OSCE human rights body concerned about anti-Roma violence in Italy

WARSAW, 16 May 2008 - The OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today expressed concern over the violent attacks on informal Roma settlements in Italy. The ODIHR called on the Italian authorities to ensure the protection of the Roma population and urged politicians and the media to refrain from anti-Roma rhetoric.

"We are troubled by the recent incidents of violence against Roma in Italy," said Ambassador Christian Strohal, the ODIHR's Director.

Andrzej Mirga, the head of the ODIHR's Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues, added:

"There has been a worrying rise of anti-Roma and anti-immigrant rhetoric in recent months across Italy. There must be no place for racial stereotyping and inciting hatred and violence in a tolerant democratic society."

Earlier this week, several Roma settlements near Naples were attacked and set on fire by residents from neighbouring communities following reports of a Roma teenager allegedly having attempted to kidnap a child. Hundreds of Roma are reported to have fled their settlements for fear of further attacks or have been relocated by the authorities for security reasons.

Immigrants from Romania, in particular those of Roma origin, are widely blamed by politicians and in the media for an increase in crime in Italy.

"Frustrations about high crime levels may be understandable. But the current stigmatization of Roma and immigrant groups in Italy is dangerous as it contributes to fuelling tensions and increases the potential for violence," Strohal said.