Hate speech is prevalent in Italy where migrants are regularly equated with insecurity, a new report has revealed.
The report on Italy by European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) published on 21st February 2012 criticises the discriminatory policies still in force in the country.
It in particular criticizes several aspects of the “pacchetto sicurezza” (Security Package). Although the most questionable measures have been abandoned, the impact on public attitudes is obvious. In some cases, there have been violent attacks against Roma and migrants, the report says.
Most Roma experience marginalisation, notwithstanding some municipalities’ and regions’ programmes for social inclusion.
Even legal settlements are relegated far from urban centres. As for illegal settlements, their demolition and forced evictions have resulted in increased discrimination in everyday life.
The report shows that despite progress made in the field of asylum, the pushback (“respingimento”) policy of returning to their country of origin boats intercepted on the open sea between Italy and Libya appears to have deprived individuals of the possibility of applying for international protection. The policy was introduced in May 2009.
The report also criticizes the way Italy handled immigrants who were trying to reach the country following the events in North Africa in early 2011. The government carried out what the report describes as “excessively rapid returns”. There were also poor reception conditions.
The report further shows that anti-Muslim prejudice and anti-Semitism persist while private landlords reportedly discriminate against vulnerable groups.
While progress has been made in some areas, there is significant room for improvement in combating hate speech and protecting Roma and migrants from violence and discrimination, the report says.
The progress made include an effective legislation against discrimination and racist violence in sport.
Another positive step taken by Italy is the establishment of UNAR, the National Office against Racial Discrimination. The office is increasingly active, the report says.
Italian courts are also praised for having annulled a number of discriminatory measures taken by the Government and some mayors.
In the report, ECRI has recommended to the Italian government to give UNAR a more prominent role; to provide guarantees to all Roma who are evicted from their homes; and to respect the principle of non-refoulement.
