EU Values: The Roma Migration Challenge
The purpose of this report is to generate reflections and debates on a number of current challenges posed to Italy as State member of the European Union (EU) in the field of protection of human rights, anti-discrimination, fight against racism and xenophobia and social exclusion. Taking into consideration the European legislative system, including the Lisbon Treaty, whose entry into force is expected in a short time, Italy, as a member State of the EU, should adapt its legislation and policies to the main European values, principles and objectives. Roma and Sinti are a historically vulnerable group which has suffered and continue to suffer from persecution and discrimination throughout Europe. Their situations of marginalization and social exclusion has been repeatedly recognized and highlighted by various European institutions as well as by civic society organizations.
The European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Commissioner for Human Rights have invited several times the Member States to take effective steps in order to improve the situation of the larger minority population in Europe and to promote their social inclusion, while a number of NGOs have denounced episodes of racism and discrimination against Roma and Sinti and a lack of institutional efforts to tackle the issue and improve their
living conditions. Through the analysis of past and present actions that have been carried out in Italy, this study will try to underline the main aspects of Italian policies and legislation concerning the Roma population, their strengths, limits and contradictions. Moreover, comments, proposals and doubts expressed by representatives of institutions and civil society organizations during a meeting held in Naples in March 2009 will provide a picture of some of the main issues currently debated in Italy.