Cases of forced eviction or possible future evictions of Roma individuals from their houses, situations occurred in South Eforie (where improvised construction have been already demolished, and the Romanian Ombudsman issued a recommendation to the Eforie Municipality in 2013), Cluj Napoca and Caracal (where the situation is at the stage of eviction notes sent by public authorities), were on the agenda of discussions between the Romanian Ombudsman and Amnesty International.

The meeting held at the headquarters of the Romanian Ombudsman was attended by Mr. Victor Ciorbea Ombudsman, Mrs. Erzsebet Dane, Deputy Ombudsman, Mr. Dorel Bahrin, counselor and Mrs. Andreea Baicoianu, counselor. Amnesty International was represented by Mr. John Dalhuisen, Director Europe and Central Asia Programme, Mr. Ian Byrne, Head of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights team, Ms. Catrinel Motoc, Campaigner EU team, The meeting was also attended by Mr. Stefan Luca, lawyer at European Roma Rights Centre - ERRC, Budapest.

During the discussions, representatives of Amnesty International asked the Romanian Ombudsman to examine ways to improve legislation in the cases of forced evictions of Roma individuals. The Ombudsman’s representatives drew attention that according to the law, the institution has no legislative initiative; and it can not intervene in this case.

Representatives of the Ombudsman pointed out that those individual cases of discrimination still pending will not be abandoned. The Ombudsman could issue recommendations to public authorities, and if necessary, will inform the superior administrative bodies, including the Government and the sole legislative authority, Romanian Parliament.

Participants agreed that it is necessary to intensify the process of information between Romanian Ombudsman and Amnesty International in the event of discriminatory practices against Roma individuals. Mr. Victor Ciorbea, Romanian Ombudsman stated that, duly justified cases will be brought before the administrative courts to obtain final and irrevocable legal solutions if mediation fails.

Ombudsman’s representatives said they would do an analysis to determine whether it is necessary to develop a special report on cases of discrimination against Roma individuals.

Both representatives of the Ombudsman and those of Amnesty International stressed the need to develop a national strategy to address cases of citizens which illegally occupy some spaces due to lack of housing.