On 9 and 10 September in Strasbourg, Commissioner O’Flaherty convened a consultation meeting with experts working on the human rights of Roma and Travellers. The discussions addressed how to best advance the protection of the human rights of Roma and Travellers across Europe. The Commissioner emphasised the need to work closely with Roma and Traveller communities to break down barriers and trigger positive change.

“With an estimated 10 to 12 million Roma and Travellers in Council of Europe member states, their situation is one of the greatest human rights issues of our continent,” said the Commissioner. “We must confront inequality, antigypsyism, and exclusion more resolutely. Since day one, I have committed to standing up for these communities. Now, I am focused on turning the insights gained during these discussions into tangible actions, contributing to making a real difference in the human rights situation of Roma and Travellers.”

Watch the Commissioner’s video: