Brussels, 23/06/2005 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), the body of the Council of Europe specialist in the fight against racism, published on 14 June, five new reports on racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and intolerance in:
Albania: according to ECRI, the situation of the Roma and Egyptians, groups that are particularly marginalised and neglected, has barely improved. The disproportionate number of Roma and Egyptian victims of trafficking is of particular concern to ECRI.
Croatia: ECRI believes significant progress needs making with regard to the return of refugees and displaced persons, notably in connection to accommodation.
Poland: ECRI points out that there is still no civil or administrative legislative arsenal banning racial discrimination in all areas of society. Racial hatred is rarely investigated or followed-up and racist publications (notably anti-Semitic) are sold openly.
Sweden: segregation in residential areas and schools is hindering efforts to promote an integrated society. ECRI is worried by the activities of racist organisations and the diffusion of racist propaganda on the internet.
United Kingdom: a strategy was launched for promoting cohesion between communities and ethnic equality in the whole country. However, despite initiatives that have been taken, ethnic groups and minorities suffer from racism and discrimination.
These new reports are part of the third follow-up round on laws, policies and practices in Member States against racism. The ECRI reports are available in English and French, as well as in the national language of the country concerned on the web-site: (http: //http://www.coe.int/ecri ).