B4-0974/95

Resolution on discrimination against the Roma

The European Parliament,

A.recognizing that the Roma as a transnational people face special social problems,

B.recognizing that there is widespread discrimination against the Roma in practically every country where they are settled, but that their numbers in central and eastern Europe make the problem particularly acute,

C.recognizing that, potentially, the conditions of life of the Roma people are a problem which can only be tackled at the international level,

D.understanding that the Roma have a special culture that should be respected; recognizing, however, that their way of life in some cases causes frictions with their social environment,

E.recognizing that the education of future generations is a key element in the integration of Roma into the societies where they are living and that particular attention should be paid to this,

1.Intends to commission a special report as a matter of urgency and calls on the Commission to increase its efforts to help the Roma people to integrate in the societies in which they live and to contribute to that culture;

2.Calls on the European institutions in general, including Parliament, the Commission, the Council of Europe and the OSCE to work together to combat discrimination against the Roma people;

3.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Council of Europe and the OSCE.