Roma migration: Human Rights and the Rule of Law
The migration of Roma creates challenges which are relatively new for several member states. Negative public opinion often enhanced by inflammatory media information determines inappropriate, piecemeal policy responses. It is widely recognized that the current economic crisis touches more heavily on the more vulnerable (the Roma) while it exacerbates xenophobic sentiments in the general population (Roma as scapegoats). The danger of further stigmatisation of Roma in the migration context demands a determined, sustainable and coordinated response from member States.
The Council of Europe has elaborated a whole set of policy recommendations on Roma, all of them aiming at improving their situation. Poor implementation of these recommendations -lack of access to social rights (education/employment/housing/health care) and persistent antigypsyism -force the Roma to cross the borders in search for better living conditions.