In a joint statement issued on the occasion of International Roma Day, Pejcinovic Buric and Dalli warn that many of the 10 to 12 million Roma in Europe still suffer from poverty and exclusion and that widespread anti-Roma sentiments worsen their economic and social deprivation.
Given that International Roma Day, April 8, is this year being marked amid the fight against the novel coronavirus, which has resulted in the introduction of special measures across Europe, the two international officials warned against forgetting respect for Roma people's rights and human rights in general.
We must support governments in managing this crisis and they must be free to decide about the necessary measures, however, all measures must respect the existing European framework for human rights, including the principles of equality and non-discrimination, reads the joint statement.
Pejcinovic Buric said that she was worried about reports saying that some European countries had adopted measures that could result in further violation of human rights of the Roma community and restrict equal access to basic public services for them, primarily health care, municipal services and drinking water.
She said that she was worried about reports saying that distribution of food aid and payment of social benefits had been brought into question and that some politicians accused Roma of spreading the virus.
Commissioner Dalli said that online hate speech and fake stories against Roma people are again on the rise.
"Negative stereotypes and prejudices are still very much present in our society. This is why the Commission will present a reinforced strategy for Roma equality and inclusion in European society."
"In these times, greater efforts must be put into ensuring that Roma people are included in society and that they have equal access to the basic needs, thus ensuring their protection against infection," Dalli said.
Pejcinovic Buric and Dalli called on all European countries to respect European conventions on human rights and European social charters, thus strengthening support for marginalised groups, and to do their best to prevent efforts to make national and ethnic minorities, particularly Roma, a scapegoat in the current crisis.