Governments across Europe will be challenged tomorrow to help in the rescue of Roma people from their “laagers of despair” to ensure “deep security” for all.
In a speech dubbed ‘Time For Change,’ Rudko Kawczynski will tell the European Roma and Travellers Forum (ERTF) meeting on 30 March that the Spring Revolutions of North Africa and the Middle East should inspire Roma people to believe that “anything is possible.”
The ERTF president will point to the growth of anti-Roma hate speech and violence – the “drum beat of bigotry” – and call on the media and politicians not to use their power to stir hatred.
He will also encourage Roma to find their own solutions to the problems they face and will invite European governments to become “partners for change.” Kawczynski will urge appropriate pan-European action to resolve key questions of migration and insist upon national solutions to issues such as Roma access to education and social services.
The three day ERTF session takes place at the Council of Europe under the terms of a 2004 agreement.
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