"Seventy-six years ago, thousands of Roma - women, men and children - were exterminated by the Nazi regime. We commemorate this date by calling on all levels of governance to commit themselves to combat continuing discrimination and violence against Roma," said John Warmisham, Congress Rapporteur on Roma, on the occasion of the annual Roma Holocaust Memorial Day, 2 August.

"Local and regional elected representatives have a particular responsibility in this regard and can contribute to the integration of Roma on their territories. But it is essential that strategies are co-ordinated between all levels of governance: local, regional, national, European and international," stressed the Congress rapporteur.

The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities has launched several initiatives to combat prejudice against Roma and to promote their integration. It has recently published the Human Rights Handbook for Local and Regional Authorities, which includes a chapter on Roma rights, with a reminder of the legal framework and the role that local and regional authorities can play, along with examples of good practice implemented in various countries.

The Congress has also launched the European Alliance of Cities and Regions for Roma Inclusion, in order to create national networks of mayors, and a Declaration against Anti-Gypsyism to give all local and regional elected representatives in the 47 Council of Europe member states the opportunity to take a public stand against discrimination towards Roma. In addition, every two years the Congress awards the Dosta! Prize to municipalities that have implemented innovative initiatives for Roma inclusion.