European Roma Information Office: Together in the fight against discrimination and anti-Gypsyism

Ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on the 21 March, the European Roma Information Office (ERIO) emphasises the importance of equality; which forms, together with the respect for human rights, a founding European Union (EU) value. This is also the occasion to promote the fight against anti-Gypsyism, a special form of racism which targets the most vulnerable ethnic minority in the EU, the Roma.

All EU member states ratified the UN International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination as well as the European Convention on Human Rights. Anti-discrimination also plays a significant role at the EU level as is reflected in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, the Racial Equality Directive transforming into national legislations as well as the Council Recommendation on effective Roma integration measures in the member states, which stresses the need to combat discrimination. Despite the above-mentioned legal documents, discrimination remains present and is still part of many Roma’s daily lives.

ERIO is concerned about the persistent hate speech towards Roma on the internet and in the media predominantly building negative stereotypes and raising intolerance and prejudices against Roma. Racist attitudes have also been expressed during anti-Roma marches and riots organised by right-wing extremists. Moreover, anti-Roma sentiment prevails in a political discourse among local and national politicians and authorities. ERIO calls upon EU member states to condemn hate speech as an expression of anti-Gypsyism, which not only supports marginalisation of Roma but often results into committing hate crimes against this minority.

Ivan Ivanov, Executive Director of ERIO, states: “Member states are obliged to ensure that Roma as European Union citizens are treated equally under the scope of the Racial Equality Directive. The legislation tackling discrimination needs to be enforced on the local level. Therefore, local, regional and national authorities as well as EU institutions have to work hand in hand with individuals and civil society on adopting effective measures combating anti-Gypsyism in all its forms. Europe cannot accept the current anti-Roma rhetoric inciting hatred and leading to the establishment of a hostile environment. Only together we can fight racism and xenophobia and contribute to a more equal, tolerant, diverse Europe with better understanding and higher solidarity for its citizens.”

Full article.