Policies and practices to combat racism and related discrimination at local and national level
Report from the Working Group 2,Wednesday, 11 Oct 2000

The session was chaired by Sukhvinder STUBBS (EUropean Network against Racism) who stressed the role of NGOs in the fight. They have, nevertheless, no powers to combat economic discrimination in employment or housing. Indeed, they can monitor such cases and bring them to independent bodies which must be established in each state. Such bodies include ombudsman offices or councils against racism and discrimination.

The introductory speech was delivered by Frank ORTON, Human Rights Ombudsman for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The co-discussant, Rumyan RUSSINOV (Roma Participation Programme, Open Society Institute, Bulgaria) gave an example of a project in which a coalition of NGOs including those of the Roma community successfully pressed the Bulgarian government to launch a comprehensive project for eliminating discrimination and implementing positive approach granting Roma all civic and political rights in the country.

Michael HEAD (Vice-Chair of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance) pointed at the fact that discrimination is often hidden in small businesses.

Ioannis KONSTANTIS (Hasanīs Friends against Racism and Violence, Sweden) spoke out against the Fortress Europe.

Georgis KAMINIS (Deputy Human Rights Ombudsman, Greece) reminded that some European government do not acknowledge existence any minorities in their countries or put them under severe restrictions concerning geographical abundance, access to education, etc.

Anastasia CRICKLEY (Pavee Point, Ireland) raised the issue of NGOs and their working environment. They have to be included into all stages of the process (ie. also monitoring and evaluating) of combating racism and discrimination.

Doros POLYKARPOU (Immigrant Action Support Group, Cyprus) complained for the lack of co-operation and support with human rights organisations in Cyprus.

Mihaela GHEORGHE (Romani CRISS from Romania) pointed at the persistent institutional discrimination of Roma minorities in many European countries in public affairs. Lot of them is forced to emigration but they are not accepted in other countries. Roma asking for asylum must be given a special consideration.

Koen DE MESMEAKER (EU Networks on Integration of Refugees) asked for the decriminalisation of "undocumented" people. Migrant families should be granted full access to employment, education and housing, otherwise it will become a source of racist tensions.

The wording of the Draft General Conclusions was discussed and motion for amendments of the final text of the General.Conclusions were raised.


I CARE Reporter: Mirek PROKES