The European Roma Forum Opened
Press Release 289/2004
15 December 2004
The European Roma and Travelers’ Forum is a momentous step in improving the position of the Roma, said Tarja Halonen, President of the Republic of Finland. It also strengthens the position of the Council of Europe, she continued in the speech she delivered at the opening of the European Roma and Travelers Forum in Strasbourg on Wednesday.
At the event, the Council of Europe and the European Roma Forum entered into a partnership agreement. It was signed by Terry Davis, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, and Rudko Kawczynski, Chairman of the European Roma Forum.
The initiative for the European Roma Forum was made by President Halonen, who presented the idea at the Council of Europe in January 2001. Roma organisations established the forum last summer, and the Council of Europe endorsed the cooperation partnership last November.
It is often asked why the rights of the Roma figure so prominently in Finland’s human rights policy, Halonen stated and continued: “I would say that the reason to this lies simply in the fact that although human rights are the same for everyone, they are not always put equally into practice. The Roma, as a group, are more likely to face discrimination.”
Discrimination against the Roma is part of a larger phenomenon, racism and intolerance, Halonen said. Although internationalisation has dispelled many people’s prejudices, it has also reinforced discrimination and racism. Global threats that are difficult to control, such as terrorism, international crime, human trafficking and social exclusion, have led to an increase in intolerance and they present a special challenge for human rights. “In working against even the most difficult threats we must insist on respect for human rights”, the president asserted.
Halonen stressed that in discussing the situation of the Roma, we shouldn’t focus only on problems. “It is important to note how enriching the Roma's own culture is to our societies and Europe as a whole. Although the Roma have faced discrimination and difficulties, they are also a wonderful example of how to survive and preserve a rich culture,” she pointed out.
Halonen expressed satisfaction at the fact that in preparations for the forum, the Roma and governments have paid particular attention to ensuring democracy in the forum’s activities. An important element of democratic principles is promotion of gender equality and equal participation.
The European Roma Forum is an independent, consultative body that functions in conjunction with, but is not a part of, the Council of Europe. The forum receives support from the Council of Europe, and its representatives participate in the activities of various Council of Europe bodies.
The purpose of the forum is to give the Roma the opportunity to take part in decisions concerning themselves at the European level, and to promote the realisation of human rights for the Roma. Key areas are reduction of discrimination and racism as well as increased education, improved employment and better healthcare. The forum works together not only with the Council of Europe but also with other international organisations, governments and regional authorities, offering them a clear body to consult in affairs pertaining to the Roma.
The forum will have representatives of all European countries where Roma live. At most 75 representatives can be selected for the general meeting. National representatives make up the majority; the rest come from the central international Roma organisations. Selection of the national representatives is now in progress. The first general assembly is likely to be held next March in Strasbourg.
Totalling about ten million people, the Roma are Europe’s largest minority. The Council of Europe is an intergovernmental organisation with 46 member nations.
Additional information: Ambassador Ann-Marie Nyroos, tel. +33 6 08 52 73 48, and Press Officer Tuija Zapasnik, tel. +33 6 07 36 97 11, Finland’s Permanent Representation to the Council of Europe, Strasbourg