Warsaw/Vienna - The human rights watchdog of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on Friday voiced concern over violent attacks on Roma settlements in Italy.

The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODHIR), which is based in Warsaw, called on Italian authorities to ensure the protection of the Roma minority.

Earlier this week, several Roma settlements were attacked by residents from neighbouring communities, following reports of an attempted child kidnapping by a Roma teenager.

"We are troubled by the recent incidents of violence against Roma in Italy," ODHIR Director Christian Strohal said and urged Italian politicians and media to refrain from anti-Roma rethoric.

Andrzej Mirga, the head of the ODIHR's Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues, added: "There has been a worrying rise of anti-Roma and anti-immigrant rhetoric in recent months across Italy. There must be no place for racial stereotyping and inciting hatred and violence in a tolerant democratic society."

Immigrants from Romania, in particular those of Roma origin, were widely blamed by politicians and in the media for an increase in crime in Italy, the watchdog said.

"Frustrations about high crime levels may be understandable. But the current stigmatization of Roma and immigrant groups in Italy is dangerous as it contributes to fuelling tensions and increases the potential for violence," Strohal said. (dpa)