Roma: We Ask For Justice

Courtesy Of: Amnesty International

European states are failing to curb and in some cases even fuelling discrimination, intimidation and violence against Roma. 

There has been a marked rise in the frequency of anti-Roma violence in Europe in the last few years. The response to this alarming phenomenon has been inadequate. 

It is unacceptable that in modern-day Europe some Roma communities live under the constant threat of violence and pogrom-like attacks. 

All too often European leaders have pandered to the prejudices fuelling anti-Roma violence by branding Roma as anti-social and unwelcome. 

While generally condemning the most blatant examples of anti-Roma violence, authorities have been reluctant to acknowledge its extent and slow to combat it. 

For its part, the European Union has been reluctant to challenge member states on the systemic discrimination of Roma that is all too evident.

Amnesty International's report, "We ask for justice": Europe's failure to protect Roma from racist violence, examines hate motivated violence and harassment perpetrated against Roma by officials and ordinary citizens in the Czech Republic, France and Greece, illustrating the organization's concerns across the continent.

Demonstration material from the Czech Republic has been given to Amnesty International courtesy Tomas Rafa, RafaVideoArt 

(www.newnationalism.eu)

French Interior Minister: Throw Out Roma People

French police stand guard as they evacuate a Roma encampment near Lille, on September 18, 2013 (AFP, Denis Charlet)

French Interior Minister Manuel Valls has defended his controversial call to deport tens of thousands of ethnic Roma people from the country, amid widespread criticism both from colleagues and the EU.

Valls said on Wednesday that he has "nothing to correct" and that the remarks "only shocked those who do not know the subject." 

"The majority (of Romas) should be delivered back to the borders," said Valls adding, "We are not here to welcome these people. I'd remind you of (former Socialist premier) Michel Rocard's statement: 'It's not France's job to deal with the misery of the whole world'."

The remarks came a day after Valls said any non-working Romas in France should be sent back to the borders, describing their way of life as "extremely different from ours," and claiming they will never integrate into French society. 

Gipsy Story (Roma)

Artist: Rue du Soleil