The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) published today country reports on the UK, Turkey and Armenia.
In the UK, the Council of Europe’s anti-racism experts welcomed the entry into force of the Equality Act 2010, as well as the government’s new hate crime action plan and substantial efforts to promote LGBT rights, which have led to a significant change in attitudes. At the same time, the commission noted considerable intolerant political discourse in the UK, particularly focusing on immigration, a high number of violent racist incidents, including a sharp rise in anti-Muslim violence, as well as record levels of anti-Semitic incidents. Christian Ahlund the Chair of ECRI, said: “The Brexit referendum seems to have led to a further rise in ‘anti-foreigner’ sentiment, making it even more important that the British authorities take the steps outlined in our report as a matter of priority.”
ECRI noted positive institutional changes in Turkey, such as the establishment of the Ombudsman Institution and of the Human Rights and Equality Authority in 2016. The authorities enacted comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, launched a national strategy for Roma and an "open-door" policy for Syrian refugees, including on issuing work permits. However, ECRI expresses concern over the deterioration of conditions of vulnerable groups as refugees, Kurds, Roma, as well as LGBT persons. Use of hate speech, including by senior state representatives, is on the rise in Turkey, and most of it goes unpunished. Despite huge efforts, at least 400,000 refugee children do not have access to school, and by the end of 2015 only 7,400 refugees had received work permits.
Armenia has shown determination in fighting racism and intolerance, integrating refugees and supporting ethnic minorities. ECRI welcomed the efforts of Armenian authorities to revise the Criminal Code and draft comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, integrate a large influx of refugees from Syria and increase the financial support for the ethnic minorities. However, numerous legislation gaps which make it impossible to adequately combat racism and discrimination, the rise in hate speech and violence, and institutional shortcoming remain of concern.
Today, ECRI also published its conclusion on the implementation of specific priority recommendations by Malta.