With the prior written authorization of the Council of Europe, the document attached is the Summary chapter of the full document – which is the copyright of the Council of Europe. This report was commissioned and published by the Commissioner for Human Rights to contribute to debate and reflection on important current issues relating to the protection of the human rights of Roma and Travellers. The report also includes recommendations by the Commissioner to address the concerns identified. At the same time, all opinions expressed in this report do not necessarily reflect the Commissioner’s position. Roma and Travellers together comprise the largest set of minority groups in Europe. The Commissioner has observed during his visit to Council of Europe member states that discrimination and other human rights abuses against Roma and Travellers have become severe and that no European government can claim a fully successful record in protecting the human rights of the members of these minorities. This view provided the impulse for a comprehensive report on the human rights situation of Roma and Travellers in Europe.