USA calls for improved respect for human rights of Roma
USA, 0.0.0000, 00:12, (Roma Daily News)

On the occasion of International Roma Day, the United States calls attention to the pressing need to improve respect for the human rights of Roma. Violence and other manifestations of racism and discrimination against Roma are a problem in many states, particularly throughout Central, Eastern and Southern Europe. Roma face widespread societal and sometimes official discrimination, including incidents of ill treatment by police. Recent cases of Roma leaving their homes to seek asylum elsewhere underscore the need to deal effectively with the underlying causes of intolerance and socioeconomic hardship. Unfortunately, such problems rarely receive the response from high-level government authorities that they demand. Even when officials are genuinely committed to helping Roma, they often are not given sufficient resources or authority to do so.

The United States is committed to protecting and promoting the human rights of Roma, both within a bilateral context and through our involvement in the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the Stability Pact. We are pleased to announce that, under the auspices of the Nazi Persecutee Relief Fund, the United States Government has awarded the Open Society Institute more than $585,000 to provide college scholarships for Roma, seed grants for community development projects, and special initiatives in health and education. The United States calls on all governments to respect the rights of Roma and urges OSCE participating States to honor their commitment, made at the 1999 Istanbul Summit, to ensure that laws and policies fully respect the rights of Roma and, where necessary, to promote comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation. We welcome steps taken by Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria toward this end, but note that these measures must be effective laws, formally adopted and thoroughly implemented. We further urge Hungary, the Czech Republic and other states considering similar measures to make the adoption of such laws a priority.

The United States urges all who cherish democratic values of pluralism and tolerance to speak out forcefully against any expressions or acts of hatred against minorities, including Roma, and diligently work to promote tolerance.

Roma Daily News

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