48 Posts in Special Feature

Published on Tuesday, the report was compiled by the independent expert group GREVIO, which is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Council of Europe’s Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention), which Greece signed in October 2018. It is based on the findings of a visit carried out by a GREVIO delegation to Greece in February this year. In it, the experts hail the establishment of 74 specialized police units to improve law enforcement responses to violence against women, the adoption of guidelines for police intervention in domestic violence cases and enhanced police collection of quantitative and qualitative data on gender-based violence. They also welcome changes to Greece’s legal framework on violence against women, including the adoption of a definition of rape based on the notion of freely given consent. However, despite this progress, there are still “several” serious concerns, such as the lack of rape crisis centers and/or sexual violence referral centers, which is “especially worrisome” since GREVIO’s evaluation highlights “high rates of attrition in cases of violence against women and low conviction rates, particularly in cases of rape.” The number of shelters for women – currently at 20, with a total capacity of approximately 450 individual beds – must be “significantly increased” to meet the Istanbul Convention target of one family place per 10,000 head of population, the experts said, also noting that prejudices and stereotypes still prevail among the judiciary despite the recent introduction of mandatory training on gender-based and domestic violence. GREVIO further raises “serious concerns” about weak safeguards ensuring that incidents of domestic violence are considered when courts determine custody and visitation rights, following the adoption in 2021 of a law on reforms regarding parent-child relations. Its report specifically refers to cases in which abusive husbands have been granted joint custody or unsupervised visiting rights even though they have been convicted for violence, thus jeopardizing the safety of children and of their mothers. Access of asylum-seeking women victims of gender-based violence to the asylum procedure is another concern raised by the experts, who urge the Greek authorities to address the negative consequences for such women of the implementation of the 2021 Joint Ministerial Decision designating Turkey as a “safe third country” for asylum seekers from several countries and to uphold their obligation to respect the principle of non-refoulement of women victims of gender-based violence. Another “deep concern” expressed in the report regards media coverage of gender-based violence, which, the experts found, is often sensationalized. Some Greek media outlets, it adds, “use discriminatory language and disclose the identity of victims, thus breaching their privacy.” GREVIO’s urgent recommendations for the Greek authorities include the following: Set up rape crisis centers and/or sexual violence referral centers providing immediate medical care, trauma support, forensic examinations, and immediate, short and long-term psychological assistance by qualified professionals. Introduce training and guidelines for all relevant professionals in the criminal justice system to ensure understanding of rape and sexual violence as offences based on the absence of consent, rather than on the use of force. Expand the number and capacity of shelters for women victims of violence throughout the country, address the lack of resources allocated for such services and remove any obstacles that hamper victims’ access to such shelters. Ensure that children exposed to domestic violence receive counseling and support. Run awareness-raising activities targeting different population groups, including men of all ages, to change underlying patriarchal attitudes and promote understanding of gender-based violence against women. Make sure that asylum-seeking women and girls receive the best possible support during the asylum procedure, by providing safe accommodation, access to quality interpretation and legal aid. 

The celebration of the 28th of October 1940 marks the refusal of Greece to the forces of Axis and the ultimatum given to the Greek government on behalf of dictator Benito Mussolini, who required the free passage of the Italian army through Greek territory and the occupation of strategic parts of Greece.

As the president of the organizing committee of Athens Flying Week 2023, Panagiotis Podimatas, stated to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA), "the presence of 'Al Fursan' is a significant success, as this elite group rarely performs outside their country. It is the second time they come to Europe and the first time in Greece. Therefore, the joy and honor of choosing Athens Flying Week 2023 is even more important."   The presence of the US F-35 and the French Rafale, among others, is expected with great interest. Also, the F-16s from Belgium and Denmark, and the Greek teams "Dias" and "Daedalos" should be added to the large number of participations. As for the teams, in addition to the Saudi and Emirati teams, the Spanish Patrulla Aguila and teams from Switzerland and Belgium, and the acrobatic team from Kavala will also participate, while a team of disabled people will arrive from Italy, proving how much the human will can achieve. Special mention should be made of the presence of the world aerobatic champion Luca Bertossio, while the event will also be accompanied by Greek Sky Diving and Gliding teams. The participation of the Aegean civil aircraft fleet is also important.   The video of the arrival of Fursan and Typhoon can be watched in the links below   - In the News Asset subscription service of ANA-MPA   - On the YouTube channel of ANA-MPA:   https://youtu.be/RG4uNIs5dgE   -On the Corporate Video page of Video Services of ANA-MPA:   https://www.amna.gr/video-services/544358/Corporate%20Videos    

"With the deepest sadness, the family of Vardis I. Vardinoyannis announces that beloved wife, mother, and grandmother Marianna V. Vardinoyannis, UNESCO Ambassador of Goodwill, President of the Elpida Association of Friends of Children with Cancer, died on Monday, July 24th, 2023. The funeral and burial will be held privately," the statement said. Marianna V. Vardinogianni, through many years of active social participation, worked towards a broad humanitarian goal, inspired by motherhood and anchored in providing for children, vulnerable social groups and vulnerable individuals in Greece and abroad. At the same time, she also dedicated herself to the protection of human rights, the promotion of a culture of peace, education, health, climate change, culture and the protection of cultural heritage. In particular, the work of Vardinogianni and her foundation aimed to, among other goals, combat human trafficking and the exploitation of children, the elimination of illiteracy, the protection of the environment and the confrontation of many other modern challenges. All this was done with the ultimate aim of creating a better world for the next generation, the humanity’s tomorrow.   At the same time, her foundation, through the programs it implemented, supported children and families of vulnerable social groups, schools across Greece and refugees. Vardinogianni also sought to fight against childhood cancer for more than 25 years. Through her work in the “ELPIDA Association of Friends of Children with cancer”, she founded the first Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Unit in Greece, which has saved more than 860 children from Greece and neighboring countries. She was also instrumental in the creation of the “ELPIDA” Home , the first Pediatric Oncology Hospital, and the first Volunteer Bone Marrow Donor Bank in Greece. She also undertook a series of initiatives aimed at helping sick children and their families. Vardinogiannis also supported many educational institutions in Greece, Europe and the USA. She was the founder and sponsor of the Center for Hellenistic Studies at the Library of Alexandria and also supported UNESCO’s education and culture programs in many parts of the world, promoting the implementation of the UN’s development goals. Marianna Vardinogianni as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, as President of the “Marianna V. Vardinogianni Foundation”, the “ELPIDA” Association and the “ORAMA ELPIDAS” Association, collaborated with many institutions, foundations, and non-governmental organizations at both the national and international level. Within the framework of all these collaborations, additionally to the many events she organized through her foundations, she participated in several conferences as a speaker or panelist. She also was present at charity events, as well as international and European meetings and campaigns. The work of Marianna V. Vardinogianni is internationally recognized and she has received many honorary titles and awards such as: Golden Cross of the Order of Eupoia of the Hellenic Republic, the Academy of Athens Prize, the Archon of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, Knight and Officer of the Legion of Honor of the French Republic, Grand Prize of the Charter of Paris against Cancer, the “Ripple of Hope” prize awarded by the “Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights” Foundation, and others. Marianna Vardinoyannis was married to oil and shipping magnate Vardis Vardinoyannis, and had 5 children, as well as several grandchildren. She was 86 years old. (A detailed biography of her life and activities may be found on the Elpida site, in English, https://elpida.org/en/mvv-en/) Condolences Messages of condolences were sent to the family by President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, and former President Prokopis Pavlopoulos.  

The discussion at 17:30 is part of events related to the annual SNF Nostos Conference (June 21-23) and will focus on how to strengthen democratic culture, and the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders. In terms of the latter, Obama met on Wednesday with all trainees of the Obama Foundation Leaders program at a central Athens hotel.   The SNF Nostos Conference June 21 – 23 in Athens: Where around the world can we find positive examples of mental health services for young people? What ethical considerations come into play when chatbots are used in mental health care? How can artistic expression help address trauma? Researchers, practitioners, and activists from a wide range of fields are coming together for the 2023 SNF Nostos Conference to discuss the progress of the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Initiative and tackle topics such as loneliness and its effects on mental health; the role of arts, AI, and technology; the importance of support systems; and the mental health challenges faced by specific populations, including young people. Join us and add your voice to conversations featuring speakers like Bring Change to Mind co-founder Glenn Close, Founder & CEO of The Goldie Hawn Foundation I MindUP Goldie Hawn, March For Our Lives co-founder David Hogg, New York Times architecture critic Michael Kimmelman, child psychiatrist and Child Mind Institute founding president Harold S. Koplewicz, and Columbia psychiatrist Sander Markx. We are honored and delighted that President Barack Obama will take part in this year’s SNF Nostos Conference. He is returning to the stage at the Greek National Opera’s Stavros Niarchos Hall, from which he spoke during his last international trip in office, for a conversation with SNF Co-President Andreas Dracopoulos on how to strengthen our democratic culture and the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders.*  The SNF Nostos Conference, organized in collaboration with the journalism nonprofit iMEdD (incubator for Media Education and Development), is a free, interactive experience, and everyone is welcome to participate. A global SNF Nostos Youth Advisory Committee helps make sure perspectives from all ages are represented.   Almost all SNF Nostos Conference discussions are held in English, with interpretation into Greek available via headset. The following sessions will be held in whole or in part in Greek with interpretation available: 1. Listening to stakeholders to create sustainable change for children and adolescents: The CAMHI experience in Greece (22/06, 09:20, GNO Stavros Niarchos Hall) will be held in both Greek and English, 2. Tasos Bakasetas: Mental health challenges at the top (22/06, 14:30, GNO Alternative Stage) will be held in Greek, 3. Symptoms of a new era: Dysfunctional use of Technology and worsening adolescent mental health (22/06, 16:10, NLG Lobby) will be held in Greek. Simultaneous onsite interpretation in Greek Sign Language will accompany each session and live captioning in English will be available on attendees’ mobile devices during the sessions held in English. Admission is free via online registration and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Τhere may be changes to the timing and venue of each session.  *Attendance procedures differ for the discussion between President Barack Obama and SNF Co-President Andreas Dracopoulos. All are welcome to join us at the SNFCC Great Lawn for a live broadcast of the conversation

The restrictions will take effect from 17:00 until the end of events late at night, and parking of private vehicles during that time will be prohibited on these streets.   For more information visit: https://www.athens24.com/agenda/athens-pride-2023.html

It is a public holiday that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and it is always celebrated on a Sunday. It is considered the establishment of the Church, the coming of the Holy Spirit, the revelation of the Trinity, and a day to celebrate membership in God's family. On the eve of Pentecost, an all-night vigil is held in churches, and the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom is read. Pentecost is also known as Trinity Sunday, it is considered a "Great Feast" and it is celebrated with great attention in Greece as it is chronologically the most important holiday after Easter. is a week-long celebration. It is the observance of the totality of the human soul. Traditionally, housekeepers cook the ritual "koliva" (made of wheat kernels, honey, or sugar) on Friday eve for them to make visitations to the priests at church. The weekend of Pentecost which takes place in late May or early June is an excellent opportunity to get away from the city and most people in Greece visit the countryside or the Greek islands to celebrate Pentecost and enjoy the first days of summer.

42 national judicial associations from as many European Union states will be represented, including Ukraine's, while representatives of judicial associations from third countries will participate as observers. In its announcement, EDE noted that the participation of Ukrainian colleagues is expected "with particular interest," as they will provide important information "about the functioning of justice and the institutions in the midst of war." The EAJ spring session is being held under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Justice.

A total of 150 riders with 210 horses from 10 European countries will take part in this year’s edition, which includes four international competitions – the Longines EEF World Cup EEF Series Athens, a children’s race, a young horse race and a race for lower categories. The Nations Cup on Sunday is a qualifier for the southern region of the Longines EEF Series.           Other events for young and old friends of the sport will take place alongside the competitions, within the framework of the festival.

The file will be submitted by the ministry in September for evaluation and comments by the competent UNESCO committee. The nomination will be officially submitted in January 2024. Ministry sources said that each of Crete’s archaeological sites had its own challenges for inclusion. The most demanding was the surrounding area of Knossos. To improve the site’s image, some interventions are planned, such as enlarging the parking area and access for wheelchair users.

Accompanying the Holy Fire on the Aegean A320neo aircraft will be a small diplomatic mission, with the plane expected to land at Athens international airport at 19:30. It will then be transported in other Aegean and Olympic Air planes to another 8 destinations within Greece, on both scheduled and specially chartered flights for this purpose. Sky Express airline will fly the Fire to Rhodes, Kos, Mykonos and Santorini. Sky Express airline will fly the Fire to Rhodes, Kos, Mykonos and Santorini.

As he explains, the great mobility of domestic tourism is due to the fact that after 3 years, normality has returned. The hotels are now open and thus the tourist offices were given the opportunity to organize their offers in time.       High demand for tourist packages from tourist offices -     Mr. Tsilidis emphasizes that all this large exodus of Athenians is obviously not from organized travel agencies. Most of them go to their country houses and family homes, while according to the president of FEDHATTA, the average occupancy in terms of tourist packages inside the country is 85%, while abroad it is 75%.     At this point it should be emphasized that the cost for a 4-day vacation through a travel agency starts at this period from 220 euros per person and reaches 520 euros, depending on the destination and the category of accommodation. Regarding the issue of increased costs, Mr. Tsilidis notes that there are households that make a trip every three years and some others that travel every year. "There is an audience that can travel and an audience that cannot travel. They have always existed," notes Mr. Tsilidis.       Where will the Greeks go on Easter?     Protagonist again this year is Corfu, which is known for its traditional Easter customs. On a domestic level, the greatest demand is noted by Nafplio, Kastoria, Pieria, Messinia, Xylokastro, Meteora, Porto Heli, Zagorochoria, but also island destinations such as Corfu, Rhodes, Patmos, Crete, Zakynthos, Chios, Mytilini, Syros, Skyros, Kythira, and Hydra.     As far as foreign destinations are concerned, Greeks prefer European destinations such as Italy, the Iberian Peninsula, S. France, Paris, Budapest, Strasbourg, Cyprus, Vienna, Bruges and also America. In addition, Jerusalem, Constantinople and Egypt, due to their Patriarchates, are for another year a pole of attraction for Greeks, in the context of the religious ideal. At this point, Mr. Tsilidis mentions that organized trips abroad organized by tourist offices have reached 75% in 2019, while trips to exotic destinations have also recovered.     It is recalled that according to POX, the occupancy of the open hotels of most Easter destinations in the country will range from 70% to 90% during the Easter period, while in some cases they will reach 100%.   High occupancy in almost all destinations in the country -     Corfu, Mykonos, Central Greece, Peloponnese will star in tourist flows this Easter, however most Greek destinations are betting on the Easter days to increase their tourist flows and enter the new tourist season with the right hand.     Speaking to the media, mayors from Greek destinations give their impression of the tourist traffic during the Easter days.       Tinos: 90% occupancy in rooms for rent -     "Like every year, this year's traffic to Tinos is constantly increasing. Especially for the Easter days, according to data from the professional associations, the occupancy of rooms for rent reaches 90%, while in hotels it is currently at 80%, notes the mayor of the island, Yiannis Siotos. It is noteworthy that, in addition to Greek travelers, there is also great interest in the island from visitors from Germany, France and Switzerland, says the mayor of Tinos.     Elafonissos: The island is waiting for non-residents for Easter -     On the second 15th of April there are several online reservations, more than in previous years from markets abroad. Several restaurants have already opened in Elafonissos, even since Clean Monday, for the first time compared to previous years. During this period and for the days of Easter, non-residents are also expected to celebrate on the island, the mayor of the island, Efi Liarou, reports.       Ancient Olympia: Accommodation at 100% occupancy -      Occupancy at Ancient Olympia's accommodation on Holy Monday was around 70% and it is certain that by Holy Saturday it will have reached 100%, according to the mayor Giorgos Georgiopoulos. This is because spring is the ideal time to visit Ancient Olympia. Our ancient ancestors chose to create this great sanctuary in a beautiful natural setting, as befitted the first of their gods, Zeus. Thus, an Easter visit to the area of the Municipality of Ancient Olympia does not only have a reference point for the rich historical and archaeological stock, as the mayor of the area emphasizes.       Paros: Thousands of visitors to the island at Easter again this year -     Paros is ready to welcome again this year the thousands of visitors who will choose to spend Easter 2023 on our wonderful island, the island's mayor Markos Kovaios reports. The natural landscape, the sacred sunset, the traditions, the reviving customs and the famous Parian hospitality guarantee that our guests will experience a unique experience that will forever be etched in their memories.     The accommodation and catering businesses have been properly prepared to host those who come to the island in an even way, while the Municipal Authority has also worked hard throughout the previous period so that Paros is ready to welcome the visiting friends. Particular emphasis was placed on issues of safety, health and cleanliness, highlights Mr. Mayor.