Greece

In Greece, where 90% of the population are Greek Orthodox Christians, many civil registrars have refused to complete the entry in the register until baptismal naming occurred. While the majority of Greek Romani people do identify as Greek Orthodox, some are practicing Muslims who will not be engaging in Christian baptismal rites. In 2012, the CRC expressed concern that some children are registered only with their parents’ last name, and the line for the first name remains blank with an abbreviation “AKO” (awaiting baptism), exposing them to stigmatization and discrimination. According to a 2021 CSO report to the CRC, the practice was ongoing and Greece had not taken measures to address the issue.