08 April 2004
U.S. Committed to Protecting Human Rights of Roma
State Department statement marks International Roma Day April 8
The United States has called on all countries with minority Roma populations to put an end to the human rights abuses faced by those groups.
In a statement marking International Roma Day April 8, Deputy State Department Spokesman Adam Ereli said the United States views the persecution of Roma as "a continuing problem and is committed to protecting and promoting their human rights."
Following is his statement:
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Department of State
Washington, D.C.
Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman
April 8, 2004
INTERNATIONAL ROMA DAY
April 8th marks International Roma Day. The United States takes this opportunity to call attention to call for respect for the human rights of Roma.
Roma are the largest minority in Europe, where they often face violence, police brutality and systematic discrimination in education, employment, and housing, particularly in post-communist countries. The United States views the persecution of Roma as a continuing problem and is committed to protecting and promoting their human rights. We have a monitoring and advocacy role through intergovernmental organizations and NGOs that work to improve the human rights of Romani minorities across Europe.
The United States calls on all governments to put an end to the human rights abuses faced by the Romani minorities within their borders. We encourage all those who value democratic principles to stand up against all forms of intolerance and hatred towards minorities, including Roma, and to work to create tolerant and pluralistic societies.
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(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
