Statement on the liquidation of the Roma camp in Wrocław

HFHR contacted the Poviat Construction Inspectorate for the city of Wrocław with regard to the liquidation of the Roma camp at ul. Paprotna in Wrocław. The Foundation expressed its concern about the incident and asked for explanations on circumstances of the case.

As a result of demolition, the Roma lost their houses and part of their belongings, such as money, medicines, documents and clothes. According to the media, the Roma had not been informed of the planned demolition. The Foundation has also expressed its concern as to the course of the administrative proceedings.

“The manner of conducting the eviction of the Caldarar family gives rise to doubts from the perspective of the rights safeguarded by the European Convention on Human Rights” – says the HFHR statement.

“The cases concerning Roma camps should be considered pursuant to Article 8 of the Convention which provides the right to respect for private and family life and home, as well as Article 14 of the Convention which concerns prohibition of discrimination” – says Dr Dorota Pudzianowska, HFHR lawyer.

European Court of Human Rights indicates in its judgments that in cases of this kind the eviction decision should be well-justified. In particular, the authority must assess proportionality of the planned resolution. “The Court also emphasised the particularly sensitive position of the Roma as an ethnic minority, which justifies special attention that should be paid to their needs and style of life” – explains Dr Dorota Pudzianowska.