A/HRC/29/24
C.
Pillar 3: equality, non-discrimination and recognition of anti-Gypsyism
52.
Although just a few decades ago Roma issues were almost absent from international
discussions, the issue of discrimination against Roma, including anti-Gypsyism, has gained
increasing visibility. The European Union has developed a Framework for National Roma
Integration Strategies, and now holds an annual meeting of the European Platform for
Roma. Its 2013 recommendation on effective Roma integration measures broke new
ground, as the first European Union instrument targeted at combating discrimination and
prejudice against Roma, including multiple forms of discrimination. In addition, there is an
explicit commitment by the European Union to assist Turkey and the Western Balkans in
developing and implementing long-term, sustainable programmes to address the situation of
Roma, which is also an aspect of accession negotiations. Within the Council of Europe, a
Special Representative for Roma Issues has been appointed.
53.
In Spain, the ACCEDER programme has adopted a multidimensional approach to
tackling discrimination against Roma by directly training Roma to increase their
employability and by involving other actors essential to eliminating barriers for Roma to
access the labour market, including the private sector, policymakers and society at large.
54.
The National Institute to Combat Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism (Instituto
Nacional contra la Discriminación, la Xenofobia y el Racismo – INADI) of the
Government of Argentina coordinates the “Discrimination Map” project in collaboration
with several universities. In 2013, the situation of the Roma was specifically addressed and
Roma were found to be among the most discriminated groups in Argentina. One priority of
INADI is establishing a dialogue with the Roma community in order to better understand
their needs and challenges.50 INADI also sponsored a book on Roma history, legends and
traditions and the documentary film “Roma – Gelem, Gelem” in 2015 with the goal of
introducing a shift at the cultural level to combat racism against Roma.
55.
In order to address the underreporting by Roma of incidents of discrimination, the
Portuguese equality body has developed an informal complaints procedure whereby
complaints can be submitted on a website or sent by e-mail to any of the equality body
council members or through Roma organizations. That method has proved an effective way
of overcoming mistrust and has seen an increase in reports of discrimination filed by Roma.
56.
The Finnish Ombudsman conducted a research study to identify the key issues
facing Roma communities in Finland. The survey was a response to the identified lack of
data on discrimination experienced by Roma. Better data is expected to enable national
authorities to intervene more effectively in cases of discrimination experienced by Roma, to
help them formulate concrete proposals for action to reduce the discrimination Roma face
in various aspects of life, and to improve the position of Roma within society.51
57.
In Colombia, Decree 2957 of 2010 was adopted to set up a legal framework for the
protection of the rights of Roma in Colombia, recognizing collective rights for Roma
people. The same year, the National Commission for Dialogue for Roma People (Comisión
Nacional de Diálogo para el Pueblo Rom) was created to coordinate action between
governments and local communities.
50
51
14
Response from Argentina to the questionnaire.
Response from Finland to the questionnaire.