The deportation of hundreds of members of the Roma community, starting last month by French authorities, is not consistent with “international norms on the right to life and the rule of law,” according to United Nations human rights chief, Navi Pillay.
Speaking at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Pillay said the dismantling of the Roma settlements and collective deportations “exacerbate the stigmatization of Roma and the extreme poverty in which they live.”
Last week, the European Parliament adopted a resolution demanding France suspend the expulsion. Until now France has dismissed foreign criticism of the deportation of the migrants, and has stated it will continue to carry out its plan to dismantle some 300 makeshift camps where the Roma, or Gypsies as they're often referred, live.
France's new security measures came after several clashes between Roma rioters and police. President Sarkozy said that the Roma “problem” threatens public order and safety, and ordered the disbandment of the camps.
