RACISM FROM THE CRADLE
Aug 7th, 2007 by kendi
Immigrant children in Greece are faced with the problem of having no birth certificates to officially prove their residence in Greece, their country of birth. The children have no legal status making it impossible to fully integrate. Racism from the cradle is a campaign led by the mothers to press for their acceptance, integration and raise awareness on the escalating problem.
This is regardless of the contribution and integration of their parents to the Greek state. The fight which has caught the attention of human rights groups is a systematic form of exclusion from the larger society. As the second generation simply have no legal right to live in the country, once they turn 18.
When born in the country, they receive a certificate of birth which translates to some form of identification. So, with no claim to citizenship, they are treated as illegal once they are old enough.
The unfortunate part is their non acceptance in the Greek public schools. And what should be a privilege suddenly becomes a struggle.
The struggle has left mothers, without hope for their children. The Greek state on its part refuses to accept and recognize that there is indeed racism. They think it is a characteristic and phenomenon of other European countries.
Some points raised by the Mothers include:
Not wanting their children to go through what they went through to be legalized and accepted in Greece.
The need to be given the opportunity to integrate, contribute and play a crucial role in the progress and development of the country.
Refusing to allow the bounds of today be the bounds of the future generation.
Standing up and fighting to make a change in the lives of their children.
A non governmental organisation exclusivly involved with the task of making reports on issues involving racism and xenophobia against immigrants, the National focal point on Racism and xenophobia and another non govermental organisation, the Ombudsman have both advocated that legalizing children born in Greece could be resolved not necessarily through citizenship. As this may be a lengthy procedure and a costly one. Opting for the long term residence status may be an ideal solution. Though, many contest the 900 Euro fee.