“A policy doesn’t have to mention “Roma” in particular in order to have an effect on Roma communities. Often, the effect is that Roma are treated as suspects” Idaver Memedov, independent expert.
The 22nd meeting of the Council of Europe Dialogue with Roma and Traveller civil society took place in Strasbourg, bringing together organisations, activists and experts to explore the effects of security policies on the inclusion of Roma and Traveller communities.
Civil society representatives confirmed the increasing trend in European countries to address complex societal issues involving Roma and Traveller communities through security-oriented policies. Examples were brought to express concern over the fact that while these efforts are framed as responses to public safety concerns, they have resulted in heightened risks of indirect discrimination.
“Security and inclusion are not to be put in contrast, but we need to ask what kind of security policies we want?” asked Aurora Ailincai, Head of Anti-discrimination and Inclusion Department of the Council of Europe in her opening address.
Participants engaged representatives of the Council of Europe Secretariat of various relevant sectors, discussing challenges and risks—such as collective punishment, profiling, disproportionate restrictions, indirect discrimination, and exclusion—as well as positive practices that promote security while safeguarding rights, dignity, equality and the rule of law.
On the 2nd day, the Roma and Traveller civil society organisations exchanged with government officials from the Committee of Experts on Roma and Traveller Issues (ADI-ROM), including with the Secretary General of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, Matheu Mori. Overall, the meeting was a good opportunity for dialogue between Roma and Traveller civil society, member states, and Council of Europe entities to promote more inclusive, participatory, and rights-based approaches in policy and practice.
The full report from the 22nd Dialogue meeting will be available soon.
