs) in Greece. Its core aims are to enhance the quality and effectiveness of intercultural mediation services; upgrade mediators’ knowledge, skills and competences; support equal access to services for migrants; and contribute to social inclusion and intercultural understanding in local communities. It is implemented in cooperation with UNHCR and national vocational training partners.
Link: Training programme for intercultural mediators (European Commission / DG HOME news) 
Main target groups: Professional and future intercultural mediators, social inclusion practitioners.

Relevance: This initiative directly promotes intercultural awareness and supports inclusion of culturally diverse populations in Greek society.

2. Multaka: Intercultural Tours in Athens

Authority: Ministry of Migration and Asylum & Ministry of Culture and Sports
Timeframe: Operated within 2014–2020 Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund; ongoing visibility on government platforms
Type: Intercultural social integration project
Description: A joint project designed to promote social integration through curated intercultural tours and cultural heritage experiences in Athens. The project, whose name comes from the Arabic word multaka (meeting point), connects migrants, refugees, and local communities via visits to museums and cultural sites. It supports intercultural dialogue by facilitating shared cultural experiences and understanding.
Link: Intercultural Activities on Migration Ministry site (official page) 
Main target groups: Migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, cultural audiences.

Relevance: Contributes to intercultural dialogue and social inclusion by using culture and shared public spaces as a medium for mutual understanding.

3. Intercultural Education (Διαπολιτισμική Εκπαίδευση)

Authority: Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports.
Timeframe: Ongoing throughout the 2021–2027 period.
Type: Educational programme integrated into formal education.
Description: A central initiative embedded in national measures addressing early school leaving and inclusive education. The aim is to promote mutual understanding, acceptance, and tolerance of cultural diversity; to support the inclusion of pupils from migrant, refugee, and socially vulnerable backgrounds.
Link: National Strategy for Social Inclusion and Poverty Reduction
Main target groups: Migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, cultural audiences.

Relevance: Contributes to intercultural education and social inclusion by using knowledge and shared public spaces as a medium for mutual understanding.

Young people's rights

National Coordination Body — National Commission on Human Rights (E.E.D.A.)

Authority: Greek Government (Cabinet / Ministry of Justice links)
Timeframe: Reorganised and legally strengthened in 2021–2024
Type: National human rights body
Description: The National Commission on Human Rights (Εθνική Επιτροπή για τα Δικαιώματα του Ανθρώπου) is a statutory national institution for the protection and promotion of human rights, reporting directly to the Greek State. It monitors human rights developments, provides policy recommendations to government bodies, participates in international exchanges, and supports the integration of human rights principles into public administration and legislation. Its enhanced legal status since 2021 ensures greater independence and broader mandate.
Link: National Commission for Human Rights – official description (government legal portal) 
Main target groups: Public institutions, civil society stakeholders, and indirectly young citizens.

Relevance: Although not a programme per se, E.E.D.A. represents a government institution that systematically supports rights protection, awareness and monitoring, which can be referenced under young people’s rights and democratic values.

Key initiatives to safeguard democracy and prevent radicalisation leading to violent extremism

National Strategy for the Prevention of Violence and Juvenile Offending (2025–2030)

Type: National strategy for prevention of violence including extremist violence among minors
Timeframe: 2025–2030
Description: In May 2025, the Greek Government adopted the National Strategy for the Prevention of Violence and the Combat of Juvenile Offending 2025–2030 (Δίπλα στα Παιδιά – Απέναντι στη Βία). This strategy takes a holistic approach to various forms of violence, including extremist-related violence, by focusing on early prevention, social support and behavioural intervention for minors. It recognises violent and extremist behaviours as part of broader youth violence that undermines democratic life and aims to strengthen protective social systems.
Core aims: to prevent violence (including extremist violence) among young people, to reduce risk factors for social exclusion and radicalisation, and to enhance social integration and democratic values through family and community support mechanisms.
Main outcomes: an articulated national framework targeting multiple forms of youth violence; integration of measures in education, family support services and community programmes; alignment with EU objectives for inclusive prevention.
Target groups: children and adolescents, families, educational institutions, social services and youth practitioners.