A recent tragedy in Omonia has reignited concerns over the treatment of homeless individuals in Greece. The Greek Network for the Right to Shelter and Housing has condemned the systemic neglect that led to a homeless man’s death, calling it "the tip of the iceberg." In its statement statement, the organisation urges the state and local authorities to take responsibility and implement meaningful social protections before more lives are lost.
Official statement from the Greek Network for the Right to Shelter and Housing:
“On 24 March 2025, a shocking video surfaced from a restaurant’s security camera in central Athens. It captured two employees carrying the lifeless body of a homeless man outside onto the pavement—without calling for medical assistance. When the police and emergency services arrived, they found the man had sustained injuries, and the employees responsible for moving him were later charged with negligent homicide.
This incident has sparked widespread discussion, shedding light on the brutal reality faced by homeless individuals—one of cold indifference and dehumanisation. The lack of immediate medical help in this case underscores a broader issue: for those living on the streets, access to healthcare is often more of an unattainable dream than a basic human right.
While public outrage has rightly condemned the negligence that led to the death of a vulnerable person, another disturbing trend has emerged—rhetoric blaming marginalised communities, particularly migrants, for social decay. However, such arguments ignore a crucial fact: nationality has nothing to do with this tragedy. The true issue at hand is the systematic neglect of homeless people’s needs, a problem rooted in structural failures rather than individual circumstances.
This case is not an isolated event—it is symptomatic of a wider crisis. Homeless people across Greece endure inhumane living conditions and social invisibility until they simply disappear. Whether this continues or changes depends on the actions of the state and local authorities, which bear the responsibility for social welfare.
The Greek Network for the Right to Shelter and Housing stresses the urgent need to reform social policies. Homelessness remains one of the most pressing issues in Greece’s major cities. Local governments must be held accountable for monitoring and addressing housing and social care needs, with appropriate support from the central government.
Evaluating and improving homeless shelters and local social services is essential to identifying failures in housing policy and implementing long-term, sustainable solutions. Furthermore, public awareness and professional training are crucial in protecting vulnerable groups and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
The right to a life of dignity is a fundamental human right—one that should never be up for debate. When the failure to uphold this right leads to the loss of life, it reveals not only systemic shortcomings but also a troubling unwillingness by the authorities to tackle extreme social inequality. This perpetuates a dangerous divide between “us” and “them.””
______________________________________________
Are you seeking news from Greece presented from a progressive, non-mainstream perspective? Subscribe monthly or annually to support TPP International in delivering independent reporting in English. Don’t let Greek progressive voices fade.
Make sure to reference “TPP International” and your order number as the reason for payment.