Permanent Mission of India

Geneva

29th session of the Human Rights Council

(15 June-03 July 2015)

Agenda Item3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues(Study on Roma)

(15 June 2015)

Statement by India

Mr. President,

1. We thank the Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues forher report.

2.The report of the SR on Minority Issues presents a comprehensive cross-regional study of the human rights situation of Roma communities. It is a matter of concern that the Roma communities have been marginalised to such an extent that there are no reliable official estimates of the global Roma population. Even in the developed world, there is a vast discrepancy between official statistics and unofficial estimates.

3.It is quite unfortunate that the historical hatred, stigmatisation and violence against Roma are still prevalent in large parts of the world. A substantial proportion of the Roma population inhabits across Europe. The overrepresentation of Roma in the criminal justice system coupled with lack of presence in police and judiciary have put these communities in a vulnerable situation.  There is a paucity of systematic intervention as well as condemnation of attacks on Roma communities.

4.The severe material deprivation that Roma communities face is further compounded in impact due to extremely limited Roma participation public and political life of the societies in which these communities live. The negative stereotyping of Roma, especially through media, needs to be addressed. We agree with the SR that there is an urgent need for a strong political will aimed at dismantling structural discrimination of Roma people.

5.We take note with appreciation of the recent EU efforts to highlight Roma issues and the awareness raising activities undertaken by the European Commission in this regard. We welcome the setting up of European Platform for Roma Inclusion.

6.We hope that the governments concerned will make sincere efforts towards developing an integrated approach in redressing grievances of Roma communities. A consultative mechanism, taking into confidence the affected communities and providing them opportunities for a meaningful and effective engagement, is more likely to yield desired results.

7.We also request the concerned authorities to help strengthen Roma rights organizations and involve them at various stages of programmes and policy formulation. The SR has rightly pointed out that the full capacity of the UN is still to be used by Roma rights’ advocates.

I thank you.

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