Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2005-04-27-Speech-3-054"
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"en.20050427.8.3-054"2
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"Mr President, Commissioner, the Roma have been present on European soil for many centuries, since they arrived in Greece in the fourth century. Although no census of this population has been made, their number is estimated at around eight million scattered throughout Europe. The Roma are victims of discrimination, marginalisation and segregation in all fields of public and private life, including access to the civil service, education, employment, health services and housing, not to mention when crossing borders and in access to asylum procedures. That discrimination is no longer a problem for the Roma alone, but is of concern to all Europeans, and we must show solidarity to improve their living conditions. We must of course strongly condemn all discrimination to which the Roma are subject, but we must also allow them access to decent housing, education, medical services and social protection. We really must do everything possible to see that they are not forced to leave their countries because of the deplorable living conditions they have to endure there, which may go as far as persecution.
Europe must recognise the Roma minority as such so that it can give them the means to fight against all forms of discrimination. That is why we are asking the Commission for an action plan that will make clear recommendations to the Member States and the candidate countries for a better economic integration, yes, but also social and political integration of all the Roma in Europe. We have been talking about it for a long time and it is high time for action. The situation has gone on for long enough. The rights of the Roma must go beyond access to decent living conditions. Europe is the cradle of multiculturalism. The promotion of Roma culture will play an important part in the fight against discrimination, racism and xenophobia. They must be able to remain at home if they want to, they must not be chased along the roads; that is important, it is essential for all of us. It is our duty to act and to act quickly."@en1
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