Mr. Thorbjorn Jagland, Sec Gen of Council of Europe with Martin Collins, Pavee Point and Joe Jones, UK Gypsy Council at COE meeting in Strasbourg.
A new dialogue mechanism within the Council of Europe is giving Roma and Traveller initiatives working at national and local level a voice in Europe. “This shows new energy and impetus in the Council of Europe on Traveller, Gypsy and Roma issues,” said Martin Collins, Co Director, Pavee Point.
This first meeting, using the new mechanism, is discussing hate speech against Roma and Travellers; relations between Roma/Traveller and the police and forced evictions.
The Council of Europe is looking to improve its monitoring mechanisms and find more effective inclusion policies for Travellers and Roma. This new forum will now meet twice a year.
