Indicator history

US State Department 2010 Human Rights Report refers to "reports from nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and the media that police mistreated and abused detainees and Roma, primarily through excessive force and beatings." The report also mentions lack of information on the status of investigation regarding excessive use of force by the police against Roma people that occured on previous years (2008, 2009).

A 2007 field research carried out as a result of a cooperation between OSCE/ODIHR and the Romanian police had a series of recommendations for improving the police handling of their job in Roma communities, among which:

"In areas with large Roma communities, officers should have better knowledge and understanding of Roma specificities and challenges they face;

Strong enforcement of legal provisions and supervision by higher levels of the police is required;

Reform and adequately implement legislation and procedures regarding the use of firearms. A review of the use of firearms over the last several years would assist in analysing whether national legislation is adequate and if it is properly implemented...

Consider alternative ways to enforce law and fulfill police responsibilities with a minimum of force and of firearms...

Independent review mechanisms for investigation regarding police matters;

Ombudsman's office to be more active at looking into police interventions..."

Source:

US State Department, 2010 Human Rights Report Romania, 1.c, available at http://romania.usembassy.gov/2010_rhr_en.html (accessed on 18.02.2012).

OSCE/ODIHR, Field Visit on Police and Roma Relations, Romania, 12-15 November 2007, pp.8-9, available at http://www.romanicriss.org/raport%20vizita%20osce%20final.pdf (accessed on 18.02.2012).