European states are failing to curb and in some cases even fuelling discrimination, intimidation and violence against Roma. There has been a marked rise in the frequency of anti-Roma violence in Europe in the last few years. The response to this alarming phenomenon has been inadequate. It is unacceptable that in modern-day Europe some Roma communities live under the constant threat of violence and pogrom-like attacks. All too often European leaders have pandered to the prejudices fuelling anti-Roma violence by branding Roma as anti-social and unwelcome. While generally condemning the most blatant examples of anti-Roma violence, authorities have been reluctant to acknowledge its extent and slow to combat it. For its part, the European Union has been reluctant to challenge member states on the systemic discrimination of Roma that is all too evident. Amnesty International's report, We ask for justice": Europe's failure to protect Roma from racist violenc, examines hate motivated violence and harassment perpetrated against Roma by officials and ordinary citizens in the Czech Republic, France and Greece, illustrating the organization's concerns across the continent. Demonstration material from the Czech Republic has been given to Amnesty International courtesy Tomas Rafa, RafaVideoArt (www.newnationalism.eu)

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