28/06/2012 Session
Strasbourg, 28.06.2012 – Concerned about the critical situation of Roma migrants in Europe, the Assembly today called on the Committee of Ministers to encourage member States to put an end to the collective expulsion of Roma, to reconsider their forced return policies of Roma to Kosovo, and to take the necessary steps to naturalise stateless Roma. PACE also called on the relevant Council of Europe bodies to consider ways and means of addressing the problem of negative stereotyping and stigmatisation of Roma in the media and in political speech.
The recommendation adopted is based on the conclusions of the report by Annette Groth (Germany, UEL), who describes the prejudices encountered by Roma migrants and the discrimination they have to cope with, particularly in access to education, healthcare, employment and housing.
The Assembly also decided to support the Council of Europe Dosta! Campaign (“Go beyond prejudice, meet the Roma”) by providing its members with information so as to enhance awareness in national parliaments.