Epress.am News from Armenia
Speaking on the eve of International Roma Day, Apr. 8, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Mevlüt Çavusoglu issued an urgent call for Roma to be given a stronger voice at local, national and international level.
“The Roma are Europe’s largest minority, present in virtually every one of the Council of Europe’s 47 member states, yet their participation in public and political life is minimal,” the President pointed out, according to the PACE official website. “This is all wrong, especially as this minority continues to face shocking conditions in some parts of Europe, as well as outright abuse and discrimination.”
“The problem is that we have spent too much time trying to do something for Roma, instead of with them. It is time for a fresh approach: Roma themselves know what needs to be done, and they are ready to articulate their hopes, aspirations, ideas and needs. But they do not always have a chance to be heard.
“The Council of Europe has made an important start by helping to set up the European Roma and Travellers Forum (ERTF), which gives Roma a voice at pan-European level. Since January, ERTF representatives are being invited to PACE committee meetings whenever Roma issues are on the agenda, and we have agreed to consult and co-ordinate more. Roma at last have a place at Europe’s table, but there is so much more to do.
“For example, there are no Roma at all in our 636-member Assembly, and this has to change. I encourage national delegations to the Assembly to include members of the Roma minority. There should also be seats reserved for Roma in national parliaments, as well as on local and regional elected bodies, where many of the decisions are made that directly affect Roma communities.
“Only by creating a strong and deep partnership with Roma, at all levels, can we really start to improve the situation of these 12 million Europeans who have faced so much prejudice for so long,” PACE President declared.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also issued a statement on this occasion.
“On behalf of [US] President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send greetings to all Roma everywhere as you celebrate International Roma Day this April 8. In communities across Europe and around the world, Romani people have contributed in ways large and small to culture, music, and the arts. This is also an occasion to commemorate the history of brave resistance against Nazi persecution.
“Protecting and promoting the rights of Romani people everywhere is a personal commitment of mine. Far too often and in too many places, Roma continue to experience racial profiling, violence, segregation, and other forms of discrimination. Individuals, organizations, and governments must establish the political, legal, and social landscape to encourage and value diversity. I call upon European leaders to redouble their efforts to ensure that Romani people are not discriminated against in access to education, healthcare, housing and employment opportunities.
“I am pleased to announce that in the coming days, we will be launching two new programs to assist members of Romani communities in Romania, Moldova, Slovakia and Hungary. These programs are in addition to our ongoing support in Bulgaria, Serbia, Macedonia, Kosovo and elsewhere across Europe. We are working to increase legal assistance, expand educational opportunities, and help more Romani people participate in political discourse to strengthen a new generation of Romani community leaders. With the help of governments, international organizations, civil society groups, and others around the world, we are helping Romani communities and individuals everywhere chart a new path so that every Romani person may live up to her or his God-given potential,” she said.