IRU Presidium Meeting

Oslo, May 6 - 8, 2000
IRU Statement on the Migration of Roma to Scandinavia from the Countries of Central and Eastern Europe

The Presidium of the International Romani Union has discussed the issue of the migration of Roma from the countries of Central and Eastern Europe to the Scandinavian countries, as well as to other countries in Western Europe. IRU declares that the Roma in Central and Eastern Europe continue to be isolated from the societies in which they live, leading to increasing discrimination and racism in all areas of economic, social, and public life. IRU declares that current international efforts to eliminate discrimination and racism are inadequate.

IRU declares that the countries of Central and Eastern Europe are not providing sufficient security and are not adequately protecting Roma from the physical violence of neo-fascist groups. IRU declares that the Roma in these countries are losing their faith and hope for a dignified life, as well as any assurance that national governmental mechanisms will aid them in the exercise of their elemental human rights.

IRU looks with great discontent at the measures taken by Scandinavian and other states, towards those countries from which Roma are emigrating. We declare that the levying of visa requirements on the countries of Central and Eastern Europe simply serves to increase the levels of opposition to Roma in those countries.

The International Romani Union urges the democratic states, specifically in Scandinavia, to assist the countries of Central and Eastern Europe in developing the basic democratic principles, which would ensure the safety of Roma from racism and discrimination.

IRU is prepared to provide the governments of Central and Eastern Europe with a stabilization Program for the Roma. They also request that other countries, presently targeted for Romani migration, would help the governments in these countries of origin, by providing material and other assistance, with the implementation of this program.

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SKOPJE, MACEDONIA



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