Addressing gender discrimination between parents in the event of divorce
1.3.2021
Question for written answer E-001188/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)
Council of Europe Resolution 2079/2015 contains recommendations to be implemented by Greece in parent-child relations: parents should have ‘... equal rights with regard to their children...’ and Member States are called upon to introduce into national legislation ‘shared residence [...] limiting any exceptions to cases of child abuse or neglect, or domestic violence’.
Greek law calls for both parents to continue exercising parental responsibilities in the event of separation. However, custody, which is the most important aspect to consider and involves caring for the child and taking responsibility for their upbringing and education, is separate and is awarded entirely to either one of the parents, which in 94% of cases is the mother.
This is systematic gender discrimination and a violation of the rights of the child.[1]
A draft law on parental responsibility in Greece favours taking the issue of custody out of the parents’ hands and does not mention shared residence as the default arrangement. It makes no mention of other issues affecting fathers in some sectors in Greece, who face discrimination and typecasting regarding equal participation in their children’s upbringing.[2]
In the light of the above:
- 1.Has there been any cooperation with Greece in this regard?
- 2.Does the Commission note any negative discrimination in the current legislation against divorced fathers and their children in matters of custody?