AEDH condemns racist statements made by certain members of the European Parliament

The European Association for the Defense of Human Rights (AEDH) firmly
condemns statements made by certain members of the European Parliament during
the plenary discussion on the situation of Roma people, held on Wednesday 9
October at the European Parliament.

The fight against discrimination towards Roma in Europe remains a priority
for AEDH. This
is the reason why we believe that some European representatives made
unacceptable
remarks during the plenary debate of the European Parliament this Wednesday,
after the
statements made by the Council and the Commission.

Suggesting a direct link between the presence of Roma within the territory of
a Member
State and the increase of crime within the same territory is unworthy,
stigmatizing and
discriminatory. AEDH believes that this false description of Roma by members of
the
European Parliament is unacceptable and only contributes to the increase of
discriminations suffered by this minority. Indeed, the exacerbation of racism by
some
political parties inevitably leads to increase tensions between Roma and
non-Roma people
across the European Union, and intensify the “day-to-day” racism. Members of the
European Parliament having such discriminatory speech should not be allowed to
sit in this
assembly supposed to represent the European Union citizens.

Beside, the Commissioner Viviane Reding has also stressed that she was
ashamed to be
present in the room and to have to listen to such statements. Nevertheless, she
was
“relieved” that the majority of the present MEPs did not share the expressed
opinions.
AEDH would like to recall that the European Union, through its elected members,
should be
able to give to its largest minority – the Roma people – the place,
consideration and means
they are entitled to. Rather than advocating discrimination, we would like to
see candidates
in the upcoming parliamentary elections with a clear and strong political will
to fight for a
better integration of this minority which is still marginalised in Europe.

AEDH supports the calls for firmness addressed to the European Commission in
order for
the rights of this minority to be finally respected. To this end, AEDH asks that
infringement
proceedings be engaged against the concerned Member States for one or more
violations
of the anti-discrimination directive and the directive on free movement.