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US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton highlighted the need to protect the rights of Europe's Roma minority on Wednesday, marking International Roma Day with a video message on her official blog.
Clinton released the video on State Department's "Dipnote" website, although the traditionally nomadic people, widely plagued by poverty and discrimination in central and eastern Europe, has long been unable to access modern communication tools.
"Many Roma still live on the margins of society," acknowledged Clinton.
"They continue to experience racial profiling, violence, discrimination and other human rights abuses.
"Too often they lack identity documents or citizenship papers, which excludes them from voting, social services, education, and employment opportunities that would enable them to participate more fully in the countries in which they live."
European governments have a "special responsibility to ensure that minority communities have the tools of opportunity they need to succeed as productive and responsible members of society," said Clinton.
The large ethnic group numbers some 10 million, and Clinton said the population's well-being has been a personal interest for her for a long time.
"I saw firsthand the plight of the Roma -- particularly Romani women and children -- when I visited Roma communities in Central and Eastern Europe as First Lady."
The United States, she said, is "committed to protecting and promoting the human rights of Roma," and will push for Roma integration through the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
"It is in the interests of the larger European and global community to create conditions that maximize success for all people within our borders and beyond," she said.
Serbia, which currently holds the presidency of the Decade of Roma inclusion -- an international initiative aimed to improve Roma welfare -- pledged Wednesday to improve the community's standards.
Speaking before lawmakers on International Roma Day, Labour and Welfare Minister Rasim Ljajic said Roma welfare remains "far from satisfactory."
The ethnic minority in Serbia is 10 times poorer than the rest of the population," he noted, citing surveys that show that one in four "does not have even an elementary education."
1386 Budapest 62, P.O. Box 906/93, Hungary Phone: (36-1) 413-2200; (36-1) 413-2201 E-mail: office@errc.org http://errc.org | AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL SECRETARIAT Peter Benenson House, 1 Easton Street London WC1X 0DW, United Kingdom T: +44 (0)20 7413 5500 F: +44 (0)20 7956 1157 E: amnestyis@amnesty.org W: www.amnesty.org |
AI Index: EUR 72/002/2009
21 April 2009
Mr Dušan Čaplovič, Deputy Prime Minister for Knowledge-Based Society, European Affairs, Human Rights and Minorities
Mr Róbert Kaliňák, Minister of Interior
Mr Ján Packa, Police President
Mr Štefan Kočan, Director of the Section of Control and Inspection Service
Mr Dobroslav Trnka, General Prosecutor
Honourable Sirs,
Amnesty International and the European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC), a Budapest-based public interest law organisation, are writing to urge you to ensure that a prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigation takes place into the cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of six Romani boys in Košice, Slovakia, on 21 March 2009; that those responsible be brought to justice in fair proceedings; and that the victims be provided with adequate reparation, including compensation, rehabilitation and redress.
According to graphic video footage shot by police officers which was released publicly on 7 April 2009 by the Slovak daily newspaper SME, at least six Slovak police officers forced six Romani boys between the ages of 10 and 16 to violently hit each other, kiss each other and strip naked. Media has also reported that the police officers thereafter let dogs loose at the youths, and that two of the boys were bitten by them.
Amnesty International and the ERRC welcome the immediate calls by Police President Ján Packa for a full investigation into the incident, and his subsequent announcement that the investigation will look into the possible racist motives of those involved.
The organisations note that the day after the video footage was released, 14 police officers were reportedly placed under inspection by the Ministry of Interior, and as of 15 April seven officers have been accused of abuse of power of the public authority and of blackmail. We have also received information indicating that six of the officers have been dismissed.
Amnesty International and the ERRC are concerned that in some public statements related to this incident, police officials have focused on the alleged illegal activities of the boys in question rather than strongly and unequivocally criticising cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment by police, which is prohibited in all circumstances under international law. On 8 April, SME quoted Košice Regional Police Director Juraj Bukuš questioned the actions of the officers while noting, "It is true that we are speaking about well known criminals and they were committing crimes before." This kind of reaction ignores the fact that there is never any justification for cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and it diminishes the condemnation of the police violence. Such statements also could prejudice those entrusted with carrying out the investigation.
Amnesty International and the ERRC recall that in accordance with Slovakia's commitments under international human rights law, including the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, the Convention Against Torture and Other Forms of Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, all persons - regardless of their alleged involvement in illegal activities- have the right to be free from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and to be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the person. Furthermore, the organisations note that the Slovak Criminal Code criminalizes torture and other inhuman or cruel treatment and abuse of power and imposes additional penalties for a crime motivated by national, ethnic or racial hatred.
Amnesty International and the ERRC call on each of you within the remit of your office to ensure: That ongoing investigations into this incident, including into the conduct of individual police, are independently conducted, undertaken impartially and in a thorough manner;
That the possible racial motivation of the crime is investigated fully;
That all those responsible for ill-treatment or violation of the law or police regulations are brought to justice in fair proceedings;
That the scope, methods and findings of the investigation are made publicly available;
That all victims receive an adequate remedy for their suffering, including compensation, rehabilitation (including ensuring that the best available psychological counselling is made accessible to the children), guarantees of non-repetition, and a public apology from Slovak government and police representatives; and
That any future incidents of similar behaviour by police officers are strongly, unequivocally and publicly condemned.
Amnesty International and the ERRC respectfully request to be informed of the actions undertaken by your individual offices in response to this incident.
We will continue to monitor the progress of investigation and any proceedings brought against the officers responsible for this gross violation of human rights.
Sincerely,
Nicola Duckworth Robert A. Kushen
Europe and Central Asia Programme Director Managing Director
Amnesty International European Roma Rights Centre
TO:
Mr Dušan ?aplovi?, Deputy Prime Minister for Knowledge-Based Society, European Affairs, Human Rights and Minorities
Úrad vlády Slovenskej republiky
Námestie slobody 1
813 70 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
Fax: +421 2 5249 7595
Mr Róbert Kaliňák, Minister of Interior
Ministerstvo vnútra Slovenskej republiky
Pribinova 2
812 72 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
Fax: +421 2 5296 7746
Mr Ján Packa, Police President
Kancelária prezidenta Policajného zboru
Ra?ianska 45
812 72 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
Fax: +4219610 59061
Mr Štefan Ko?an, Director of the Section of Control and Inspection Service
Sekcia kontroly a inšpek?nej služby MV SR
Krížna 44
821 04 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
Fax: +421 2 5564 1705
Mr Dobroslav Trnka, General Prosecutor
Generálna prokuratúra SR
Štúrova 2
812 85 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
Fax: +421 252 926 596
CC:
Mr Jacques Barrot, EU Commissioner for Freedom, Security and Justice
European Commission
B-1049 Brussels, Belgium
Fax: +32 0 2 298 15 99
Mr Morten Kjaerum, Director of the EU Agency of Fundamental Rights
European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA)
Schwarzenbergplatz 11
1040 Wien, Austria
Fax: +431 580 30 699
Mr Thomas Hammarberg, Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner
Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights
Council of Europe
F-67075 Strasbourg Cedex, France
Fax: +33 3 90215053
Ms Gay McDougall, UN Independent Expert on minority issues
Special Procedures Division
c/o OHCHR-UNOG
8-14 Avenue de la Paix
1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland
Fax: +41 22 917 90 06
Mr Githu Muigai, UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism
Special Procedures Division
c/o OHCHR-UNOG
8-14 Avenue de la Paix
1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland
Fax: +41 22 917 90 06
Mr Manfred Nowak, UN Special Rapporteur on torture
Special Procedures Division
c/o OHCHR-UNOG
8-14 Avenue de la Paix
1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland
Fax: +41 22 917 90 06
Today's Zaman April 19 | |
| "I am a gypsy. One thousand years ago, Byzantines called my people 'athinganoi,' which means 'untouchable.' They were so afraid that they avoided touching us. ... Every country labeled us with expressions in their own languages: | |
 Zigeuner, Cigani and Çingene. They thought we were different. Yes, we are different; we are poorer and freer than other people. But, we are also humans like anyone else," reads the welcome message of a Web site recently launched by a group of gypsies residing in different Turkish cities. The organizers of the Web site -- cingeneyiz.org -- said they set up the site to introduce themselves to the world and to overcome the strong prejudice people feel in their minds and hearts against gypsies. Gypsies in Turkey, or Roma as they are more commonly referred to, were back on the agenda around two weeks ago as they were celebrating the International Day of the Roma. The celebrations were subdued in İstanbul, however, as they recently lost the battle to save their neighborhood, Sulukule, from a renovation project being carried out by the Fatih Municipality and the İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality. The İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality plans to construct 620 new houses, a hotel and a culture and entertainment center in Sulukule and is gradually demolishing the unregistered houses of Roma people in the area. The Roma people now wish to make their voices heard through the newly launched Web site, which has a moving message: "We know that we are really different from others. We are free, strong, humanistic and creative. We have been the most peaceful people throughout history. There is no reason to make us feel ashamed. Yes, we are untouchable; evil, treachery and humiliation cannot touch us. ... I am proud of what I am. I am a Gypsy." Editor of the Web site, Ali Mezarcı, stated that the main reason behind the launch of cingeneyiz.org is to help solve the problem of misunderstanding between gypsies and the people of the countries they reside in. "The most common source of problems we experience with other people is a lack of understanding. People are afraid of ‘the different' and ‘the incomprehensible' and prefer to keep away from them. Many tragic events have built walls between gypsies and other people. However, all people are equal and this reality disregards ethnic background. When we fully understand one another, we will see that we are same," he remarked. Gypsies all around the world have been subjected to various forms of discrimination throughout history. They have been regarded as work-shy people or social parasites. A major study, carried out in 2004 by a rights group in Britain, revealed that gypsies are the group of people who receive the most hostility from white people in Britain. Hostility toward gypsies is called anti-gypsy racism and is very deep rooted, according to the study. ‘We aren’t a minority; we don't ask for rights' The cingeneyiz.org team believes that specific and distinctive rights granted to groups of people will not help overcome the troubles they have faced so far. "Minority rights given to ethnic groups or communities will not solve problems. We consider ourselves as equal citizens of this country rather than as a minority," the team stated, adding that they don't pursue the aim of voicing their demands for cultural or ethnic rights over the Web site. The Web site shows that gypsies living in Turkey are proud of the names given to them in different countries and cultures as they believe that makes them a trans-racial and universal culture. "We are happy to be a component of different countries and to stand as a peaceful element of humanity. We will be happier if we manage to solve the problems we are facing today," remarked the team. Sulukule tragedy: a major blow to Roma culture One of the major topics heatedly debated on the Web site is the demolition of houses belonging to the Roma people in Sulukule as part of the renovation project in the area. Cingeneyiz.org provides up-to-date information to its visitors on the ongoing demolition works and informs them about the struggle against the destruction of a longstanding culture in the area. The demolition of houses in Sulukule and the relocation of its inhabitants have drawn the indignation of residents and that of the international community as Sulukule is considered a significant historical site that needs to be protected. A UNESCO progress report on İstanbul prepared last year by a four-member delegation from UNESCO's World Heritage Center pointed out that the planned urban renewal program in Sulukule would result in the destruction of the area and the relocation of its inhabitants. The report also warned İstanbul that if it failed to take the necessary precautions to protect its historical sites, it would be relegated to the UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger. Similarly, the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission), an independent government agency created by the US Congress, stated last year that it was disturbed by developments in an urban development project threatening the homes of some 3,500 ethnic Roma in İstanbul's Sulukule area and called on the Turkish government to find a solution to the problems facing the Roma. |
No expense was spared as a magnificent 'winter wonderland' production created the backdrop for the Spanish-born designer's autumn/winter 09/10 collection.
The ethnic mix showed luxurious sparkling gowns covered in sequins, creating folk-like and feminine designs to make every woman feel like a goddess.
The fairytale continued with models ornamented with jingling coins and veils as they sashayed down the catwalk lit with strobe lighting.
Although the collection might not have been the most practical apparel for a cold winter evening, the designer - who was raised in Britain - managed to show he's still one of the most influential fashion designers of our time.
"The gypsy-like models decked out in 'ice princess' attire were inspired by Galliano's love for Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Turkey and Cyprus" .
- What does it mean "gypsy-like models"?
- What does it mean "love for Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Turkey and Cyprus"? How the "gypsies" from those countries are (in comparison with those from Spain etc.)?
See also, Vivienne Westwood's catwalk image of Roma
Italy has been transformed in recent decades from a nation of emigrants to a target country for mass immigration. Aidan Lewis reports on the Italian government's response to the tensions that have ensued, and the concerns raised by human rights groups and Italy's European partners.
Edward Ampadu stands with his companions in a damp, abandoned factory that is home for the winter to more than 600 African immigrants.
There is just one tap, and the men are living in shelters made from cardboard boxes, squatting while they look for work picking citrus fruit in the fields of Calabria, on the country's southern toe.
"Everybody here is struggling," says Edward, a 42-year-old from Ghana. A poor harvest means fewer jobs to go round this year, he says, and the migrants say they need help to survive.
"We are appealing to the authorities. They know that people are here, and therefore they need to help."
These agricultural workers illustrate the challenges facing a wandering, immigrant underclass in Italy.
But while the migrants look to Rome for help, Rome looks to Europe.
Italy and other "frontline" Mediterranean countries have been offered little help as they struggle with an issue that concerns all of Europe, the government says.
Its reaction to the problem, meanwhile, has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups and European institutions.
Amid public alarm over an immigrant influx it has sent soldiers on to the streets, fingerprinted Roma (Gypsy) communities, and encouraged rapid expulsions and repatriations.
Some observers say Italy's recent focus on border controls and security neglects integration policy, at a time when the immigrant population has grown to more than four million, almost 7% of the total.
"Italy's becoming a caricature," said Sergio Carrera, a research fellow at the Brussels-based Centre for European Policy Studies.
"It's becoming the example of a very extreme political discourse framing migration as a security issue, and justifying the implementation of very restrictive policies, having huge implications for human rights, fundamental rights, and social inclusion."
Sea patrols
Immigration is now an emotive, front-page issue in Italy, and a rallying cry for the Northern League, a partner in Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right government.
The focus of media attention is often Lampedusa, the tiny Italian island south of Sicily that is the arrival point for most of those - including many of the farm workers in Calabria - who complete the journey from North Africa.
Analysts say those arriving by sea make up only a fraction of total annual arrivals, and that most irregular immigrants in Italy enter legally then overstay.
But the government points out that the estimated 36,000 would-be immigrants landing on Italy's shores last year accounted for more than half the irregular entries to Europe by sea.
Roberto Maroni, Italy's Northern League interior minister, said in January that 2009 would mark the "end of the landings", promising that a long-awaited pact to patrol coasts with former colony Libya would come into effect.
To the anger of islanders and immigrants, who both staged protests, he also announced that all adults would be kept on Lampedusa while asylum requests were processed. This quickly led to severe overcrowding and the decision was reversed, but concern remains over conditions on the island, and alleged political pressure for rapid expulsions.
Together with Greece, Malta and Cyprus, Mr Maroni also issued a new plea for the EU to "make a more effective effort" at stemming the flow of immigrants, including through its recently established border patrol agency, Frontex.
"We believe that [border] security in the Mediterranean is directly connected to the security of the whole European Union," he said.
Frontex ran 150 days of joint sea patrols in the central Mediterranean in 2008.
In a separate initiative earlier last month, EU external relations commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner offered Libya 20m euros (£18m) to help boost border controls.
Security bill
Italy's hardline approach to immigration policy is not unique, says Hugo Brady, an expert at the Centre for European Reform in London.
"In the main they only reflect sentiments which can be seen in a lot of other West European countries - that the time for tolerant immigration policy in their mind is past," he says.
Even so, he said the Italians had been "marked out by their extremity".
Among the measures that have caused concern among EU partners is the Italian government's decision to declare a state of emergency in Rome, Milan and Naples last summer, deploying troops in the streets as part of a crackdown on illegal immigration.
Last month, an emergency decree designed to tackle rapes - many of which have been blamed on immigrants - gave official blessing to the formation of citizens' street patrols.
A security bill awaiting final approval in the Italian parliament also contains several controversial provisions, including:
Thomas Hammarberg, Commissioner for Human Rights at the Council of Europe, a pan-European body that promotes democratic principles, says he is worried about a decision to extend the deployment of troops on the streets.
"We're talking about police functions here," he said. "It just dramatises the problems and tends to lead to hysteria."
'European solution'
Asked to justify the government's security-focused approach to immigration, Mr Maroni cites crime statistics for 2007.
"The percentage of crimes linked to non-Italians was more than 35% and the non-Italians do not account for 35% of the people in Italy," he says.
"All interpretations are legitimate. My concern as interior minister is to guarantee the highest possible levels of security, first and foremost by combating clandestine immigration."
On some issues the government has been forced to back down, under pressure from the EU.
These include a provision for the expulsion of EU citizens that was devised for Romanian Roma and judged to clash with European rules on free movement.
It was withdrawn last year after the European Commission threatened to start infringement proceedings.
Italian policies are coming under increasing scrutiny as the EU struggles against concerns over sovereignty to devise a common immigration approach, analysts say.
In October EU states took a step towards this by signing a non-binding immigration pact that encourages readmission treaties with countries of origin, selective immigration, and an end to mass amnesties for illegal immigrants of the kind introduced in Spain and Italy.
But for some human rights activists, the EU needs to play a firmer role protecting immigrants in member states and backing integration.
Mr Hammarberg criticises Italy's criminalising of immigrants as the "wrong approach".
"I think it is beginning to spread that there is a need for a European solution," he says.
"The situation with Greece and Italy in particular calls for a much faster process of integrating the European countries' policies on migration, so that you don't have a competition downwards where people introduce fairly draconian policies in order to avoid people coming to their country."
See also:
Time on-line: Pope urges Romans to "welcome" immigrants
