The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) today published its fourth report on Spain. ECRI’s Chair, Nils Muiznieks, said that, while there are positive developments, some issues of concern remain, such as the continued existence of “ghetto” schools of immigrant and Roma pupils and the absence of data on racist crime or incidents of discrimination on grounds of racial or ethnic origin.
A hate crimes and discrimination service has been established at the Barcelona Prosecution Office. Spain’s specialised body to combat racism and discrimination – the Council for the Promotion of Equal Treatment of All Persons without Discrimination on Grounds of Racial or Ethnic Origin – was set up in 2009 to collect data and assist victims.
There are a high number of neo-Nazi movements in Spain and racism on the Internet is increasing. The authorities should monitor this situation closely and initiate criminal proceedings where necessary. As a result of a Constitutional Court decision, Holocaust denial is no longer a criminal offence.
The report, including Government observations, is available here [report on Spain].
