The foundation Sinti, Roma en Reizigers has filed a complaint with the Dutch Ombudsman, against the Netherlands Public Prosecution Service (OM). The OM disputes that travellers should be protected against discrimination based on race. Additionally, the OM made unnecessary statements in a press release about the ethnicity of this group, which reinforces negative stereotyping.
Systematic discrimination and antiziganism
For many years travellers, such as the Sinti, Roma and Travellers, have been facing discrimination and exclusion. This phenomenon, known as antiziganism, is a systemic form of racism that upholds negative perceptions on these groups. National and international authorities, like the College for Human Rights, have confirmed that travellers cannot be discriminated on the virtue of “race”, and, therefore, have the right to protection against discrimination.
Incorrect interpretation of ‘race’
The OM claims that these groups do not fit in the legal definition of “race”. This interpretation is incorrect, according to the foundation. Court rulings by the European Court of Human Rights and the College of Human Rights point out that the term “race”, in the legal sense, needs to be taken into a broader context than just ethnicity or skin color, and also includes cultural, ethnic, and other group characteristics.
Harmful representation due to OM communication
The OM press release explicitly mentioned a caravan camp in relation to criminal investigations. This leads to suggestions about the “race” or ethnicity of the suspect. It is unnecessary and undesirable to highlight such traits, because it contributes to stigmatization and reinforcement of existing prejudice.
Call for change
The OM needs to interpret and implement the discrimination ban in the same manner as national and international human rights organizations. The OM also needs to exercise due diligence in communication to avoid the stigmatization of populations. The OM bears a public responsibility to act within the legal framework that prevents discrimination.