Organized Conference on 26 November 2010 at the Home of Jean Monnet

Gypsies, Travelers : What future, which perspectives in the European Union

The summer of 2010 was marked by blatantly grave attacks to the fundamental rights of Gypsies and Travelers in the European Union.  Indeed, many governments use Gypsies at scapegoats for their policies, which primarily drove the beginning of infraction proceedings by the European Commission against France for violations against European law (charged with the non-compliance of legal safeguards provided by European legislation regarding expulsion and discrimination.)

These practices go against the ideal rule of law, of peace, and of tolerance brought by the Founding Fathers of Europe. This is why the Jean Monnet Association took the initiative, in partnership with the NGO PMC Europe (Migration and Citizenship Platform) to organize for 26 November 2010 an “expert conference” on the theme “Gypsies, Travelers: What future, what perspectives in the European Union?”

This day marked the chance for Gypsies and non-Gypsies alike to talk about the subject and engage in an actual debate with those who came from all different levels of representation, ranging from European Parliament members, NGOs and representative associations for human rights to local activists who work with Gypsy and traveler populations in different states of the EU.

At the end of the day, “The Final Declaration of Houjarray on Rroms” had been drafted under the guise of a group of recommendations in favor of better political and civil representation, better access to housing and education for Gypsy and Traveler populations, as well as with the intention of inviting civil society to denounce and fight against all forms of discrimination that they encounter.