This written declaration commits only those who have signed it.
Recent violent attacks against Roma communities are a cause
for serious concern. In Ukraine, at least two Roma individuals were
killed in 2018 during armed attacks on their settlements or villages,
and many more Roma lost their homes.
Political leaders, including members of governments of Council
of Europe member States, use antigypsyist rhetoric increasingly,
and often with impunity. Yet such discourse condones and sometimes
even encourages discrimination against Roma.
Most recently, in Bulgaria, the authorities ordered the demolition
of a Roma neighbourhood, following an attack on police officers
by two members of that community. Yet it is always unacceptable
to penalise an entire community for the misdeeds of some of its
members.
In view of the escalating violence, anti-Roma prejudice and
abuse should be addressed as a matter of urgency in all Council
of Europe member States.
