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	UN experts call for strong government response to anti-Roma violence in Europe by Gay McDougall UN Independent Expert on Minority Issues European Union   Nov 2008   Two United Nations human rights experts today expressed grave concern over the recent rise in anti-Roma sentiment and violent incidents in several European countries, calling for a stronger response from governments.   “Effective action is required to stem the growing tide of hostility, anti-Roma sentiment and violence across Europe,” UN Independent Expert on minority issues Gay McDougall said in a statement.   “Where a hard core of extremism exists in society and is willing to perpetrate violence, the full force of the criminal justice system must be used to protect targeted populations.”   The UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, Githu Muigai, said such actions “reveal serious and deep-rooted problems of racism and discrimination against Roma at the heart of modern Europe that must be addressed in the most vigorous manner and through the rule of law.”   In the latest incident on 17 November, far-right supporters armed with stones and petrol bombs besieged a Roma community in the Czech town of Litvinov and were prevented from attacking the community only by a concerted police response.   “Extremists may feel they have licence for their attacks when the message they receive from government activities in other spheres is also that the Roma are a problem,” Ms. McDougall said.   “Governments must strongly condemn such actions. Moreover they must be committed to finding ways to create safe environments for all by carefully monitoring and strengthening their own anti-racism activities, through leadership and public education, by swiftly denouncing hate speech and prosecuting the racist and violent actions of others in society.”   Both experts consider the policies and actions of numerous States have been inadequate, at best, to resolve intolerable conditions of poverty, marginalization and exclusion experienced by the Roma. Policies such as fingerprinting Roma, abuse by police, and racist statements by senior public officials contribute to creating a climate in which societal discrimination and racism are sustained and enhanced.   The experts said the growing number of incidents requires both a national and Europe-wide response. “A strong message must be sent by the European Union and acted upon by Member States. It is unacceptable for any sector of society to be vilified, threatened and attacked,” Mr. Muigai said.   While welcoming the actions of the Czech authorities and police to protect the Roma community in the most recent incident, the experts noted that solutions must address the root causes of problems as well as their violent symptoms. International law, European directives and national policies must be strongly enforced by national governments and at the level of local government where “the message of anti-racism is simply not getting through,” Ms. McDougall said.
	Stoning death of Somali teenager sparks outrage by Radhika Coomaraswamy UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict   7 November 2008   The United Nations envoy tasked with advocating for children caught up in armed conflict today voiced her horror at last week’s stoning to death of a 13-year-old Somali girl who was a victim of rape.   Radhika Coomaraswamy, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, issued a statement condemning the killing and calling for better protection for children in Somalia, which remains beset by widespread fighting.   “The incident highlights the extreme nature of violence against children and women in Somalia, which has been heightened by the increasing lawlessness,” she said.   The inciden highlights the extrem nature of violenc against children an women in Somalia.   Aisha Duhulow was stoned to death in a stadium full of spectators in the southern port city of Kismayo on 27 October after authorities found her guilty of adultery.   But reports indicate that she had been raped by three men while walking to visit her grandmother in the capital Mogadishu. After the attack, Aisha asked for protection from prosecutors, who in turn accused her of adultery and sentenced her to death.   According to media reports, Aisha pleaded for her life before she was forced into a hole, buried up to her neck and then pelted with stones by some 50 men until she died in front of more than 1,000 people.   In her statement Ms. Coomaraswamy also raised concerns about the widespread recruitment and use of children as soldiers by all parties to the conflict in Somalia, which has not had a functioning national government since 1991. Children are being killed or maimed on a daily basis as a result of military operations, she added.   “It is the duty of the international community and the local authorities to stop these violations and to ensure better protection for children. No efforts should be spared.”
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