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“Many Roma continue to face serious forms of discrimination and human rights violations by authorities at both national and local levels. In particular, forced evictions without due process and provision of adequate alternative housing continue unabated across Europe, in violation of member states' international human rights obligations” said today Nils Muižnieks, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, while releasing the letters he sent to the governments of Albania, Bulgaria, France, Hungary, Italy, Serbia and Sweden.

“Evictions are often carried out without prior consultation with the families concerned and at very short notice, while adequate alternative accommodation is often not provided. This situation increases the vulnerability of Roma families, prevents their social inclusion and impedes any prospect of regular schooling for their children. Member states have to abide by their human rights obligations, by stopping such measures and investing more in finding durable housing solutions for Roma families.”

• Read the letter to the Minister for Urban Development of Albania
• Read the letter to the Prime Minister of Bulgaria
• Read the letter to the Minister of Interior of France and the reply from the French authorities
• Read the letter to the Minister of Human Capacities of Hungary and the reply from the Hungarian authorities
• Read the letter to the Prime Minister of Italy and the reply from the Italian authorities
• Read the letter to the Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia and the reply from the Serbian authorities
• Read the letter to the Minister for Culture and Democracy of Sweden

Visit the website of the Council of Europe Commissioner of Human Rights.