Ethnic profiling in Europe seminar

5.12.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 10th Oct 2006

London MEP and Liberal Democrat European justice spokeswoman Baroness Sarah Ludford, who in June hosted a seminar on ethnic profiling in counter-terrorism, is chairing a follow-up seminar in the European Parliament on Wednesday 11th October. This one is to discuss the dangers of stereotyping racial minorities as security risks in law enforcement.

Tomorrow's seminar on "Ethnic profiling in Europe: innovative investigations and pathways to change" is sponsored by the Open Society Justice Initiative and European Network Against Racism, and Sarah Ludford is hosting it on behalf of the European Parliament's cross-party Anti-Racism and Diversity intergroup.

The seminar will in particular launch the Open Society Justice Initiative's new report on ethnic profiling in Bulgaria, Hungary and Spain against Roma people and immigrants, entitled: "I can stop and search whomever I want"

Sarah Ludford says:

"This new report produces evidence to show that ethnic profiling by police is not just an illusion but a widespread practice in Europe. Distorted perceptions and prejudices are used against Roma people and immigrants in the fight against crime".

"Ethnic profiling is not only illegal but an inefficient method for reducing crime because it distracts from real intelligence. Stereotyping will only increase discrimination, not security."

"This topic remains as under-researched as it is pertinent, and the research needs to be extended to other European countries. Other EU states should follow the UK in systematic collection of statistics on police use of ethnic data, so that discrimination can be detected."

Note

The seminar is from14.00-16.00 in Room ASP 5G-2 in the European Parliament, 60 Rue Wiertz, Brussels. As well as presentation of the findings of the Open Society Justice Initiative, a speaker from the European Network against Racism (ENAR) will talk about the emergence of ethnic profiling as a common problem across Europe. Also participating will be Richard Keenan from the Leicestershire Constabulary (UK) who will provide a police commentary on the issues raised and address the benefits and challenges of collecting ethnic data to reduce stop and search disparities. Ivan Ivanov of the Roma Information Office will discuss Roma concerns and debate on ethnic data collection and relations with the police.