The Tribune Minority rights were a central focus for the addresses of the heads of state of Finland and Latvia to the Assembly. But much remains to be done. The President of Finland, Tarja Halonen , believes that both private and official bodies are guilty of discriminating against the Roma.
Representative democracy gives the majority a right to make decisions that apply to all.
Along with this right comes a responsability to protect the status of minorities. The majority must also take into account that every state is obligated to guarantee that the rights of minorities are truly implemented. It is of utmost importance that members of minorities participate in decision making processes. In all European countries, discrimination still exists in many different forms. Often, it is directed against members of minorities.