Breakthrough for President Halonen's Roma Initiative
Press release 159/2003
9 July, 2003
President Halonen's proposal is being discussed by a Working Party of the Ministerial Committee of the Council of Europe led by Ambassador Nyroos. "This can be called a breakthrough. Many countries gave an immediate, positive reaction to the proposal, and some countries that had earlier turned down the idea of the Forum have now taken a positive view. None of the member countries rejected the proposal", said Ambassador Nyroos.
After the meeting of the Working Party the two ambassadors, Finland and France presented their proposal to Roma representatives who also took a positive stand. The outline forms a basis for the future development of a European Forum for Roma in the Ministerial Committee and within Roma organisations.
According to the Finnish-French outline, the Forum would be an international association founded by the Roma, and its relations with the Council of Europe would be formalised by an agreement of association. The agreement would define the supporting resources for the Forum as well as the participation of its representatives in the work of various bodies within the Council of Europe.
The role of the Forum is to be consultative. It will present opinions and proposals to and consult the Council of Europe and other international organisations, governments and regional authorities. The Council of Europe's approval of the proposed arrangements would be subject to the Forum's compliance with the principles of balanced representation among regions and between the genders and with the principles of transparency and democracy.
President Halonen made her initiative in a speech to the Parliament of the Council of Europe in January 2001. It has received the support of the most important Roma organisations and leaders, as well as that of the Parliament, the Secretary General and the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council. The OSCE and the EU also expressed their support when consulted by the Working Party led by Ambassador Nyroos.
The initiative aims at securing the participation and influence of Roma in European decision-making that affects their position. A single European Forum will help the Roma to agree on common views and make their voices heard. From the point of view of international organisations and governments, the Forum would be a distinct partner for consultation on questions related to Roma. The main task of the Forum would be to support the involvement and participation of Roma and improve their integration in the countries where they reside. Key issues are the prevention of discrimination and racism and improvements in education, employment, housing and health.
For further information please contact Tuija Zapaznik, Press Attaché of the Finnish Representation to the Council of Europe, phone +33 607 369711, e-mail [email protected]