John Warmisham: “Only mobilisation of all levels of government will bring about lasting solutions for Roma inclusion”
29.02.2012 - “Discrimination against Roma is continuing in an alarming manner throughout Europe and only mobilisation of all levels government will bring about lasting solutions”, said John Warmisham, Congress rapporteur on Roma, in response to the publication of a report by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights. This report is the first comprehensive overview of the human rights situation of Roma and Travellers in all 47 member states of the Council of Europe. “Commissioner Hammarberg’s report highlights many areas where local and regional authorities can act, such as access to education, housing, health care and public services. This confirms us in our commitment to implement a European Alliance of Cities and Regions for Roma Inclusion, which we hope to launch in the second half of 2012”, he concluded.
Practical aspects of the future European Alliance of Cities and Regions for Roma Inclusion as well as its mandate, structure, the general frame for membership and possible activities were discussed at a meeting in Strasbourg on 22 February 2012. This was the second meeting of the Core Group of local and regional elected representatives working to prepare the launch of the Alliance in the second half of 2012. Following the decision by the Summit of Mayors on Roma in September 2011, the Alliance has become a common project of the Congress and the Special Representative of the Council of Europe Secretary General for Roma issues, supported also by external partners such as the European Commission, the Open Society Foundations and the Assembly of European Regions. The next preparatory meeting will take place on 7 June 2012.
Report and press release – Website of the Human Rights Commissionner