Doc. 9944

30 September 2003

Legal situation of Roma in Europe

Written Question No. 430 to the Chair of the Committee of Ministers

Reply from the Chair of the Committee of Ministers

I. Written Question No. 430 by Mr Tabajdi (Doc. 9877)

Considering that in its recent reply given to Recommendation 1557 on the legal situation of Roma in Europe the Committee of Ministers states that it "would like to underline the complexity and relevance of the issues raised by the Parliamentary Assembly. It will continue its examination of these issues in one of its forthcoming meetings, also in the light of a number of major events taking place in this field in the near future",

Mr Tabajdi,

Asks the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers,

What are the exact plans of the Committee of Ministers to pursue such an in-depth reflection?

II. Reply by the Chairperson of the Committee of Ministers

During the discussion on the Committee of Ministers’ reply to Recommendation 1557, it became clear that there was a need for further reflection on some of the ideas raised by the Assembly. There is much interest among member states in the situation of Roma and in the possibilities for the Council of Europe to enhance its action in this field.

However, this is a field in which there is already considerable activity at the moment. There are many ideas for new activities and new projects. In addition, several conferences and other major events, also in the OSCE and EU framework, have recently been held, that may influence the Council of Europe’s thinking in this area. As an example could be mentioned the seminar on Cultural Identities of Roma, Gypsies ,Travellers and related groups organised by the Council of Europe on 15-16 September 2003.

The plan is therefore for the Deputies to resume consideration on some of the ideas put forward in the Assembly Recommendation in the light of the latest developments at one of their forthcoming meetings. Being aware of the Assembly’s strong interest in the situation of Roma, the Committee of Ministers will not fail to keep it informed about the results of its reflections.

The Committee of Ministers’ Working Party with the task of examining the question of a possible forum for Roma and Travellers (GT-ROMS) is exploring the possible follow-up to be given to the proposal for a Forum for Roma. It has been given precise terms of reference by the Rapporteur Group for Social and Health Questions (GR-SOC). There is considerable interest in the project, also among the Council of Europe’s partners in the field, ie the OSCE and the EU. The work is now entering a more concrete phase and it is the intention of the GT-ROMS to work in close co-operation with the Parliamentary Assembly on this issue.