Brussels, 16/11/2001 (Agence Europe) - The European Committee Against Racism (ECRI), specialised Council of Europe body, published two detailed reports on 13 November on racism, xenophobia, anti-semitism and intolerance in the Netherlands and the Russian Federation. Observing positive developments in these two countries, ECRI nevertheless refers to some elements of concern:
1. the Netherlands: - the labour market is one of the main sectors where discrimination seems widespread; - the effectiveness of the criminal law in force against racism and discrimination is limited, given the difficulty there is in having the relevant provisions respected; - there are hostile demonstrations against asylum-seekers and immigrants;
2. the Russian Federation: - problems of racism, xenophobia and discrimination persist, and not only concerning Chechens and other people from the Northern Caucasus but also people from Central Asia, refugees and the Jewish community. This is mainly due to the difficulties encountered in implementing Federal policies and laws at regional and local levels; - the existence of discrimination stemming from the registration and temporary stay system and its implementing procedure; - conduct of agents responsible for implementing of laws towards members of certain minority groups; - unsatisfactory application of legal provisions in force against racial violence and speeches promoting hate.
These reports are available (in English and French) on the Internet site http://www.ecri.coe.int