Statement by the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) on the situation of Roma migrants in France

The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) is deeply concerned about the treatment of Roma migrants in France today.

In a report published in June 2010, ECRI had called on the French authorities to combat the racist attitudes and hostility harboured by the majority population vis-à-vis this community. In recent weeks high-ranking officials have made political statements and the Government has taken action stigmatising Roma migrants. The latter are held collectively responsible for criminal offences and singled out for abusing EU legislation on freedom of movement. ECRI can only express disappointment about this most negative development.

Press Release
Strasbourg, 15 July 2010

COJEP International is outraged by the new Islamophobic tags that have targeted the mosque Hérouville St. Clair, near Caen (Calvados) in the night from Tuesday to Wednesday.

These inscriptions are following a particular context and have an obvious connection with the Burqa Act passed by MPs yesterday. Therefore we have condemned this law which had among other effects to reassure extremists, xenophobes and Islamophobes in our country.

Press Release
Strasbourg, 13 July 2010

The bill intended to prohibit the wearing of the integral veil in public places was passed by MPs today.

The text was adopted by 335 votes in favour and one against. As they had announced, the Socialist, Green and Communist deputies have not participated in the vote, leaving the assembly at the vote. The text must now be considered by the Senate in September.