In its decision issued on 21 January 2013, the European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR)
of the Council of Europe condemns France for obvious violations of rights and access
rights of Roma following a referral filed by M?decins du Monde in early 2011. The French
government should take concrete and effective measures to fight against the social
exclusion of Roma and ensure their equal rights to all. ---- Its conclusions, the ECSR
condemns France for violation of the rights enshrined in the European Charter of Social
Rights Revised (CEDSR) concerning the rights of Roma housing, shelter, education for their
children, assistance social and medical protection of the right to health. --- The
Committee noted in particular that the expulsions of Roma camps were held without
complying with the conditions prescribed by the Charter and therefore in violation of the
dignity of the persons concerned.
It also considers inadequate the French government policy towards the Roma, particularly
on access to education for Roma children and health care. Given the lack of resources
deployed by France to improve their precarious living conditions, the ECSR considers that
the Roma living on French territory suffer from discriminatory treatment.
This condemnation comes in the wake of a complaint filed by Doctors of the World January
19, 2011. Since this referral, the situation of Roma people remains precarious in some
regions, despite the circular of 26 August 2012 on the accompanying evacuation camps and
the establishment of a device controlled by the DIHAL (Interministerial Delegation for the
accommodation and access to housing).
In Marseille, four evictions took place in the month of December 2012 affecting nearly 160
people, including pregnant women and children. A vaccination campaign against hepatitis A
MdM of 29 children has been interrupted. MdM teams show particularly violent operations,
without consulting the people and associations. These operations were conducted at night
and in winter, using improperly arrested the risk that bypass the circular dated 26 August
2012.
France has been convicted three times by the ECSR on the situation of Roma. The fourth
procedure underscores the urgency for the Government to implement effectively the
preventive side of the circular of 26 August 2012 on the whole territory and to take
positive action measures taking into account the recommendations of the ECSR.
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