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Roma discrimination: end illegal expulsions and ethnic profiling, MEPs say

14 December 2013
2 minute read

EU countries must stop illegal expulsion of Roma people and end ethnic
profiling, police abuse and human rights violations perpetrated against them,
says Parliament in a non-binding resolution adopted on Thursday. It assesses
member states’ strategies to boost Roma integration and calls for more funds to
prevent discrimination and reach small community projects.

The resolution condemns attempts by EU countries to unlawfully limit the
right of Roma people to freedom of movement in the EU. With an estimated
population of 10 to12 million in Europe (approximately 6 million living in the
EU), Roma people are the biggest ethnic minority in Europe.

DOCUMENT

More money, better spent

The Commission and member states must ensure sufficient funding for Roma
integration, from both national budgets and EU programmes such as the European
Social Fund or the European Regional Development Fund. MEPs also suggest
providing special grant schemes, such as flexible and small funds for community
projects.

The EU executive should continue assessing how member states spend EU funds
earmarked for Roma integration and report its findings to Parliament and Council
every year, MEPs suggest.

EU-wide monitoring

Parliament urges the Commission to monitor the fundamental rights of Roma,
anti-Roma actions and hate crime against Roma throughout the EU. It should take
legal action, they say, if these rights are violated, especially concerning
freedom of movement and residence, access to healthcare and education, non-discrimination,
protection of personal data and the ban on creating registers based on ethnicity
and race.

Education and jobs

Member states must put an end to segregation in education and the placement
of Roma children in special schools, the resolution says. Ensuring quality
education for all Roma children, preventing early school-leaving and
guaranteeing access to the Erasmus programme are among their priorities.

EU countries should avoid discrimination in employment, make it easier for
Roma people to access the job market and set up specialised training schemes.
MEPs also urge the European institutions to create specific internship
programmes and employ Roma people.

Gender aspects of Roma integration

In a separate non-binding resolution passed on Tuesday, Parliament calls on
the member states to tackle discrimination faced by Roma women. It suggests
measures such as flexible working hours, tax relief, adequate welfare
arrangements and the extension of childcare facilities.

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