Fifty-seventh session (2000)
General recommendation XXVII on discrimination against Roma
The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination,
Having in mind the submissions from States parties to the International Convention for the
Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, their periodic reports submitted under article 9 of
the Convention, as well as the concluding observations adopted by the Committee in connection with
the consideration of States parties’ periodic reports,
Having organized a thematic discussion on the issue of discrimination against Roma and
received the contributions of members of the Committee, as well as contributions by experts from
United Nations bodies and other treaty bodies and from regional organizations,
Having also received the contributions of interested non-governmental organizations, both
orally during the informal meeting organized with them and through written information,
Taking into account the provisions of the Convention,
Recommends that the States parties to the Convention, taking into account their specific
situations, adopt for the benefit of members of the Roma communities, inter alia, all or part of the
following measures, as appropriate.
1. Measures of a general nature
1.
To review and enact or amend legislation, as appropriate, in order to eliminate all forms of
racial discrimination against Roma as against other persons or groups, in accordance with the
Convention.
2.
To adopt and implement national strategies and programmes and express determined political
will and moral leadership, with a view to improving the situation of Roma and their protection against
discrimination by State bodies, as well as by any person or organization.
3.
To respect the wishes of Roma as to the designation they want to be given and the group to
which they want to belong.
4.
To ensure that legislation regarding citizenship and naturalization does not discriminate
against members of Roma communities.
5.
To take all necessary measures in order to avoid any form of discrimination against
immigrants or asylum-seekers of Roma origin.
6.
To take into account, in all programmes and projects planned and implemented and in all
measures adopted, the situation of Roma women, who are often victims of double discrimination.
7.
To take appropriate measures to secure for members of Roma communities effective remedies
and to ensure that justice is fully and promptly done in cases concerning violations of their
fundamental rights and freedoms.
8.
To develop and encourage appropriate modalities of communication and dialogue between
Roma communities and central and local authorities.
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