The emergency decree adopted last week by the Italian government facilitates
expulsion of (Romanians, Roma) aliens without sufficient procedural guarantees.
We are concerned that the application of the decree is violating European and
international human rights standards and urge the Italian government to revoke
the emergency decree.
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SPECIAL: Racism in Italy
We are deeply concerned with the xenophobic campaign currently developing in
Italy targeting Romanians – and in particular Romanian Roma -and call on the
Italian government to act in accordance with its obligations under European and
international law.
We condemn those politicians and media outlets that have had a role in
fuelling the unprecedented outburst of xenophobic and racist hatred. We caution
those of dangers posed by collectively blaming entire communities of people for
the crimes perpetrated by some individuals.
As regards the decree adopted by the Italian government we expect no less
then full compliance with European and international human rights law. We call
on the Italian authorities to show restraint in the application of the decree
and avoid practices such as racial profiling and collective reprisals during its
implementation.
By singling out Romanian citizens – including Roma - for expulsion, Italian
politicians, through their declarations, confirm suspicions about the racist and
xenophobic nature of the expulsions campaign initiated by the Italian government.
We are appalled by the intolerant nature of such declarations, which do not fit
the values of a European Union.
We strongly believe that the so-called “security measures” and “expulsions”
are not the answer to the problems the Roma community in Italy faces and that
social inclusion and anti discrimination policies are the only viable way for
curbing poverty and exclusion.
We would like to remind the European Commission and Council, of our common
letter, proposing the development of a Community Framework Strategy for Roma
Inclusion.
We herby urge the Italian Government to revoke the decree until sufficient
procedural guarantees are made available.
We urge the Italian authorities to remedy any acts of discrimination,
particularly in the application of criminal law, acts of collective or arbitrary
individual expulsion and eviction from housing.
We urge high-ranking politicians to speak out against the current anti-Romani
and anti-Romanian mood developing in Italy.
