Commissioner for Human Rights

The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, released today three Memoranda examining the human rights situation of Roma and Traveller[1] communities in Finland, Ireland and Slovakia. Each Memorandum presents country-specific findings and recommendations based on the Commissioner’s visits to these countries, addressing pressing human rights concerns faced by the communities.

The visits were part of a series of country visits carried out by the Commissioner in the context of his priority work on the human rights of Roma and Travellers across the Council of Europe area.

Finland

The Commissioner notes Finland’s efforts to promote the human rights of Roma, particularly through the third National Roma Policy, and the long-established National Advisory Board on Romani Affairs. He also welcomes a new Action Plan to combat racism and promote equality, which specifically includes Roma, and which was launched in the same month as his visit. However, concerns remain over persistent antigypsyism and experiences of discrimination in all areas of life, including employment and housing. Roma women and youth face intersectional discrimination, while Roma from other EU member states often experience further marginalisation. The Commissioner recommends stronger action, including securing adequate, long-term funding, tackling all forms of discrimination, amplifying Roma voices in policymaking, addressing the specific needs of women and youth, as well as those coming from other EU member states, and fostering a supportive environment for Roma civil society.

Ireland

Ireland has developed ambitious strategies aimed at a more effective protection of the rights of Travellers and Roma. In particular, the Commissioner commends the extensive consultation process with representatives of these communities that informed the development of the new National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy.  Despite these positive developments, progress on the ground remains thwarted by structural anti-Traveller racism and antigypsyism in Irish society, which permeates all aspects of life. Adverse effects include over-policing and the significant overrepresentation of Travellers in the criminal justice system, the lack of culturally appropriate accommodation and overall substandard housing conditions for the communities, significant inequalities experienced by Traveller and Roma children in schools from early years onwards, and poor health outcomes compared to the majority population. The Commissioner recommends stronger political commitment to overcome entrenched discrimination practices and ensuring sustainable funding for targeted peer-led initiatives, including in the area of mental health.

Slovakia

The Commissioner recognises the commitment of the Slovak Republic to addressing the human rights situation of the Roma communities, in particular through the National Strategy of Equality, Inclusion and Participation of Roma by 2030, ensuing action plans and other measures. In particular, he commends the initiatives put in place to overcome barriers in access to healthcare for marginalised Roma communities. Yet, more efforts are needed by all competent authorities, including at local level, to ensure the prompt and effective implementation of the 2030 Strategy in all priority areas. He particularly calls for urgent measures to address the inadequate living conditions of marginalised Roma communities, to prevent further deterioration of their already critical human rights situation. These should be combined with integrated and long-term strategic plans, adapted to the local needs and supported by long-term commitment and funding. While the Commissioner welcomes initiatives empowering Roma to act as bridges between the communities and public health and other services, he calls for measures to address all forms of discrimination in access to healthcare for Roma, especially women and girls. A compensation mechanism for victims of forced sterilisation should be established without delay. The Commissioner makes further recommendations on guaranteeing access to inclusive and quality education for Roma children and ending their segregation, and on addressing antigypsyism and discrimination, especially in the area of policing.

“I welcome the commitment in all three countries to address the systemic human rights challenges Roma and Travellers face”, said the Commissioner. “Now more decisive action is needed – by all relevant authorities - to combat antigypsyism, ensure equality and the communities’ representation and participation in decision-making and beyond.”

• Read the Commissioner's Memorandum on the human rights situation of Roma in Finland  and the comments of the authorities of Finland on the Commissioner's Memorandum
• Read the Commissioner's Memorandum on the human rights situation of Travellers and Roma in Ireland and the comments of the authorities of Ireland on the Commissioner's Memorandum
• Read the Commisisoner's Memorandum on the human rights situation of Roma in Slovakia and the comments of the authorities of Slovakia on the Commissioner's Memorandum