ERRC Urges Romanian Authorities to Reject

15 December 2010

10 DECEMBER 2010, BUDAPEST: Today, the European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) sent a letter to Romanian authorities to express their concern about a recent legislative proposal that would change the official name of Romanian Roma to “tigan” (“gypsy”).

Noting that such a measure would violate international law, contradict the recommendations of international organisation and critically, is rejected by Romanian Roma NGOs and activists, the ERRC condemned this discriminatory initiative. Explaining that the proposed term is pejorative, deeply injurious and inaccurate; the ERRC joined the concerned groups in calling for the government to reject this proposed measure during upcoming parliamentary debates.

For further information, contact:
Sinan Gokcen
ERRC Media and Communications Officer
sinan.gokcen@errc.org
+36.30.500.1324