UN urges France to stop Roma deportations

A UN committee has urged France to avoid collective deportations of Roma (Gypsies) to Romania.

The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination also said it was concerned about "discriminatory" political speeches in France.

The French government said it was "scrupulously respecting European law" and helping deported Roma reintegrate.

EurActiv, 27.8.10: Roma controversy kick-starts French election campaign http://www.euractiv.com/elections/roma-controversy-kick-starts-fre-news-497221

EUObserver, 27.8.10: Barroso and Fillon to hold Roma 'workshop' http://euobserver.com/9/30687

Deutsche Welle, 27.8.10: France rebuffs UN criticism of its Roma expulsion program http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,5950221,00.html

ESO: Background information: Tensions rise over France’s gypsy policy http://www.europeansources.info/record/tensions-rise-over-frances-gypsy-policy/

France24, 27.8.10: UN racism watchdog rebukes France for mistreating Roma http://www.france24.com/en/20100827-un-racism-watchdog-issue-report-france-roma-deportations

Website: OHCHR: Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cerd/

---