The European Roma Policy Coalition called for concrete action from EU member states after the surge of anti-Gypsyism across Europe was highlighted as a matter of urgency during the 6th Meeting of the European Roma Platform.
Brussels, 18 November 2011: At the close of the sixth European Roma Platform meeting, the European Roma Policy Coalition (ERPC) expressed satisfaction that the surge of anti-Gypsyism across Europe has been highlighted as a matter of urgency in the discussions among participants.
“This message now needs to be urgently translated into concrete action. Otherwise all the Romani people out there who fear for their safety may well feel they have been abandoned by the European Commission and EU countries”, said Nicolas Beger from Amnesty International, the ERPC’s current chair. “In a climate of increasing intolerance, social inclusion strategies cannot succeed without resolute action to combat anti-Gypsyism. It’s time for governments and the Commission to take immediate steps to protect people from violence and racially-based intimidation as witnessed all over Europe – the latest incidents happening in Bulgaria and the Czech Republic.”
“Participants called on EU Member States to ensure participation of Roma and other civil society organizations in order to achieve ambitious and effective national strategies on Roma inclusion. This is especially needed at local level, where change should take place.” said Beger.
For interviews or further comment, please contact:
Georgina Siklossy, Communication and Press Officer, European Network Against Racism
Tel: +32 (0)2 229 35 70 – E-mail: georgina@enar-eu.org
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The ERPC is an informal gathering of non-governmental organisations operating at EU level on issues of human rights, anti-discrimination, anti-racism, social inclusion, and Roma and Travellers’ rights. Its members are Amnesty International, the European Roma Rights Centre, the European Roma Information Office, the Open Society Foundations, European Network Against Racism, Minority Rights Group International, the European Roma Grassroots Organizations Network, Policy Center for Roma and Minorities, the Roma Education Fund, and Fundación Secretariado Gitano.From May 2011 to November 2011, the rotating chairmanship of the ERPC is held by Amnesty International in close cooperation with Fundación Secretariado Gitano and the European Roma Grassroots Organisations Network.
Contact: coordinator@romapolicy.eu
Source: http://webhost.ppt.eu/romapolicy/time-to-tackle-anti-gypsyism-2/
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