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For a Europe united in diversity Roma rights must be protected
July 12, 2004 6:12 PM
London's Liberal Democrat Euro-MP Baroness Sarah Ludford, one of the leading voices in the European Parliament on issues of anti-discrimination and social cohesion, has called on new MEPs to forge a strong Europe, united in diversity.
"As an MEP representing one of the most diverse constituencies in the European Union protecting minority rights is a key issue for me. Europe must celebrate difference and the strength which comes from it but must also ensure real protection for all minority groups."
At the end of the last Parliamentary term Sarah Ludford tabled a written declaration (similar to an Early Day Motion in Westminster). It received the support of 76 MEPs, which although not enough to enter the declaration into the official minutes of the Parliament (support of half the MEPs is required), was an encouraging signal of interest.
"I would like to thank those colleagues who signed the declaration, confirming the importance of protecting minority groups. The level of support is encouraging and would no doubt have been higher if MEPs had not been caught up already in campaigning, but there is clearly much work to do.
"There are between 7 and 9 million Roma living in Europe, a population equal to that of Sweden or Austria, forming the largest minority group in Europe. Yet this group is also one of the minorities that suffers most discrimination, including recent documented instances of forced sterilisation of Romani women.
"It is crucial for an enlarging European Union to ensure that all its peoples are welcomed into the Union, and that all receive the same protection and rights. I hope the European Parliament of a newly enlarged Union will continue to champion these rights."
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