Press releases
Europe's Highest Court Finds Racial Discrimination in Czech Schools
(Last modified: 2007-11-14 10:24:45)
Landmark Victory in Roma Segregation Case

Strasbourg, 14 November 2007-In a momentous decision for Roma across Europe, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights, by a vote of 13 to four, ruled today that segregating Roma students into special schools is a form of unlawful discrimination that violates fundamental human rights.
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CoE Committee of Ministers demands positive action on the housing of Bulgarian Roma
(Last modified: 2007-MM-DD HH:MM:SS)
Ambitious programme promised by the Bulgarian government

Budapest, 8 October 2007 - The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe has adopted a resolution following the European Committee on Social Rights' ruling in the case of European Roma Rights Center v Bulgaria. The resolution confirms the Committee's finding that Bulgaria was in violation of the European Social Charter for its systematic denial of the Roma's right to adequate housing.
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Strasbourg Court Sanctions Bulgaria for Failure to Bring Perpetrators of Racist Killing to Justice
(Last modified: 2007-08-03 15:10:08)
States should use existing legal arsenal in fight against racism and deal effectively with racially motivated offences, says Court

On July 27, 2007 the European Court of Human Rights delivered its judgment in the case of Angelova and Iliev v. Bulgaria concerning the racial killing of a Romani man by a group of teenagers on April 18, 1996 in Shumen, Bulgaria and the official investigation which followed. The Court held that Bulgaria was responsible for breaches of the procedural aspect of the right to life (Article 2), in conjunction with the prohibition of discrimination (Article 14). The applicants (the mother and wife of the victim respectively) were represented by lawyers acting for the European Roma Rights Centre in cooperation with the Human Rights Project in Sofia.
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Strasbourg Court Sanctions Romania for Failure to Remedy Police Ill-Treatment of Romani Man
(Last modified: 2007-07-27 14:40:23)
Judgment strengthens discrimination law

The European Court of Human Rights today delivered its judgment in the case of Cobzaru v. Romania concerning the beating of a Romani man by police officers while in custody in Mangalia, Romania, and the ensuing official investigation. The Court held that Romania is responsible for breaches of the prohibition of inhuman and degrading treatment (Article 3), the right to an effective remedy (Article 13) and the prohibition of discrimination (Article 14). The applicant was represented by Monica Macovei, a Bucharest-based lawyer, the Romanian Helsinki Committee, and the European Roma Rights Centre.
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Discrimination against Roma punished by the Court
(Last modified: 2007-07-25 11:50:08)
On April 19th 2007, the Fourth Municipal Court in Belgrade found Aleksandar Nikolic a security guard at the "Acapulco" club in Belgrade, guilty of denying access to three Roma citizens Zorica Stojkovic, Petar Antic and Ljutvija Antic solely on the grounds of their ethnicity. The Courts sentenced him to six months in prison, suspended for two years. The second accused, Aleksandar Sabo, was acquitted of all charges.
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ERRC/CSRC Call for the Amendment of the Macedonian Draft Law on the Public Prosecution Office
(Last modified: 2007-07-06 16:40:08)
On 6 July 2007 the European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) and the Skopje-based Civil Society Research Center (CSRC) sent a letter to the highest Macedonian authorities calling for amendments to the Draft Law on the Public Prosecution, which will soon be debated by the Parliament. These amendments are necessary in order to eliminate the existing shortcomings with respect to the prompt and effective protection by the Public Prosecutor of citizens who are victims of a criminal offence. The letter, which was sent to the Prime Minister, Minister of Justice, Minister of Interior, President of the Parliament, Presidents of the Political Parties represented in the Parliament, Coordinators of the Political Parties in the Parliament, Public Prosecutor and Ombudsman of the Republic of Macedonia called for the inclusion of provisions in the draft law that prescribe time limits for the Public Prosecution Office (PPO) to investigate and to inform the victims of the outcome of the investigation.
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European Court of Human Rights Condemns Croatian Government for Failure to Investigate Racially-Motivated Attack
(Last modified: 2007-06-05 17:17:00)
Judgment Expands Strasbourg Court Jurisprudence in the Field of Discrimination

The European Court of Human Rights yesterday delivered a landmark judgment in the case of Secic v. Croatia, concerning the lack of a proper investigation carried out by the Croatian authorities into a racially-motivated attack on a Romani man.

The Court held that the Croatian authorities failed to conduct a sufficiently thorough and expeditious investigation as well as examine the possible racial motives behind the assault.
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Romanian Draft Law on Housing Expected to Worsen Situation of Roma and other Marginalised Groups
(Last modified: 2007-03-22 14:24:46)
A proposed law on rent could worsen the situation of Roma and other marginalised groups, warn international human rights groups.

The European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) and the Centre for Housing Rights and Evictions (COHRE) have written to the Romanian authorities presenting their concerns in relation to the draft of a �Law regarding the relations between owners and tenants and the obligations incumbent on them with regard to housing management and maintenance�. The Romanian Ministry of Transport, Constructions and Tourism recently posted the draft on its website soliciting input from the public before its adoption.
Macedonia Found in Violation of the European Convention on Human Rights
(Last modified: 2007-02-19 14:24:46)
Strasbourg Court Finds Violation of Article 3 in the First Macedonian Roma Torture Case

Budapest, Strasbourg, Skopje, 19 February 2007. In a judgment announced last week, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Macedonia violated Article 3 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms in connection with the ill-treatment by the police of Mr Pejrusan Jasar, a Macedonian national of Romani ethnic origin.
Forced Evictions in Slovakia - 2006
(Last modified: 2007-01-30 14:24:46)
Roma in Slovakia are currently experiencing a wave of forced evictions according to a report released on Tuesday 23 January 2007 by the Milan Šimecka Foundation, Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions (COHRE) and European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC).

The report, which shows how a combination of factors is driving Roma from their homes into more segregated areas, was launched at a special roundtable with representatives from Roma and civil society organizations and the Ministries of Construction and Regional Development, Labor, Family and Social Affairs, Justice, Foreign Affairs, the Association of Local Municipalities, and the Slovak National Centre for Human Rights amongst others.
Europe's Highest Court Hears Oral Arguments in Landmark Segregation Case
(Last modified: 2007-01-17 11:54:33)
Strasbourg, France, 17 January 2007. The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights heard oral arguments today in one of the most important cases ever to come before the Court. Raising major issues concerning the European Convention of Human Rights' prohibition against discrimination in Article 14, the case gives the continent's highest court one last chance to make clear that racial segregation has no place in 21st century Europe.
United Nations: Hungary Coercively Sterilised Romani Woman
(Last modified: 2006-08-31 10:03:26)
UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Condemns Hungary for Violations of International Law

Budapest, 31 August 2006. In a decision communicated this week, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) condemned Hungary for violating the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women in connection with the sterilisation of a Romani woman without her consent in January 2001.
Albania: Roma Housing Rights Abuses
(Last modified: 2006-08-09 11:13:00)
Albanian Authorities Urged to Resolve the Situation of 21 Romani Families Rendered Homeless by Forced Eviction

On 7 August 2006, the ERRC sent a letter to Mr. Z. Ardian Turku, Mayor of Elbasan, expressing concern about the forced eviction and resulting homelessness of 109 Romani individuals. The ERRC urged Mayor Turku to ensure that the urgent housing needs of these evicted families are addressed immediately.
Eviction threats of Roma in Bulgaria continues unabated
(Last modified: 2006-08-31 10:02:57)
On July 19, 2006, international human rights organisations, the Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions (COHRE) and the European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC), appeal to stop the planned eviction of Roma in Dobri Jelyazkov Sofia, in a letter addressed to the President and Prime Minister of Bulgaria.
NGOs Urge Macedonian Authorities to Investigate Death of Trajan Bekirov
(Last modified: 2006-06-16 14:19:01)
Romani Youth Last Seen Alive While Being Chased by Police

16 June 2006, Budapest, Skopje. The European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) and the National Roma Centrum (NRC) sent a letter to Dr. Vlado Buckovski, Prime Minister of the Republic of Macedonia expressing grave concern about the recent death of a Romani youth named Trajan Bekirov, and urging that Macedonian authorities to carry out a prompt, thorough and effective investigation. Copies of the letter were also sent to Ms. Meri Mladenovska Gjorgjievska, Minister of Justice, Mr. Ljubomir Mihajlovski, Minister of Interior, and Mr. Aleksandar Prcevski, Public Prosecutor of the Republic of Macedonia.
European Court of Human Rights Declares Macedonia Roma Rights Case Admissible
(Last modified: 2006-05-11 14:17:53)
Strasbourg Court to Rule on Macedonian Roma Torture Case for the First Time in its History

Budapest, Skopje, 11 May 2006. In a decision communicated last week, the European Court of Human Rights has declared admissible the application of Mr. Pejrusan Jasar against Macedonia.

On 16 April 1998, Mr. Pejrusan Jasar, a Romani man from Stip, Macedonia, was in a local bar where gambling took place. One of the losing gamblers complained that the dice were fixed, drew a firearm, and fired several gunshots. Several police officers were called to the bar. Mr. Jasar maintains that police officers grabbed him by his hair and forcibly placed him in a police van. During his detention in police custody, he was kicked in the head, punched and beaten with a truncheon by a police officer. Medical protocols provided immediately after Mr. Jasar was released from police custody the following morning stated that he had sustained numerous injuries to his head, hand and back.
Hungarian Appellate Court Upholds Release of Wrongly Convicted Roma
(Last modified: 2006-05-08 09:02:19)
ERRC Secures Release after Wrongful Imprisonment for Murder

Two Men in Custody for Close to Six Years

Budapest, 3 May 2006: In a decision communicated last week, an appellate court in Debrecen, Hungary, has upheld a July 2005 decision by the Hajdu-Bihar County Court to acquit at retrial two Romani men previously found guilty of murder. Reaffirming that the conviction of Mr. Ferenc Burka Jr. and Mr. Ferenc Burka Sr. had been unlawful, the Debrecen Appellate Court issued a binding and final decision on 24 April, confirming their release from jail. The two men had been sentenced to serve 15 and 13 years imprisonment respectively in 1999, following convictions on very weak evidence. They had spent close to six years in custody.
UN Anti-Racism Committee Rules against Serbia and Montenegro
(Last modified: 2006-03-17 09:34:46)
United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination first finding against Serbia and Montenegro

State failed to provide an effective remedy after refusal to allow Roma into discotheque

Budapest / Belgrade, 17 March 2006

In a decision communicated this week, on 8 March 2006, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (“the Committee”) adopted a decision against Serbia and Montenegro, whereby it held that the state failed to conduct a prompt, thorough and effective investigation into an arguable case of discrimination (Article 6 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination – “ICERD”). The petitioner, Mr. Durmic, was jointly represented by the European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) and the Humanitarian Law Center (HLC). Mr. Durmic, a young Romani man had been denied entry into a local discotheque because of his ethnicity in 2000. This is the first time that such a decision has been reached based on a complaint from Serbia and Montenegro.
Strasbourg Court Finds that Czech Government Violated Right to Fair Trial
(Last modified: 2006-03-06 11:28:20)
Anonymous witnesses violate fair trial and cross examination requirements under European Convention on Human Rights.

1 March 2006: Budapest, Hungary, Prague, Czech Republic:

The European Roma Rights Centre along with Czech attorney David Strupek filed an action to the European Court of Human Rights on behalf of Hasan Krasniki on 2 September 1999. Krasniki was found guilty of production and possession of narcotics in 1997 through the testimony of two anonymous witnesses who did not use their true names and who testified behind a curtain, one of whom did not testify at the final hearing, and one of whom claimed fear of violence.
European Court issues two judgments against Bulgaria
(Last modified: 2006-02-27 10:54:56)
Bulgaria found liable for police abuse of Roma on two separate occasions.

24 February, Sofia, Bulgaria, Budapest, Hungary

On 26 February 2004, the European Court of Human Rights announced its judgment in two cases, Tzekov vs. Bulgaria and Ognyanova and Choban vs. Bulgaria. The applicants in both cases, Mr Tzeko Tzekov and Ms Zoya Ognyanova and Giulfere Choban, all Bulgarian Roma, were represented by lawyers for the European Roma Rights Centre, in cooperation with the Human Rights Project.
Victims of Kosovo Poisoning Bring Lawsuit at European Court of Human Rights
(Last modified: 2006-02-20 15:06:37)
Roma Seek Justice Internationally After Complete Failure by United Nations to Prevent or Remedy Extreme Environmental Harms

20 February 2006: Budapest, Hungary. The European Roma Rights Centre filed today an application with the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg on behalf of 184 Romani residents of camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in northern Kosovo.
Romani Victims of Police Abuse in Romania Bring Lawsuit at European Court of Human Rights
(Last modified: 2006-02-16 12:52:59)
ERRC files an application at Strasbourg court concerning the excessive use of force against a Romani family by Romanian police

On 24 January 2006, the European Roma Rights Centre (‘the ERRC’) filed an application with the European Court of Human Rights against Romania, concerning a case of excessive and unjustified use of force by the police against a Romani family, as well as the subsequent failure of the authorities to conduct an effective investigation into the incidents.
Romanian Equality Watchdog Rules Anti-Romani Speech by Romanian Politician is Discriminatory
(Last modified: 2006-02-14 12:01:18)
National Council for Combating Discrimination Finds Extreme Right Leader Violated the Law

Budapest, 14 February 2006. In a decision dated 17 January 2006 and communicated to the ERRC this week, the National Council for Combating Discrimination has ruled that an anti-Romani speech made by the leader of the extreme right Greater Romania Party was in breach of Romanian anti-discrimination law.
European Court Fails to Find Czech Roma Children Victims of Racial Discrimination in Education
(Last modified: 2006-02-09 08:58:58)
Strasbourg Court Fails to Find Discrimination in Czech Special Schools

Reacting to the Judgment of the European Court of Human Rights on the case of D.H. and Others v The Czech Republic of February 7, 2006, The European Roma Rights Centre and the Open Society Justice Initiative issued today a joint statement which follows.
Bulgarian Court Finds the National Prosecutor’s Office Discriminated Against Roma
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:25:08)
Trial Court Finds Anti-Roma Statements in Official Prosecutorial Decree to Constitute Racial Discrimination in Breach of the Constitution and International Law

Sofia, 3 February 2005. A Sofia court has ruled that a Bulgarian prosecutor violated domestic and international law by humiliating Roma in a decree.

With ERRC support, Ivelin Iliev, a young Romani man, secured a positive decision from a Sofia court in a lawsuit against the Prosecutor’s Office of Bulgaria. The Sofia first-instance court found the National Prosecutor’s Office liable for racial discrimination committed by a prosecutor of the Razgrad Prosecutor’s Office, as a result of expressions of strong anti-Romani sentiments in official prosecutorial decrees issued by the public official in question.
Macedonian Roma Police Abuse Case Hearing at the European Court of Human Rights
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:05)
ERRC and Partners Argue at First Macedonian Roma Torture Case Heard at Strasbourg Court

Budapest, Strasbourg, Skopje, 20 January 2006. Yesterday, the ERRC participated in oral argument at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg in the first case against Macedonia involving Article 3 of the European Convention of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. Article 3 prohibits torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Greece in Breach of Articles 3 and 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:05)
The European Court of Human Rights finds that Greece violated Articles 3 and 14 after police abuse of two young Romani men and failure to investigate possible racist motives.


Budapest, Athens, Strasbourg, 14 December 2005. On 13 December 2005, three years after the initial submission, the European Court of Human Rights (Court) issued a decision in the case of Bekos and Koutropoulos vs. Greece. The Court found the Greek state responsible for the inhuman and degrading treatment two Romani man suffered at the hands of police, as well as the subsequent failure to conduct an effective official investigation, in violation of Article 3 (prohibition of torture and inhuman and degrading treatment). The Court also found a violation of the procedural guarantee against racial discrimination contained in Article 14 (discrimination), taken together with Article 3.

The beginning of the Bekos case: on May 9, 1998, ERRC Executive director Dimitrina Petrova takes Lazaros Bekos and Elephtherios Koutropulos by ferryboat from Mesolonghi to Patra to obtain official forensic report documenting their injuries at the hands of the police the previous day.
Bulgarian Court Fines Employer for Denying Access to Employment to Roma
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:05)
Trial court finds discrimination by inference and awards Romani victim compensation in full

Sofia, Budapest, 16 November 2005. With ERRC support, a young Romani man has won a judgment by the Sofia District court, finding that the refusal of a private business to hire him constituted direct discrimination based on his ethnicity. The court has awarded him the full amount of compensation he sought for non-pecuniary damages -- the approximate equivalent in Bulgarian Leva of 300 Euro. The ruling, which is based on the Protection Against Discrimination Act, Bulgaria’s comprehensive antidiscrimination law, is the first to find discrimination by inference, in accordance with the special rule of the shifting burden of proof in discrimination cases.
First Court Victory in Central Europe on Coercive Sterilisation of Romani Women
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:05)
Ostrava Court Finds Violations of Dignity as a Result of Abuse by Czech Doctors

Ostrava, 11 November 2005. In its second hearing in the matter, the District Court in Ostrava today indicated that it would find violations of law concerning the coercive sterilization of Ms. Helena Ferencikova by Czech medical practitioners in 2001. Once issued in writing, the decision will be the first finding by any court in Central and Eastern Europe of violations of law concerning the coercive sterilization of Romani women.
Desegregation Court Victory
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:05)
ERRC Prevails in Court against Bulgarian Ministry of Education on School Segregation of Roma

On October 25, 2005, the Sofia District court released its decision on Case 11630/2004 finding that the Bulgarian Ministry of Education, the Sofia Municipality and School Number 103 of Sofia have violated the prohibition of racial segregation and unequal treatment provided in Bulgarian and international law.
ERRC Criminal Complaint in Kosovo Poisoning Case
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:05)
European Roma Rights Centre Presses for Criminal Charges Related to Extreme Harms in Northern Kosovo

Budapest, Pristina, 6 September 2005. The European Roma Rights Centre filed a request on 2 September 2005 for criminal investigation into the continued danger to human life being caused by the placement and retention of approximately 550 Roma people in three camps contaminated by lead poisoning in Northern Mitrovica, Kosovo.
Court Punishes Disco for Denying Entrance to Roma
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:05)
Popular Budapest Club Fined for Affront to Dignity of Roma

Budapest, 26 August 2005. In a case brought by the ERRC together with local counsel, a Budapest court has awarded damages to two Romani men after they were barred from entrance to the discotheque Zold Pardon, a popular local nightclub. The decision is final and binding.
Hungarian Court Acquits Two Romani Men after 2100 Days in Prison
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
ERRC Secures Release after Wrongful Imprisonment for Murder

Budapest, 1 August 2005: The Hajdú-Bihar County Court has acquitted at retrial two Romani men previously found guilty of murder. The two men, originally convicted on the basis of very weak evidence, had been sentenced to serve 15 and 13 years imprisonment respectively in 1999.
ERRC: Bulgarian Courts Continue to Move Against Racial Discriminators
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
The European Roma Rights Centre Wins Antidiscrimination Case against Bulgarian Restaurant

Budapest, Sofia, 27 June 2005: In a judgment based on Bulgaria's comprehensive anti-discrimination law, the Blagoevgrad trial court in southwestern Bulgaria has ruled against a local restaurant for having denied its services to Romani customers. The court found the refusal of services to constitute discrimination, and ordered the business to abstain from repeating such conduct. The claim was brought by the ERRC in its own capacity in the public interest, making use of a provision of Bulgaria's Protection Against Discrimination Act, authorising public interest lawsuits by NGOs where discrimination has infringed the rights of many individuals.
Serbia in Violation of Torture Convention in Roma Case
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
UN Committee Against Torture Condemns Extreme Abuse in Custody

Budapest, Belgrade, 29 June 2005. The United Nations Committee Against Torture has ruled that Serbia and Montenegro (successors to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia against which the original complaint was filed) violated the Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The decision involves the arbitrary detention and extreme physical abuse of Mr. Jovica Dimitrov, a Romani man, as well as the failure by Serbian authorities to provide justice in the case.
Hungarian Discotheque Fined for Unequal Treatment
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
Court Punishes Disco for Denying Entrance to Roma on Racist Grounds

Budapest, 21 June 2005. In one of the first Roma rights decisions issued under Hungary's comprehensive anti-discrimination law, a discotheque in the town of Nagyhalász, in northeastern Hungary, has been fined the Hungarian forint equivalent of approximately 2400 Euros for discriminating against Roma.
European Human Rights Court to Hear Roma School Segregation Complaint
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
Strasbourg Judges Agree to Review European Roma Rights Centre Action to Challenge Racial Exclusion in the Czech School System

May 17, 2005, Strasbourg. Five years after the application was filed, the European Court of Human Rights has agreed to hear the case of “D.H. and Others v. the Czech Republic”—a landmark case involving racial segregation in Czech schools. This is the first significant challenge to systemic discriminatory education of Romani children to come before the Court. The decision moves the litigation to its central stage: consideration on the merits of whether assignment of disproportionate numbers of Romani children to substandard, separate schools constitutes racial discrimination in breach of the European Convention of Human Rights.
Housing Rights in Hungary: Parliamentary Commissioners Act on Abuse by Municipalities
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
Complaint by ERRC and Roma Civil Rights' Foundation Triggers Action by Hungarian Parliamentary Commissioners to Review the Constitutionality of Social Housing Regulations

13 May 2005, Budapest.

In a decision communicated this week, on 2 May 2005 the Parliamentary Commissioner for Civil Rights and the Parliamentary Commissioner for National and Ethnic Minority Rights officially requested the Minister of Interior to order the county-level administrative offices to examine the local self-government regulations on social housing, with the aim to ensure that criteria for allocating social housing are constitutional. The decision follows appeals by the ERRC and the Roma Civil Rights Foundation urging action following a number of Constitutional Court decisions.
ERRC: UN Children’s Rights Committee on Roma Rights in Hungary
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
European Roma Rights Centre Urges Hungarian Government to Act on Key Concerns Identified by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child

Budapest, 3 February 2006. The European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) today welcomed the Concluding Observations of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child on Hungary’s compliance with the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, one of the central instruments of international human rights law.

The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child convened in January to review Hungary’s second periodic report on measures to implement the Convention.
Hungarian Constitutional Court Strikes Down Discriminatory Housing Decree
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
Ruling Reverses Local Rules Precluding Roma from Access to Social Housing

Budapest, 2 March 2005. In a decision communicated today, on February 22, the Hungarian Constitutional Court struck down as unconstitutional provisions of a Budapest 3rd District Local Government decree regulating social housing. The ERRC had challenged the decree on a number of grounds, including the fact of its having a disproportionate, negative impact on Roma. The ERRC motion among other things tested Hungary's new anti-discrimination law, adopted in December 2003 to comply with European Union rules.
Historic Deliberations in Roma Rights Cases at Europe's Premier Human Rights Tribunal
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
Press Release: European Roma Rights Centre/Open Society Justice Initiative

Strasbourg: February 23, 2005.

In the space of one week, on February 23 and March 1, 2005, the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France will hear oral argument in two of the most important cases in its history concerning racial violence and discrimination against Roma. The cases raise questions of fundamental importance for the future of a Europe that is increasingly diverse and multi-ethnic.
ERRC/HLC/MRC Legal Action in Serbian Forced Eviction Case
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
Serbian Police Abuse Roma in the Course of Large-Scale Forced Eviction in Belgrade

Today, 17 December 2004, the European Roma Rights Center (ERRC) together with Belgrade-based Humanitarian Law Center (HLC) and Minority Rights Center (MRC) filed a joint communication with the United Nations Committee against Torture against Serbia and Montenegro relating to the cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of Mr. Besim Osmani by police officers during a forced eviction and demolition operation in 2000. The demotion operation resulted in the destruction of an entire Romani settlement.
Croatian Romani Children Sue at European Court of Human Rights over Racial Segregation in Schools
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
Legal Action at the Premiere European Human Rights Court Challenges Racial Segregation of Romani Children in Croatian Primary Schools

On 15 December 2004, the European Roma Rights Center (ERRC) and the Croatian Helsinki Committee (CHC) jointly filed an application against Croatia with the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. The submission prepared by ERRC staff attorneys in co-operation with Ms. Lovorka Kusan, a Croatian attorney-at-law, seeks justice for fifteen Romani children who have been forced to endure racially segregated education in Croatia, in violation of Croatian domestic law and numerous international human rights standards. Although the children sought redress in Croatian courts, more than two years and eight months following the submission of the complaint locally, two courts have rejected the case, and the Croatian Constitutional Court is yet to rule on the matter. This denial of justice has forced the children to look to the European Court of Human Rights for a remedy.
European Roma Rights Centre and six Czech Romani Plaintiffs Win Landmark Racial Discrimination Case against UK Government
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
R v Immigration Officer at Prague Airport & anor ex parte European Roma Rights Centre & others

House of Lords
Hearing: 25 October 2004 1 November 2004
Judgment: 9 December 2004

Today the House of Lords decided that the UK Government had discriminated on racial grounds against Czech citizens of Romani origin in preventing them from travelling to the UK in order to stop them from claiming asylum upon arrival. The practice was described by the Lords as "inherently and systematically discriminatory" against Roma. The decision itself is certainly the most important one ever in terms of condemning racial discrimination in the area of UK border regulation.
ERRC and HLC Win Key UN Torture Case
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
United Nations Committee against Torture Grants Redress to a Romani Man Abused in Police Custody in Serbia and Montenegro

09 December 2004

On 24 November 2004, the Geneva-based United Nations Committee against Torture (“Committee”) found Serbia and Montenegro in violation of several provisions of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (“Convention”). The Committee made a finding of “torture” on the basis of a communication submitted jointly by the European Roma Rights Center (ERRC) and the Humanitarian Law Center (HLC) on behalf of Mr. Dragan Dimitrijevic, a Serbian citizen of Romani origin. Mr. Dimitrijevic was a victim of police brutality in an incident dating from 1999 but which has remained without a legal remedy to date, more than four years following the demise of the Milosevic regime in 2000.
ERRC Files Motion Challenging Housing Legislation
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
ERRC Brings Social Housing Issues before the Hungarian Constitutional Court

10 November

Motion filed with the Hungarian Constitutional Court challenges provisions of six local government decrees concerning access to social housing

On 10 November 2004, the European Roma Rights Center (ERRC), a Budapest-based international public interest law organization, filed a motion with the Hungarian Constitutional Court requesting review of the constitutionality of six Hungarian local government decrees regulating access to social housing. The motion concerns municipal regulations in four districts of Budapest -- Kőbánya, Csepel, III.district, I. district -- and two other cities -- Miskolc and Debrecen. The impugned decrees state that local government authorities are not to provide social housing to people who have previously occupied apartments or other premises in violation of the ownersproperty rights or without legal entitlement. In its motion, the ERRC argues that such provisions exclude those individuals and groups who are the most in need of social housing, and who --in the absence of adequate government housing policies -- often have no option but to resort to different forms of irregular occupation of housing.
House Demolitions of Roma in Greece Continue
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
Press Release
9 November 2004

Government Fails to Act to Stop Forced Evictions

The homes of eight Roma families in Greece were demolished in late October 2004 in violation of international and national law, according to the report of an emergency mission conducted last week in the city of Patras.
Renewed Action on Racially Segregated Schools in Croatia
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
Press release

Joint ERRC and CHC Letter of Concern: Segregation of Romani Children in Croatian Primary Schools

Budapest, Zagreb: 28 October 2004. Today, the European Roma Rights Center (ERRC) and the Croatian Helsinki Committee (CHC) sent a letter to Dr Dragan Primorac, Croatia’s Minister of Education, copied to the Croatian President Stjepan Mesic and Prime Minister Ivo Sanader, to express concern about recent reports indicating that school authorities in Croatia have again engaged in segregating practices. In particular, the letter focuses on disturbing developments at the primary school in Kuršanec, Međimurje County, where first grade Romani pupils appear to have been racially segregated.
First Five Roma Rights Victories under New Bulgarian Equality Law
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
September 30, 2004

Bulgarian Courts Act to Suppress Discrimination Against Roma

Strategic litigation actions undertaken by the ERRC and its local partners prompt Bulgarian courts to sanction discriminators under recently adopted Bulgarian anti-discrimination act. Courts provide redress to Romani victims, restoring dignity.

Since the new anti-discrimination legislation came into force in Bulgaria on 1 January 2004, the European Roma Rights Center (ERRC), acting alone or together with Romani Baht Foundation (RBF) and/or the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee (BHC), has filed a number of civil actions alleging discrimination against Roma. To date, not yet a year since the entry into force of the law, the ERRC and local partners have obtained five landmark judgements from Bulgarian courts.
ERRC lawsuits in Bulgarian restaurant discrimination cases
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
ERRC breaks new ground in challenging racial discrimination against Roma in Bulgaria by making use of new legal possibilities to sue on its own behalf

11 August 2004

On 9 August 2004, the European Roma Rights Center (ERRC) filed two separate lawsuits against restaurants in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria, for denying Roma access to their services. The cases are the first of their kind to make use of new provisions under Bulgarian anti-discrimination law, making it possible for non-governmental organisations to bring cases on its own behalf before Bulgarian courts.
ERRC Complaint to Hungarian Minority Ombudsman in Housing Discrimination Case
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
Racial discrimination in housing in Bicske, Hungary

5 August 2004

On 4 August 2004, the European Roma Rights Center (ERRC) filed a complaint with the Hungarian Parliamentary Commissioner for the Rights of National and Ethnic Minorities concerning a Romani refugee from Kosovo, which appears to have been the victim of racial discrimination while attempting to build a family house in the town of Bicske.
First court victory for Roma based on the new Bulgarian anti-discrimination act
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
26 July 2004

On 23 July 2004, in a case brought by local counsel acting on behalf of the European Roma Rights Center (ERRC) and the Romani Baht Foundation (RBF), the Sofia District court ruled against a company called VALI EOOD, and awarded compensation to Sevda Nanova in the amount of 300 euros on account of the non-pecuniary damages suffered. Ms. Nanova is a Romani women and was found by the Court to have been discriminated against in access to services, solely on the basis of her race.
Strasbourg court finds Hungary in breach of human rights standards in a Roma police brutality case
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
Budapest, Hungary; Strasbourg, France; 22 July 2004.

On 21 July 2004, the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg found that the Hungarian Government had violated the European Convention on Human Rights in the case of Sandor Balogh v. Hungary. The case concerns abuse in police custody and was filed on 8 April 1999 as part of a joint strategic litigation project undertaken by the Legal Defence Bureau for National and Ethnic Minorities (NEKI) and the European Roma Rights Center (ERRC). In its ruling, the Court held that there had been a violation of Article 3 (prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment) and no violations of Article 13 (right to an effective remedy), Article 6 (access to court), or Article 14 (prohibition of discrimination). Under Article 41 of the Convention, concerning just satisfaction, the Court awarded Mr. Balogh 4 000eurosfor pecuniary damages, 10 000 euros for non-pecuniary damages and 3 000 euros for costs and expenses.
ERRC Collective Complaint against Italy: Systematic Violations of Right to Adequate Housing
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
21 June 2004

Budapest, Hungary; Strasbourg, France. The European Roma Rights Center today brought a collective complaint under the Revised European Social Charter against Italy for persistent and systematic violations of the fundamental rights of Roma to adequate housing.
ERRC files a police brutality case against Bulgaria with the Strasbourg human rights court
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
21 April 2004

ERRC files a case in Strasbourg following the refusal of Bulgarian authorities to investigate a serious police brutality incident

On 21 April 2004, the European Roma Rights Center (ERRC), together with Bulgarian Attorney Alexander Kashumov, filed an application with the European Court of Human Rights against Bulgaria arising out of an incidence of police violence and racism against Roma in Sofia on 18 July 2001.
The European Roma Rights Center welcomes a landmark decision of the European Court of Human Rights
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
February 26, 2004

On 26 February 2004, the European Court of Human Rights announced its
judgment in the case of Nachova vs. Bulgaria
ERRC/NEKI: International Legal Action on Hungarian Sterilization
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February 12, 2004

Young Hungarian Romani woman sterilised without any prior explanation from doctors: ERRC and NEKI initiate international legal action
Landmark lawsuit filed with a Bulgarian court alleges racial discrimination in the provision of electricity to a Romani neighborhood in Sofia
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
February 18, 2004

With the assistance of the European Roma Rights Center (ERRC), the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee (BHC) and the Romani Baht Foundation (RBF) have today filed a landmark lawsuit against the Sofia state-owned electric company concerning a discriminatory denial of electricity to bill-paying Romani consumers
Legal Action on Problematic Bulgarian Police Law Provisions
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
December 16, 2003

Bulgarian Helsinki Committee and ERRC Seek Intervention of the Bulgarian Constitutional Court concerning the Obligation of the Police to Respect an Individual's Right to Liberty and Personal Security
ERRC/GHM Legal Action in Greek Police Killing of Romani Man
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
October 14, 2003

Today, 14 October 2003, the European Roma Rights Center (ERRC) and the Greek Helsinki Monitor (GHM) filed a joint communication with the United Nations Human Rights Committee against Greece relating to the death of Angelos Celal, a Romani man who was shot by a Greek police officer during an ambush
Croatian Deputy Ombudsman Under Pressure for Condemning Racial Segregation in Croatian Primary Schools
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
October 14, 2003

Over the past several years, Ms. Marta Vidakovic Mukic, Croatian Deputy Ombudsman, has consistently and with a high degree of professional integrity condemned the widespread practice of racial segregation of Romani pupils within Croatian primary schools
ERRC Action in Hungary Housing Discrimination Case
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
October 1, 2003

European Roma Rights Center Legal Action at the European Court of Human Rights Challenges Housing Discrimination in Hungary1 October 2003
Bulgaria Adopts Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Law
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
September 18, 2003

The European Roma Rights Center (ERRC) welcomes the adoption by the Bulgarian Parliament, on September 16, 2003, of a comprehensive anti-discrimination law
Montenegrin Government Agrees to Pay 985,000 Euro in Compensation to Pogrom Victims
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
July 4, 2003

In among the most significant Roma rights victories to date, the Montenegrin Government agreed on 19 June 2003 to pay in compensation 985 000 Euro to 74 Romani victims of the Danilovgrad tragedy - a notorious 1995 pogrom involving mob-violence and the total destruction of an entire Romani neighborhood
Justice May Finally Come to Families of Romanian Pogrom
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
July 4, 2003

Nearly ten years after mob violence left three Romani men dead and the houses of14 Romani families destroyed in Hadareni, Romania, the European Court of Human Rights on June 3 agreed to review the claims of 24 of the victims, finding the complaint raised "serious issues of law and fact under the Convention"
ERRC Lawsuit Challenges Education Discrimination Against Romani Children
in Bulgarian Schools
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ERRC Legal Action in Croatian School Segregation Case
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May 13, 2003

Legal Action at the European Court of Human Rights Challenges Educational Discrimination of Romani Children in Croatian Primary Schools
ERRC Sues Denmark Regarding Forced Expulsions of Kosovo Roma
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
May 9, 2003

The European Roma Rights Center today filed an urgent request to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg to stop Denmark from implementing measures to expel a Kosovo Romani family, including three minor children, back to Kosovo
Lawsuit filed with the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination for refusal to allow Roma into discotheque in Serbia and Montenegro
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
April 2, 2003

On April 2, 2003, the European Roma Rights Center (ERRC) and the Humanitarian Law Center (HLC) jointly filed an application against Serbia and Montenegro with the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) on behalf of Dragan Durmic, a young Romani man who was denied entry into a local discotheque because of his ethnicity
Slovak Romani Family Receives Asylum in Belgium
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March 18, 2003

The family of Anastazia Balazova, who was beaten to death by skinheads in Zilina, Slovakia, in August 2000, has been granted asylum by the General Commissioner for Refugees in Belgium, the European Roma Rights Center announced
Law Suit Filed at the European Court of Human Rights in Croatian Racist Violence Case
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
November 12, 2002

On November 12, 2002, the European Roma Rights Center (ERRC), along with Croatian lawyer Lovorka Kusan, filed an application against Croatia with the European Court of Human Rights on behalf of a father and son who were victims of violent skinhead attacks
Greek Roma Bring Police Brutality Claim to European Court of Human Rights
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
August 15, 2002

The European Roma Rights Center (ERRC), together with the Athens-based non-governmental organisation, the Greek Helsinki Monitor, has filed an application with the European Court of Human Rights against Greece, arising out of an incidence of police violence against Roma in Mesolonghi, Greece, in May 1998
United Nations CERD Finds Slovak Anti-Romani Municipal Ordinances Violate International Law
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
September 27, 2000

The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), in its recent 57th session, has found that municipal ordinances banning Roma in two Slovak villages violated provisions of the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination guaranteeing freedom of movement and residence
Strasbourg Application by Roma Challenges Racial Segregation in Czech Schools
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
April 18, 2000

Representing 18 Romani children from the Czech city of Ostrava, the European Roma Rights Center and local counsel today filed an application with the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, to challenge systematic racial segregation and discrimination in Czech schools
Strasbourg application charges Slovak towns with racial discrimination against Roma
(Last modified: 2006-02-03 16:28:06)
March 12, 1999

Representing three Romani Slovak citizens, the European Roma Rights Center (ERRC), in cooperation with local counsel, today filed an application with the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France, challenging two municipal ordinances in Slovakia which on their face bar Roma from entry and/or residence.
  European Commission
Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom
Hungarian National Civil Fund (NCA)Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Open Society InstituteThe Sigrid Rausing Trust
Swedish International Development Agency

The ERRC was the recepient of the