New York, NY, May 27, 2008 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today called on
the Italian government to "publicly condemn xenophobia against Roma," following
recent violence targeting the Roma community in Italy.
"We urge the Italian government to publicly condemn xenophobia against Roma
and the anti-Roma rhetoric that fosters an atmosphere in which attacks like
those in Milan and Naples can be possible," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National
Director. "Italy’s vibrant democracy will be strengthened by a clear
message from the government that it is committed to protecting its Roma
residents and all victims of hate violence."
In a letter to His Excellency Roberto Maroni, Italian Minister of Interior,
Mr. Foxman noted that all countries share the common challenge of crafting a
fair and workable immigration system while ensuring humane treatment of
immigrants, adding: "Failure to speak out in this way could send the terribly
wrong message to the entire community that perpetrators of xenophobic violence
can act with impunity in Italy."
ADL, which has developed a variety of anti-bias education programs that
sensitize law enforcement, civil society, youth and others, said it would
welcome the opportunity to share these programs with the Italian
government. The League has spoken out in the
United States against the demonization and stereotyping of immigrants as part of
America’s public debate on reforming its own immigration system.
Earlier this month in Naples, angry residents burned down two Roma camps
after allegations that a Roma teenager attempted to kidnap an Italian
baby. Italian authorities have also recently implemented a security
crackdown on street crime and illegal immigration, and are considering tougher
immigration policies.
Read more online on our web site at http://www.adl.org/PresRele/DiRaB_41/5290_41