i-RED
Annual Activity Report 2009
pdf File 7245 KB
In the second year of operation -RED expanded considerably its research activities. Research topics ranged from migration and asylum to Roma housing and hate speech in political discourse. This occurs in times of extremely acute economic crisis with negative effects on social rights and social protection and on migrants and minorities through scape-goating, negative stereotyping, verbal and physical racist violence.
In this situation, the response to rapidly developing events and trends of racist violence and discourse - often at the very core of the public and political arena - is crucial and should arrive promptly in order to confront efficiently dominant perceptions of racism and intolerance. Often, and especially under these economic and political circumstances the wide public is misled to believe - and fear - myths of extreme right wing inspiration, about migrants and social minorities. The so-called ‘ghetto’ of Athens centre is one of these self-come-true prophecies based on weakening of social protection and poverty, as the preamble of segregated societies. It is crucial therefore, to address and heal the negative social effects of the crisis and lay down the conditions for future productive and inclusive societies. i-RED is committed to work towards this direction through reliable and insightful research and intervention in the democratic public sphere.' Miltos Pavlou, Athens, March 2010
Housing Conditions of Roma in Greece.Vicious Circles & Consolidated Myths
October 2009 pdf File 2250 KBCountry Report GREECE by Miltos Pavlou (ed.), authors: M.Pavlou, K.Lykovardi, D.Hormovitis, I.Prokopi - Executive summary in Greek and English
'The lack of basic access of most unregulated encampments to public utilities seems to function at the same time as the result and justification of their socio-spatial segregation. In this way, the consequences of their marginalisation (public hygiene conditions) become the reasons – and legitimising arguments – for their perennial segregation and exclusion in a persistent vicious circle of stereotypes, state inertia and local hostility. The Roma minority’s lack of cultural capital and limited resources for dealing with complex situations in housing and dealing with the authorities leads them in some cases to an inability to benefit even from a generous loan programme. In this way, the myth of Roma responsibility for their own situation is consolidated.
Many evictions are linked to major sport or cultural events. In such cases Roma must be made invisible or removed at any cost, a recurrent pattern in Greece encountered also in other cases of segregated or marginalised social groups. It is an occurrence which symbolises the ‘trespassing’ of Roma from the margins to the main body of the majority social life.'
Homophobia in Greece Love for Equality
March 2009 pdf File 660 KBCountry Report GREECE by Miltos Pavlou - Executive summary in Greek and English
'The greater gap of all seems to be the one regarding information and awareness of the wider public, as well as informed policies and availability of data on the situation of homophobia and discrimination on the ground of sexual orientation. As the LGBT organisations well put it: professionals’ (medics, public and police officers, teachers, and others.) training and people’s education at all levels is the major challenge. ‘Ignorance is the enemy.'
FRA EU comparative Report : “Homophobia and Discrimination on Grounds of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in the EU Member States: Part II - The Social Situation PDF File 1078 KB
Annual Activity Report 2008
pdf File 2892 KB
'This Annual Report is published in times of crisis of change, as well as of alarming trends for social solidarity, exclusion and inequality. May this be a chance for the commitment to a politically significant and fruitful engagement in research, understanding and transformation of modern society.'
Miltos Pavlou, Athens, March 2009
Athens, City of Migrants
October 2008 pdf 3414 KBMigrant Cities Report for British Council – Living Together 2008 project
by Miltos Pavlou (i‐RED) and Nadina Christopoulou (anthropologist –independent consultant: migrant profiles-interviews)
'Athens is a city which may be ready to rethink itself through
dialogue among people and cultures and around political values.
After all, this is one of the most exciting and groundbreaking promises of migration and this is what
so many people in Athens, migrants and natives, feel and long for.'