A/HRC/32/50/Add.1 the fight against discrimination (Law No. 3304/2005), gender equality in employment (Law No. 3896/2010), the return of migrants (Law No. 3907/2011) and prevention of torture (Law No. 4228/2014). 27. Regarding discrimination, particularly on the basis of sex and gender, complaints were registered from both the public and private sectors, with more emphasis placed on initiatives relating to compulsory retirement for women or dismissal during maternity protection periods. 28. The Greek Ombudsman’s office also reported on the return of migrants to their countries of origin and on the excessive length of their detention in Greece, which in some cases exceeded the limit of 18 months established by Greek law and the European Union normative framework. The office reported a 24.5 per cent rise in the number of irregular migrants entering the country during the first half of 2014 in comparison with the same period in 2013. The Office proposed the immediate transfer of migrants to premises in conformity with Law No. 3907/2011; the restriction of detention periods; the implementation of alternative measures to detention, in accordance with article 22, paragraph 3, of Law 3907/2011; the adequate operation of migrant reception centres at all entry points to ensure humane and dignified living conditions; and the provision of medical examinations and support to those in need. The assignment of legal aid, the usage of mobile networks in the Amygdaleza detention centre and special treatment for minors were also some of the recommendations made. 29. The Special Rapporteur also met with the Economic and Social Council, an administrative body tasked with the promotion of equal treatment in employment established by Law No. 2232/1994. The mandate of the Council is to formulate policies that are mutually acceptable to the three groups represented: employers/entrepreneurs; private and public sector employees; and others, such as farmers, self-employed people, consumers, people with disabilities, gender equality organizations and the local government. According to Law No. 3304/2005, the Economic and Social Council presents annual reports on developments relating to the implementation of the principle of equal treatment, mainly in employment, makes suggestions to the Government and to social partners with regard to promoting non-discrimination, and encourages dialogue with NGOs and union representatives interested in combating discrimination on the grounds of ethnic or racial origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation and disability. 30. The Special Rapporteur was informed that, after the Greek elections in January 2015, the new justice minister had pledged to amend the 2014 anti-racism law and to strengthen training on racism and xenophobia for the judiciary and prosecutors. The minister also stated that prosecutors should be required to investigate bias as a possible motive in crimes and to present any evidence thereof to the courts, which should be required to consider such evidence and explain the reasons for applying or not applying a penalty enhancement.12 The law provides that victims are exempted from paying a fee to file their complaint. Law No. 4251/2014 was amended by Law No. 4332/2015 to incorporate measures aimed at protecting undocumented migrants who are victims or witnesses of hate crimes. These measures will also protect migrants from any negative repercussions pending a prima facie assessment by a prosecutor of the merits of their complaint. The Government also indicated that it had abandoned anti-immigrant police operations like Xenios Zeus. In February 2015, the Government pledged to shut down 12 Human Rights Watch, “Greece: address longstanding rights issues”, 19 February 2015, available from www.hrw.org/news/2015/02/19/greece-address-longstanding-rights-issues. 9

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