ODIHR Director Link calls for halting evictions of Roma and anti-Roma rhetoric in Bulgaria

WARSAW, 13 July 2015 – Michael Georg Link, the Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), today called on Bulgarian authorities to immediately address interethnic tension and halt evictions in Roma communities.

Roma families in the municipality of Garmen were forcefully evicted from their homes on 29 June and there are reports that evictions will continue this week. The evictions have taken place in response to a series of anti-Roma protests in Garmen, and in an atmosphere of strong anti-Roma rhetoric by some political parties.

“Bulgarian authorities should halt any further evictions that put Roma at risk of becoming homeless,” Director Link said. “Such actions must comply with international standards and provide for adequate housing for those evicted.”

Director Link went on to encourage all OSCE participating States to counter hate speech and violent extremism targeting Roma and to fight discrimination and intolerance against them.

“The continued hate speech, extremism and violence against Roma across Europe is of great concern and threatens these individuals’ security and democratic values more broadly,” said Director Link. “Protests confirm the persistence of deeply-rooted prejudice and racism against Roma and Sinti in our societies. In Bulgaria, this is especially relevant in the light of violent anti-Roma protests in 2011.”

OSCE participating States have committed to improving the situation of Roma and Sinti, and political leaders at all levels have the responsibility to promote tolerance and non-discrimination against them.

“Politicians should lead by example and refrain from anti-Roma rhetoric to gain support from the electorate,” Link continued. “This is not in line with Bulgaria’s commitments to combat discrimination and promote equal opportunities for all citizens.”