The Romani Holocaust and Contemporary Challenges: Tackling Discrimination and Human Rights Abuse of Roma

The following article comes from the Roma Virtual network and touches the key subject and area of interest to O Porrajmos Education Society. We firmly believe that without a strong understanding of Rromani history, the world and the Rromani , will never be able to move forward towards equal human rights for the Roma. We are a people who have had our own history handed to us by other countries. We are dictated to in classroom textbooks, even if those textbooks do so by excluding us. Failure to educate students on the truth is an open invitation for error. Students will believe the racists, the deniers, or the other uneducated individuals they see in the media. If we want to stop the racists we must take a lesson and begin, as Hitler did, with the youth. We must take control of what is taught and in order to do that, we must claim our history, learn it, and teach it. We must demand that our legacy is taught in schools around the world, not as a footnote, but in an equal setting, side by side with any other nation. We must demand the nations recognize us in memorials as victims so that future generations will have a better understanding of our suffering and our fight for our basic human rights.



Council of Europe: Commissioner of Human Rights
Chisinau 20-21 October 2011

CommDH/Speech(2011)13
English only

The Romani Holocaust and Contemporary Challenges: Tackling Discrimination and Human Rights Abuse of Roma
Intervention by Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr Thomas Hammarberg

There is a red thread running through the history of Roma people, the deeply-rooted anti-Gypsyism to which they are still overwhelmingly subjected and the discrimination and marginalisation which characterises their position across Europe today.

If we want to promote the inclusion of Roma in society, we cannot work on the surface; we must dig deeper and address all the different aspects that have concurred, and still concur, to make of the biggest minority in Europe also the most discriminated against and excluded. Roma history is one crucial point at which to pick up the thread.

The importance of teaching about Roma history cannot be overemphasised. Teaching about Roma history, raising awareness of the Roma genocide during the Second World War, and building and maintaining memorial sites are the least states could do to honour Roma victims.

After decades of denial or neglect, these initiatives also powerfully symbolise society’s acknowledgment of the human dignity of the Roma. This is central to combating anti-Gypsyism, which feeds precisely on denial of equal human dignity (or carelessness towards equal human dignity) for this part of Europe’s population.

In my review of the areas on which I believe Europe and its countries must concentrate their efforts towards Roma inclusion, anti-Gypsyism is therefore a natural stepping stone.

Anti-Gypsyism

Anti-Gypsyism is perhaps the most powerful mechanism of Roma exclusion. No programme aimed at improving the situation of the Roma populations, be at international, national or local level, can be successful without resolute action to combat anti-Gypsyism. There are several key actors that should be involved when working against anti-Gypsyism:

First, politicians and public opinion leaders. Racist or stigmatising anti-Roma rhetoric has been on the rise. This has included generalisations about criminal behaviour, with well known examples from France, Italy, Hungary and the Czech Republic. In some cases, these words were understood as encouraging violent action against the Roma, such as mob violence and pogroms. Anti-Roma speech, including during electoral campaigns, must stop. It should be strongly condemned in all cases and punished when it breaks laws against incitement to hatred. This is not the case at present, as witnessed during my May 2011 visit to Milan, where posters all around the city warned against the risk of the city turning into a “Gypsytown”. Political parties should adopt self-regulatory measures to exclude racist language.

Second, action must be intensified against extremist groups. These groups have been very active in galvanising segments of the public against Roma. Recent events in Hungary, Czech Republic (North Bohemia) and Bulgaria show that this is a real threat. Members of these extremist groups have been found to be at the origin of a number of hate crimes targeting Roma -- some of an exceptional cruelty -- for instance in Hungary and the Czech Republic.

Third, anti-Gypsy stereotypes also continue to be spread and perpetuated in several media across Europe. A number of journals and broadcast media have been only reporting on Roma in the context of social problems and crime. Reporters and editors should not be megaphones for particular interests. However, they can contribute to a fairer society through genuine professionalism, which can be achieved through better self-regulation and ethical journalism.

Fourth, we need to act directly on the general population to eradicate anti-Gypsyism. As mentioned above, this must be done through teaching of Roma history and culture. I have repeatedly called on Governments throughout Europe to translate the Council of Europe Factsheets on Roma History in their national languages in order to use and disseminate them as widely as possible in their national contexts, including schools.

Racist violence

In many countries, Roma are vulnerable to racist violence directed against their persons and property. These attacks have sometimes resulted in serious injuries and death. This violence has been prevalent in post-1989 Europe, with a notable increase of serious cases in recent years. The spate of attacks in Hungary, Italy and Czech Republic registered in the last three years are witnesses to this.

It is not only members of organised fascist or neo-Nazi groups who are behind these attacks. In some instances, non-Roma communities have engaged more or less spontaneously in vigilante violence against Roma. In other cases, the attackers were individuals motivated simply by racist hatred without any apparent political ideology.

Member states should ensure that the police thoroughly investigate racist offences, including by fully taking the racist motivation of criminal acts into account. They should also establish mechanisms for systematic monitoring of racist, including anti-Roma, incidents.

Treatment of Roma by law enforcement authorities

Patterns of discrimination and ill-treatment by police towards Roma are widely reported. Roma have been subjected to police violence in detention facilities and public spaces, such as Roma settlements during police raids. When investigations have been carried out, they frequently appear to have been biased or discriminatory. It is imperative (and an obligation highlighted by the Strasbourg Court) for the authorities to investigate effectively the possible racist motives in these situations. The establishment of independent police complaints mechanisms can help, among other things, to restore Roma trust in law enforcement authorities.

Roma have also been subjected to ethnic profiling, including during “stop-and-search” operations and in the context of their movement across international borders. Laws should explicitly prohibit racial profiling and establish a reasonable suspicion standard in police operations. The police must receive training in these issues.

Steps to establish trust between Roma communities and the police should be undertaken, such as the recruitment of Roma in the police or the recruitment and training of Roma mediators to liaise with the police.

Treatment of Roma by judicial authorities

A subject area not sufficiently researched is discrimination of Roma in the administration of justice. In a number of countries, Roma appear to be discriminated for instance in decisions to remand into custody, rates of prosecution and sentencing.

Some of the problems facing Roma in the field of criminal justice include: a lack of adequate representation when facing charges; an absence of respect towards Roma as witnesses; and deficiencies in interpretation services. The principle of the presumption of innocence is not always respected when Roma individuals are put on trial.

It is important that steps are taken to prevent racial discrimination against accused Roma persons who are subject to judicial proceedings so that these persons receive a fair trial.

Education

Discrimination and segregation in education is one of the factors with the most devastating long-term consequences for Roma. Because of governments’ failure to tackle this problem with sufficient resolve, generations of children in Europe continue to be relegated today to a future of second-class citizens.

Roma children can face difficulties when they try to enroll in schools; they are also often over-represented among those who do not attend regularly and drop out of school. More needs to be done to reverse this trend, with particular priority to be given to pre-school education.

In a number of countries, Roma children are disproportionately represented in schools for children with intellectual disabilities. They can also be sent to mainstream schools which are Roma-only, or to Roma only classes in mixed schools. In all cases, they receive sub-standard education.

The Strasbourg Court has addressed all these aspects in three important judgments (against Greece, for non enrolment; against Croatia, for separate classes; and against the Czech Republic, for education in schools for children with intellectual disabilities). These judgments now need to be fully implemented. The standards they set are binding on all states, which should make sure that their practices concerning education of Roma children are in conformity with these judgments.

Housing

The situation of many Roma with respect to the right to housing is characterised by: sub-standard material conditions; segregation; forced evictions; and homelessness. Discrimination plays a crucial role in determining all of these situations.

Residential segregation of Roma is evident in many countries. Some mayors have made efforts to ensure that Roma remain in certain delimited areas. They have used public funds to establish segregated housing provision. Spatial segregation has been in some cases reinforced by the construction of walls around Roma neighbourhoods. These destructive measures must stop.

Many Roma continue to live in sub-standard conditions in most of European countries, without heat, running water or sewage. I have repeatedly drawn the attention to the situation of Roma in a series of localities in and around Mitrovicë/Mitrovica in Kosovo^*, who have been, over the period of more than ten years, subjected to housing conditions in very toxic environments. The right of Roma to live in adequate housing in accordance with international legal standards needs to be guaranteed. All public utilities, including water, electricity, collection of waste and maintenance of access roads need to be provided to Roma, including in settlements.

Roma are also manifestly affected by lack of adequate recognition of tenure throughout the Council of Europe space. This situation directly leads to forced eviction. In some countries, forced evictions have increased in the last years, often targeting the same migrant Roma families, including children, repeatedly over short periods of time. This is the situation that was reported to me in Milan by a number of Romanian Roma families – they were moved often in the early hours of the morning; they often lost their property; and their children had to stop going to school. The authorities must respect the agreed standards on forced evictions. These require: genuine consultation with those affected; reasonable notice; access to legal remedies; compensation; and most importantly, alternative housing. Evictions must also not render individuals homeless.

Employment

Despite positive efforts in some countries, levels of unemployment among Roma are invariably at levels significantly higher than among non-Roma throughout Europe. Under-education and endemic discrimination are the main challenges affecting the inclusion of Roma in the labour market.

Measures to address Roma unemployment must include both assistance to victims of discrimination in claiming their rights and positive measures targeting Roma specifically. During my visit to Madrid last April, I have had an opportunity to learn about Spain’s ACCEDER Programme on access to employment for Roma, which has been noted as an example of good practice. The programme has promoted strong partnerships at local, regional and national levels and has reportedly benefited tens of thousands of Roma. This includes almost 40,000 employment contracts concluded.

Special attention should be paid to Roma women who suffer from double discrimination, as Roma and as women. This should include efforts to improve their socio-economic status and to ensure their access to education and health as preconditions for employment.

Health

Throughout Europe, the average life span of the Roma is shorter than that of non-Roma. Roma infant mortality rates are also higher. Among the causes for this are a lack of funds to pay for insurance or treatment; a lack of identification documents; and a lack of means of transportation from remote areas to healthcare facilities.

Healthcare providers also reportedly discriminate against Roma, including in the provision of emergency services. Some hospitals regularly segregate Roma patients from non-Roma patients, especially in maternity wards. In some countries, Roma have been excluded from healthcare schemes, as they cannot afford to pay health insurance contributions or are not formally employed or registered in employment agencies.

Geographically accessible and affordable healthcare should be provided to Roma without discrimination. Efforts should be made by member states in the field of preventive care and awareness-raising campaigns regarding Roma, particularly in the area of sexual and reproductive health of Roma women.

Statelessness

Tens of thousands of Roma live in Europe without an effective nationality. Lacking birth certificates, identity cards, passports and other documents, they are often denied basic rights such as education, healthcare, social assistance and the right to vote.

The problem exists in many countries in Europe, but it is particularly acute in the Western Balkans. In recent years, the UNHCR has run programmes in the Western Balkans to help Roma accessing personal documents. The European Union has also started similar projects.

However, what is really needed is meaningful interest on the part of authorities to tackle and resolve the issues. Without state-level commitments to ameliorate conditions so that currently excluded persons can have access to documents, for example via “amnesties” for persons with no birth certificates, there is little indication that these projects can have a major impact.

Migration and free movement

Roma have repeatedly been treated differently from non-Roma in the exercise of freedom of movement within European Union, to which they are entitled as EU citizens. The expulsions of Romanian Roma from France over the Summer 2010 have rightly received considerable international attention, but these practices are carried out in other countries, too, including Italy. Efforts to expel EU citizens in contravention of EU law, as well as other discriminatory measures aimed at hindering access to territory, should be stopped. The resources being used by EU member states to repatriate Roma who are EU citizens would be better spent facilitating their social inclusion.

Even when at risk of serious human rights violations, Roma face discrimination in accessing international protection on an equal footing with others. In some countries, Roma asylum seekers have been provided with forms of temporary protection which do not confer residence status or any progressive accrual of rights. The repeated provision of extremely short-term “tolerated” status has effectively prevented tens of thousands of third-country national Roma from integrating into host societies. Roma asylum-seekers and internally displaced persons should be treated the same way as non-Roma.

Many European countries have undertaken the practice of expelling Roma from their territory, including to Kosovo, despite the fact that Kosovo is at present unable to provide conditions for the sustainable reintegration of these returnees. I have repeatedly warned member states of the Council of Europe against forcibly returning Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians to Kosovo. Member states must also respect the agreed procedural safeguards applicable to forced return and respect the prohibition of the collective expulsion of aliens.

Sterilisation

In some countries, forced sterilisation of women, targeting especially Roma women, was a practice followed during Communist times. After the fall of communism, these practices became unlawful, but some health professionals have continued the practice in both the Czech Republic and Slovakia, with cases also having been documented in Hungary.

In November 2009, the Czech Ombudsman, Otakar Motejl, stated that as many as 90,000 women may have been sterilised on the territory of the former Czechoslovakia since the beginning of the 1980s.

The states concerned must acknowledge and apologise for these practices: this has been done only in the Czech Republic in November 2009.

They should also make effective remedies available to victims to obtain reparation and compensation. However, this is not the case in any of the countries mentioned. According to information available, only two Roma women (one in the Czech Republic and one in Hungary), have been able to obtain compensation so far for having been unlawfully sterilised.

Legislation must clearly define a requirement of free, prior and informed consent with regard to sterilisations, and be accompanied by implementing guidelines. There is progress to be made in this area, too, for instance in Slovakia.

Judicial and administrative sanctions must also be upheld against those persons liable for sterilising women without their full and informed consent.

Placement of children in institutional care

Roma children are often heavily over-represented among the children placed in out-of-family care, including institutional and foster care.

In a report published by the ERRC in June 2011, the percentages of Roma children in the institutions visited were 82,5% in Slovakia; 65,9% in Hungary; 63% in Bulgaria; 40,6 in Hungary and 10,4 in Italy.

These children are often placed in institutional care solely on grounds relating to the poor housing conditions or financial situation of their families. However, this practice contravenes international standards and must stop. Institutional placement of a child should remain the exception and should have as the primary objective the best interest of the child.

Roma and trafficking

Reports indicate that trafficking in persons in Europe affects Roma disproportionately – particularly but not only, Roma women and children. Roma are trafficked for various purposes including sexual exploitation, labour exploitation, domestic servitude, illegal adoption and begging.

The vulnerability of Roma must be acknowledged in national policies regarding trafficking in human beings, without any stigmatisation. Protection measures should include training of law enforcement officials and awareness-raising campaigns targeting Roma communities, in particular in segregated and socially excluded communities.

* * * * * * *

Conclusions

As we have seen, the factors that result in the seriously sub-standard human rights situation of many Roma in Europe are numerous and interconnected. As a result, an effective government’s response can only take the form of systematic human rights work, which addresses all aspects in a manner that is both comprehensive and long-term.

Such systematic work can be based on the following guidelines:

European states should adopt comprehensive and adequately resourced strategies to improve the situation of Roma. These strategies should recognise the complementarity of inclusion and anti-discrimination. In particular, they should make clear that the responsibility for Roma inclusion rests to a considerable extent on the majority population. As a result, Roma inclusion measures should include both measures targeted at the Roma population (in particular positive measures) and measures targeted at the majority population (notably to reduce anti-Gypsyism and discrimination). It is important that reasonable progress is made on all areas mentioned earlier at the same time, and that no area is neglected.

National strategies should put a strong emphasis on the importance of local authorities’ involvement in Roma inclusion. The Summit of Mayors on Roma held in Strasbourg on 22 September has inaugurated an alliance of cities and regions for Roma inclusion – this is an initiative that will hopefully bring useful results.

An effective legal and institutional framework to counter discrimination and anti-Gypsyism is paramount. This includes in particular, effective anti-discrimination legislation and independent and adequately resourced national equality bodies that can assist with the implementation of this legislation. Extensive guidance is available on these aspects and governments should make the most of it. The legal framework must be completed through ratification of Protocol No. 12 to ECHR (which provides for a general prohibition of discrimination) and effective provisions against hate speech. The case law of the ECtHR regarding cases of discrimination against Roma – for instance, on segregated schooling and on anti-Roma violence – should be fully executed and more actively disseminated.

Participation of Roma must be ensured. They must be key partners in the designing, implementation and monitoring of policies regarding them at local and national level. In co-operation with them, the most appropriate ways of collecting quality, long-term data disaggregated by ethnicity must be devised. Without this data – and without a fair use of it by public authorities respecting data protection systems - it is virtually impossible to assess the effectiveness of measures taken for Roma inclusion or progress achieved. Therefore, securing durable advances becomes all the more difficult.

It should be ensured that the best possible use is made at national level of funding opportunities available, notably EU funds. This include securing a satisfactory absorption capacity, but also monitoring that the funds are actually used for the purposes for which they were allocated.

^* Throughout this text, all reference to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999) and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.

Posts for the week of October 25-30

Due to a death in the family, there will be no posts this week. Please check back with us on Monday, October 31.

Baxt,
Ciuin

Racism and Halloween

This article was sent to me by a friend and I wanted to share it. I did NOT write this article. The blog address may be found here. I am republishing it here to spread the word. I think the STARS program mentioned within is an excellent program and I think the author, Melissa, did a fantastic job on the article. Please visit the website and look at their other articles. http://lissawriting.wordpress.com/2011/10/23/racism-think/

 

“We’re a culture, not a costume.” STARS, a student org at Ohio University

Posted by Melissa on October 23, 2011 · Comments Off

These incredible posters were created by the student organization at Ohio University called Students Teaching Against Racism (STARS). Amazingly, these posters became popular over Tumblr on their president’s blog site (here). Their mission is “to educate and facilitate discussion about racism and to promote racial harmony and to create a safe, non-threatening environment to allow participants to feel comfortable to express their feelings.”
Here’s a statement about the posters from the organization:
Any questions about the posters can be sent to OHIOUSTARS@gmail.com. We are so proud of all the support but it’s overwhelming; we have less than 10 members in our group. We ask that you do not personally email any of the exec’s or message their personal Tumblrs. Thank you guys so much for the love! The purpose was to educate and create dialogue and it did. We have a meeting with a lawyer on Monday so we can protect our posters, and the posters will be all over Ohio University’s campus this week! Again, thanks for the support and have a happy Halloween!
— Executive Board of STARS from Ohio University

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Thanks STARS for sending out this important, truthful message.
These posters act as a public service announcement for colored communities. It’s about respect, human dignity, and the acceptance of other cultures (these posters simply ask people to think before they choose their Halloween costume). Although some Halloween costumes aren’t as racist as the blackface minstrel shows back in the day, they harken to similar prejudices. What these costumes have in common is that they make caricatures out of cultures, and that is simply not okay.
Here’s a brief update:
1.) I had to disable comments for this blog post since there are some rude, racist people out there.
And 2.) Interestingly, I received over 3,000 views on this blog post alone.
I had no idea I would get this many views on my blog because I wanted to share an important message created by STARS. I’ve been thinking all night why this message was such a firecracker, and I think I may have an answer. On HIMYM, Barney jokingly said that Halloween was the day where women could bring out their inner sluts. All jokes aside, Halloween is also the day where people can bring out their inner whatever, and their inner racism is an unfortunate thing that comes out on Halloween. I’ve received a lot of racist and hateful comments on my blog post because of these important posters. Some people say the posters are trivial, petty, contrived, and stupid. Another person said, “Fuck you . . . grown up asshole.” I can only assume they meant, “grow up asshole,” but the Freudian slip is a little too funny. These messages are for grown ups who care when people cross the line between costumes that are similar to blackface minstrel shows and costumes that are just for fun. Another person brought up the scenario of a sad Caucasian person holding up a picture of a cowboy. There’s a difference between cowboy costumes and, say, slutty geisha costumes. Cowboys are viewed reverently in American society while geishas are viewed as the Japanese high-class version of prostitutes, which isn’t necessarily correct. When people let these images slide, there’s a perpetual and incorrect prejudice that becomes permeated in American society. It is simply not okay for people to compartmentalize colored communities. This is why I wanted to share these posters on my blog; they have something important to say that strikes a difficult string in people. What amazes me more about these posters is the kind of negative responses I received from people. These posters only send out a message of, “It’s not okay to compartmentalize my culture,” and people respond with hate and anger. I don’t know why so much people responded that way, but I realize now when imperative messages about human dignity and respect get out, people get angry.
Again, I feel the need to reiterate the statement that these posters are not created by me but were designed by the student organization STARS. I did not make these posters; I only wanted to share them. The email of the organization who created these posters is found above.

Statement of Intensification of Romaphobia in Europe

This article comes to us from the Roma Virtual Network.

 

STATEMENT OF MOSCOW BUREAU FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ABOUT INTENSIFICATION OF GYPSY-PHOBIA IN EUROPE (Russia)

17/10/2011- Under conditions of general crisis of multiculturalism in the countries of Western Europe, growth of anti-migrant moods is more and more increasing, and popularity of right-wing parties that use restriction of migration and sometimes proscription of migrants as their slogan, is growing. Historically hostile attitude among prevailing ethnic population of countries of Central and Eastern Europe was mostly caused, except Jews, by Gypsies. To a great extent unsuccessful policy of acculturation of migrants and immigrants in European countries reflected entirely upon fate of Gypsies too. But no serious tasks for acculturation and integration of Gypsies into the society were set. As a result, Gypsies remained one of mostly discriminated and unprotected social groups of population in Europe. At the same time, forming the biggest minority in Europe (about 12 mln. people), Gypsies are up to 10% of population in some countries.

As it was noted in report of special group of European Council for 2010, none of other ethnic groups suffer so much from prejudices and discrimination like Gypsies. There is no European country that would be able to boast of adequate attitude towards Gypsies; it is towards Gypsies that breach of so-called “European values” is manifested most brightly. Racism (“anti-Gypsism”) is completely developed towards Gypsies, they are considered to be “genetically inclined to crimes”. They often become victims of aggressive attacks and insults. According to Annual report of Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) of European Community for 2010, 18% of interrogated Gypsies noted that they were objects of racial incidents at least once a year. 73% of Gypsies considering themselves victims of attacks and threats connect them with immigrant and ethnic aspect. 54% of Gypsies spoke about insults motivated by race or religion towards them. 60% of Gypsies called representatives of ethnic majority their offenders. Special concern of experts was caused by the fact that 6% of Gypsies named Policemen and other officials as their offenders – i.e. those who should defend the law in multiethnic European countries.

Gypsies are subject to serious discrimination in public-social sphere. Level of unemployment among Gypsies reaches 80-90%. 38% of Gypsies pointed to discrimination during employment during recent 12 months, and 10% of Gypsies stated that they felt discrimination in the sphere of education once at least during recent years. In some countries, in particular in Spain, marriages committed basing upon Gypsy traditions are not recognized, and Gypsies are deprived of subsequent social and pensionary payments. They are sharply restricted in social-political life of their countries and practically do not participate in election. As a result, Gypsies keep aloof from others even more, and are even more involved into criminal activity and have less and less chances for their integration. Number of interethnic conflicts with participation of Gypsies grows. Thus, during recent two years the most serious skirmishes with participation of Gypsies were marked both in separate regions and on state level.

In July-August 2010 mass deportation of Gypsies from France was executed. The president Nicolas Sarkozy ordered to close 300 Gypsy stands and other camps of illegal migrants (i.e. those who had no citizenship of one of European Community countries and stayed in France illegally) around the whole territory of the country and to deport them. Such order was given after serious skirmishes between Gypsies and Police took place in one of the cities in Loire valley that started after the Policeman shot a young Gypsy. Totally 979 Gypsies were deported. 828 of them left voluntarily after getting 300 Euro each from Paris and 100 Euro per child.

On August 29 the UN Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination condemned expulsion of Gypsies from France and called upon Paris for stopping deportation. The committee consisting of 18 experts on human rights noted in its appeal published in Geneva that the Gypsies should be integrated but not deported. According to the committee members, some French politicians recently permitted themselves racist statements, and this causes special concern. European parliament on its plenary meeting on September 9 stated its profound concern about measures of French authorities and other participating countries of European Community towards Gypsies. It was noted in the resolution adopted in situation of sharp discussion by 337 votes against 245 with 51 abstentions that collective expulsions break European laws as they are based upon race discrimination.

Biggest disturbances took place in Bulgaria during recent days. Murder of 19-year-old Bulgarian became a cause for disturbances: this murder quickly got ethnic interpretation and provoked mass disorders among people set against Gypsy minority. Series of Gypsy slaughters took place in 14 biggest Bulgarian cities. Totally more than two thousand people armed with cold weapon and truncheons went out to the streets. It was just due to efforts of Police that mass death of people was prevented. And again the disturbances that took place are explained by a number of factors: both by impunity of criminality among Gypsy population (probably with corruption constituent on the part of authorities) and use of anti-Gypsy rhetoric on the part of political figures. According to observers, mass disturbances were most likely coordinated: in particular, information about actions of demonstrators was disseminated in social networks. Besides, untrue rumors were actively disseminated on the Internet about skirmishes of Bulgarians with Gypsies, with the purpose of provoking the population to slaughters of Gypsy quarters. Numerous facts of breaches of rights of Gypsies, of interethnic conflicts with participation of Gypsies are marked in Romania, Czechia, Hungary, and Georgia.

Director of Moscow bureau for human rights Alexander Brod: “The problem of Gypsies also remains completely unsolved in Russian Federation. Information about interethnic conflicts with participation of Gypsies, about murders of Gypsies including little children is presented very often in criminal reports. Gypsy houses are often set on fire. Operation of law-enforcers “Gypsy band” is of discriminatory character. In February 2009 Kaliningrad Gypsy woman got a rejection for purchase of a kibitka at the expense of “maternal capital”. In June 2010 Gypsy band of 49 persons was sent from Kuzbass to Uzbekistan where the Gypsies resided up to the present. In June 47 Gypsies were expelled from Saratov region. Discrimination of Gypsies in the sphere of education takes place: there are schools where classes exist separately for Russians and separately for Gypsies: even “Russian” and “Gypsy” New Year parties are held. Anti-Gypsy statements that incite ethnic hostility towards this ethnic group are periodically heard on the radio and on TV. As a result, Gypsy-phobia in the country grows among other xenophobias. Combat against Gypsy-phobia should undoubtedly be executed in the framework of general combat against manifestations of aggressive nationalism and within acculturation of ethnic minorities. But special social-historical fate of Gypsies, specificity of their mentality nevertheless require particular attention and development of specific measures for their integration”.

Such measures were provided in resolution of special group of European Council in 2010 and include several items:
à) Operative response to all kinds of breaches of human rights concerning Gypsies including deportations of Gypsies to the countries where they may be exposed to tortures and inhumane treatment;
b) rejection of segregation of Gypsies in the schools;
c) provision of access of Gypsies to the labor market, possibility to get loans, and to secure employment of Gypsies to administrative bodies;
d) provision of social adaptation of Gypsies;
e) conducting of annual monitoring on adaptation of Gypsies;
f) to strengthen Gypsy civil society, help the Gypsies to become active citizens, support their franchise, introduce corresponding educational programs.

These desires should be supplemented with demand of steady observance of the law: both criminal activity among Gypsies and illegal measures, discrimination towards Gypsies should be toughly suppressed.

Dina Gottliebova Babbitt and the Failure of Auschwitz

The more research I do into the watercolor paintings by Dina Gottliebova Babbitt, the more I am astonished at man's capacity for cruelty, his total disregard for the well-being of his fellow man, and his eagerness to ignore the truth, to remain blind to reality due to bias and race, two useless ideologies.

I wish I were talking about Nazi Germany and the beginnings of Auschwitz when Mengele was free to carry out his pseudoscientific experiments and the gas chambers were functioning , but I am not. I am referring to current events in our time, events occurring daily.

Dinah Gottliebova was a 19 year-old Jewish Czech art student in Prague when she and her mother were arrested and later sent to Auschwitz. Dinah had always been interested in art and while at Auschwitz, she was asked to paint murals on walls to help calm frightened children. She painted characters from the last movie she had seen before her arrest, the figures of Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.

The mural got the attention of SS Captain Dr. Josef Mengele who needed an artist to help him with his work. He called for Dinah and ordered her to paint portraits of subjects who were to be sent to the gas chambers. He wanted the color of their skin to be represented and he found the new science of color photography lacked the ability to capture the subtle tones. Color film was in its infancy and was very unreliable. The primary colors tended to be too bright, making it impossible to capture true colors and images Dr. Mengele needed for his research.

He ordered Dinah to paint and she agreed if he would spare her and her mother. He agreed and Dinah set up shop. She also painted portraits for other officers, usually from photographs they brought to her. One day she was asked to paint the portraits of seven Roma who were to be sent to gas chambers. Dinah complied.

Auschwitz was liberated and Dinah and her mother went to Paris where she met an American artist, Art Babbitt. Coincidentally, Art had worked on Snow White and the Seven Dwarves and the couple fell in love and were married. They lived in California where Dinah Gottliebova, now Dina Babbitt, worked for various art studios with her husband.

In 1973, she was contacted by Auschwitz and told they had found the watercolors of the seven Roma victims. Dina flew to Poland to collect her work, but was told by Auschwitz curators that they believed the art was too important to be separated from the collection and they intended to keep it. Devastated, Dina returned home and began a lawsuit that would go all the way to Congress.

In 2002, Congress declared the watercolors were the rightful property of Dina Babbitt and asked the Secretary of State and the President to work with the Polish government to convince Auschwitz t return the watercolors to Dina. Dina passed away in 2009 and as of this writing, Auschwitz-Birkenau still has the watercolors which are not, to the best of our knowledge, on public display. Dina's heirs continue her fight to have the watercolors returned to her.

Enter the Deniers. These racists follow the same principles as the Nazis and would love to see the Jews, Rromani, and other 'lower forms of life' destroyed, yet they deny the Holocaust ever happened. It was once thought that if Holocaust scholars gave any attention to the Deniers, that their ideas would eventually fall by the wayside. It was also believed that arguing with them gave credence to their arguments, but thank goodness Holocaust institutions no longer believe this is the case. Deniers have increased in number as they spread their hate and stupidity to the younger generations.

The Deniers claim that this case is yet another piece of evidence that the Holocaust never happened. You will need to hold on tight for this leap of logic because it gets very bumpy.

Deniers claim three points against this story. Let's take a closer look at them.

1. Children were not allowed at Auschwitz. Why was the Snow White mural necessary if children were not permitted to live at Auschwitz?

Answer: Children were often used in Mengele's experiments. He often used twins or Rromani children in his experiments. Children were easily managed and placated and were just as easily disposed of. Children as young as 12 and 13 were put to work alongside adults in forced labor brigades as well, sometimes needed because of their small size for tunneling work. Not every child was disposed of the moment they arrived at Auschwitz. Reading Mengele's work proves this. Also, when their was a "Gypsy" family camp at Auschwitz, families were allowed to remain together since the Rromani often fought to keep their children. The SS knew they were outmanned at Auschwitz and could not afford a riot. To keep the peace, they kept Rromani families together.

2. Mengele claimed color photography could not capture the colors he needed. Color photography should have been better than watercolors.

Answer: Color film, even Kodachrome, was not an exact science. Certain colors dominated the resulting picture while other colors were washed out. If Mengele were after specific colors and hues, color film would not have benefited him.

3. If the Holocaust did happen, as Auschwitz supposedly claims, then its survivors should be treated with respect. If Dina Babbitt was the creator of the watercolors, shouldn't Auschwitz show her the respect she deserves and return them to her? How can seven portraits be so important to the collection?

Answer: While I disagree with Auschwitz's claim on the portraits, I can understand their logic. From a historical context, everything at the Museum is critical to represent and educate visitors on the daily life in the camp. Also, the Museum has (I hope) spent a lot of money to ensure the paintings are protected and preserved, money that would be wasted if the paintings were to fall apart at the hands of a lesser experienced institution. I will point out here that it was Dina's wish that the paintings go on display at an American museum, so I would assume such a museum would have the necessary funding and resources to protect and preserve the watercolors. In short, the museum views these as artifacts, needed for educational use. If they were on display, I might have more sympathy for their argument.

While I fully support the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum as an institution for preserving not only the truth and history of the Holocaust, but the memory of those who were murdered there, I feel their handling of this case is sad and unreasonable.

Other Holocaust museums, including the United States Holocaust Memorial and Museum, have used replicas and recreations in their collections to maximize the experience and education of every visitor to their museums. Visitors understand that there are few objects remaining from the Holocaust and therefore they would be understanding and mindful if copies were used.

Auschwitz could easily return the paintings to their rightful owner and use replicas in place of the real ones. There is no need to victimize Dina a second time. Auschwitz, above all other institutions, should be more in tune to the needs and emotions of the survivors. I hope that Auschwitz will realize the damage they are doing and allow the paintings to be returned to the Babbitt family.

A request from the Roma Virtual Network

Throughout Europe, both Eastern and Western, the Rromani face persecution, racism, violence, and even death on a daily basis. Not long ago I interviewed a Rromani band from Hungary touring the US and I asked them about the violence and if they had experienced anything first hand. One said his neighbor's home had been set aflame though the family made it out alive. He wanted to stay in the States, to bring his family here for their safety, but he knew it was impossible. The others talked about beatings in the streets, threats from strangers, and the constant, nagging fear of being caught alone in the streets.

In order to stop violence, to put an end to the persecution, the acts and threats must be documented. Research and information gathering are a must to provide as much detailed and accurate information to the press, NGOs, government agencies, the EU and UN, and anyone else who will listen.

The Roma Virtual Network is calling for data on anti-Roma sentiment in Europe. They are asking for all possible data such as links to articles, descriptions of violence or other negative acts, photos and stories regarding anti-Roma demonstrations, meetings, speeches, expressions, and conflicts around Europe.

If you have anything that would help them gather this important information or any questions about the request, please contact them at  crisismaproma@gmail.com .

Thank you.

Dale Farm Eviction: A Peaceful Close?

These were the headlines in the past 24 hours covering the Dale Farm eviction


Police make 34 arrests after violent clashes
5 supporters mount roof top of building in protest
Travellers: "there is no more to be done"

and then:
Dale Farm eviction comes to a peaceful close.

Here are there own reports:

The use of Taser is at the crux of a debate in today's papers about the level of police force used.

The Guardian describes a protester "writhing on the floor" due to the Taser, and says the "force and efficiency of police left many in shock."

Similarly, the Independent's front page picture reads "Dale Farm burns - but police fight fire with fire". Inside, they quote the law reform group Justice, who "expressed concern at the use of the weapons".

The Times , meanwhile, says Dale Farm's end was "swift, clinical and violent". It says the use of Tasers prompts accusations of a breach of guidelines, which say "electric shocks should not be used as crowd control". But its leading article is also quick to credit Essex Police for "minimising conflict".

09.43  The police have confirmed that a Taser was used on one man yesterday by officers "who were faced with a serious level of violence". After the Taser was used, "the man disappeared in to the crowd".

(emphasis mine)

Please note the difference in what the witness reported about the use of the taser and what the police said.

And what is to happen to these people after the eviction?

Much of the debate around the Dale Farm eviction hinges on the issue of post-eviction housing. Basildon Council claims it has gone to extensive lengths to find council accommodation for the travellers, while the travellers say these offers have been risible.

The Independent are running a piece about Michelle Fox , who has four children and has lived at Dale Farm for 10 years. She says the best offer she received was not of accommodation in a house, but in a hostel.

We know from reports yesterday that buildings were broken into by police, buildings that were protected under court order. We know that people were injured, that police used weapons, and yet....the Dale Farm eviction came to "a peaceful close." Good for you, England. Citizens may sleep peacefully tonight knowing their government used millions of tax dollars to evict and leave homeless almost 400 people.

Dale Farm Emergency Injunction

This comes to us from the Roma Virtual Network. Please pass this on to anyone you know who could get word out.

Dale Farm emergency injunction sought in response to ‘unlawful’ police operation

Posted onOctober 19, 2011 by dalefarmsupport

For comment and interview
07040900905
07583761462
Dale Farm supporters are pursuing emergency injunction to stop the eviction as police brutality and illegal destruction of property traumatise residents.
Despite Basildon Council’s claims, human rights observers have reported that the police are conducting a brutal, dangerous and unlawful eviction.
Mary Sheridan, a Dale Farm resident who has taken her children off site and is staying in a relative’s lawful plot, said:
“The only premeditated violence has come from the police- they knew exactly what they were doing when they started beating and tazering people. This is not how a community should be treated by its own Council. It’s illegal for us to travel, but illegal for us to settle down here. We’re getting hit by the police but we’ve got nowhere else to go.”

Instances of police violence reported by trained human rights observers and witnesses include:
- Witnesses report the use of tasers by police from the beginning of the eviction
- Police forced entry onto the site by using sledgehammers to break down a wall of a fully legal plot on the edge of the site. This is not only in violation of court order and constitutes criminal damage, but it is also highly dangerous. Vulnerable and elderly residents had stayed on that plot expecting to be safe as it is protected through court decisions, and were highly traumatised as police sledgehammered through the wall. At least two women residents sustained head injuries.
- Batons have been used on supporters and residents from the beginning of the eviction
- Severe injuries of residents and protesters have been witnessed by human rights observers and the press. One woman sustained such serious injuries from police that she had to be admitted to hospital.
- The plot of a resident who needs a breathing machine to survive has had it’s electricity cut.

Natalie Fox, a spokesperson for Dale Farm Solidarity supporter group, said,
“Far from being the dignified eviction that Basildon Council is claiming, this is set to be one of the most brutal evictions on record. The Council know that there are elderly and vulnerable people on site, as well as children, but they have gone in with a full frontal and brutal approach which is already resulting in injuries. The world is watching. “
Follow @letdalefarmlive for live updates.
Link: http://dalefarm.wordpress.com/2011/10/19/dale-farm-emergency-injunction-sought-in-response-to-unlawful-police-operation/

Dina Babbitt's paintings at Auschwitz

In doing further research into the case of Dina Babbitt, the artist who created the 7 watercolors of Rromani prisoners doomed to the gas chambers, I discovered a bizarre twist to the story. I'm sure others researchers have found this as well, but I was unaware of the attitude this case invoked in Holocaust deniers.

To give some background on the case, Dina Babbitt and her mother were prisoners at Auschwitz. When Mengele discovered she was an artist, he had her paint watercolors of 7 Rromani who were to be sent to the gas chambers. She kept them alive as long as she could, but when their portraits were finished, they were sent to their deaths. In 1973, Dina discovered the paintings still existed and she decided she wanted them back. Auschwitz refused, stating it would give precedent for other survivors to claim their property. A lawsuit began and in 2002 the Congress of the United States declared Dina Babbitt to be the rightful owners and implored the government of Poland to encourage Auschwitz-Birkenau to return the paintings. As of this writing, the paintings remain out of public view at Auschwitz-Birkenau. Dina Babbitt passed away in 2009 and her heirs continue her fight.

The paintings have had an awkward existence in Auschwitz. Many people believe the paintings should be kept at the museum in Jewish section, as the artist was Jewish. Others believe they should be kept in a "Gypsy" section of the museum, since that is the subject of the artwork and there is little surviving materials on the Rromani at Auschwitz.

Add the twist of the Holocaust deniers. They claim that the fact that Dina Babbitt wants her paintings back and Auschwitz's refusal is proof the Holocaust never happened. Their logic, flawed as usual, is still unsettling. They state that if the Holocaust did indeed happen, as Auschwitz claims, then Holocaust survivors should be respected and their wishes granted, since they are the witnesses to such an important event. Auschwitz's denial to hand over the paintings is proof, to them, that Auschwitz doesn't respect survivors, therefore it never happened.

Deniers also claim that Mengele would not have used paints to match a skin tone, he would have used photography. This aspect I can speak to. Mengele wanted the watercolors because he wanted their skin tones matched, something color photography may not have been able to do. A third generation photographer told me that back in the early 40's, certain colors were very difficult to capture. It is possible that Mengele didn't trust photography to get it right. Paints can be adjusted, but film colors couldn't. Sorry, skeptics, but Photoshop didn't exist back then.

This debate has been going on since 1973. A Holocaust survivor continued to be brutalized by Auschwitz long after the Nazis vacated the place. Auschwitz doesn't even have the paintings on display. Duplicates could be hung after the originals were returned to the family. It is high time they did the right thing after so many wrong things happened there and returned the paintings.

Roma Integration

This article comes to us through the Roma Virtual Network from The Open Society blog which work to improve the lives of the world's most vulnerable people and to promote human rights, justice, and accountability. This blog aims to bring that work a little closer by giving our experts and grantees a platform to reflect on their issues, sharpen their thinking, and engage in a conversation on how to advance open society values around the globe. You can find them at http://www.soros.org/.

What Lies Ahead for the EU Framework on Roma Integration?

October 13, 2011 | by Bernard Rorke

When the European Council endorsed the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020 [pdf] on June 24, Commissioner Vivien Reding declared:

Today's agreement is a huge step forward for millions of Roma around Europe. The EU is sending a strong signal: the exclusion of the Roma is not compatible with our societal values and our economic model.

A giant step for EU officials maybe, but a giant step for mankind, a huge step forward for millions of Roma? There is much to be done to live up to the hyperbole, because the challenge facing the European Framework is stark. For how do we define “societal values” in the face of the electoral successes of hate-mongering, far-right political parties across Europe, and the increasingly strident—if incoherent—denunciations of multiculturalism emanating from the mainstream right?
And what’s inclusive about “our economic model” in a Union where so many of the constituent member states remain in thrall to the orthodoxies of neoliberalism? There is a very real prospect that the Europe of 2020 could comprise increasingly closed societies and illiberal democracies where inequality and poverty thrive unabated, and Roma and other visible minorities continue to be denigrated and humiliated as scapegoats and pariahs.

However the Framework hints at another possibility: a viable prospect of forward-looking and fully inclusive societies that foster a sense of common belonging, cohesion, and mutual respect among all citizens regardless of their ethnicity. For this reason, and whatever the caveats, the Framework is to be welcomed by all who are committed to deepening democracy.

The anti-Roma riots and conflagrations across Bulgaria serve as a grim reminder that across Europe, anti-Gypsyism is so deeply ingrained—prejudice and intolerance towards Roma is so pervasive—that national integration strategies cannot succeed without resolute and unequivocal action to combat racism and discrimination. Put simply, prejudice unchecked will derail progress. On March 8, a resolution of the European Parliament called on the European Commission to link social inclusion priorities to a clear set of objectives that included protection of citizens against discrimination in all fields of life; promotion of social dialogue between Roma and non-Roma to combat racism and xenophobia; and for the Commission, as guardian of the treaties, to ensure full implementation of relevant legislation and appropriate sanctions against racially motivated crimes.

The Commission is entirely correct in its insistence that the primary responsibility for safeguarding the rights, well-being, and security of citizens lies with national governments. However, if the Framework is to live up to its billing as “10 years to make a difference,” then the Commission must do everything within its remit and competences to take up the Council’s invitation and signal to member states and candidate countries that nothing less than a zero-tolerance approach will suffice when it comes to anti-Gypsyism and all forms of discrimination against Roma.

The Framework priorities are identical to those of the Roma Decade, in that EU member states are urged to set targets, allocate adequate funding, define concrete action plans, and develop monitoring systems to measure progress.

The family resemblances between the Decade and the Framework are such that there are valuable lessons to be learned that can save a lot of time. Five years into the Framework we don’t want to be talking about the implementation gaps, the lack of realistic targets in the priority areas, inadequate budgets, or the lack of coordination across line ministries with regards to the National Roma Integration Strategies. Five years into the Framework we don’t want to be sitting in conferences and workshops bemoaning the lack of reliable disaggregated data, or pondering what to do about the bottlenecks and obstacles to making the most of EU funds for Roma inclusion. Five years into the Framework we don’t want to be facing a situation where the living conditions of millions of Roma living in acute deprivation has actually worsened, and anti-Roma prejudice is still gaining ground. Because as we lurch into the second half of the Decade, that’s where we are right now.

This is not to downplay the Decade’s achievements which have provided working templates of what needs to be done to achieve integration, equity, social cohesion, and combat discrimination and prejudice. At the last International Steering Committee Meeting in Prague, at the close of the Czech Presidency, Decade governments fully endorsed the EU Framework and pledged to bring all the convening power, experience, and knowledge gained since the launch of the Decade, to ensure that the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies meets its primary stated objective: to put an end to the exclusion of Roma.

There is a wealth of experience and good practice that has been generated since the launch of the Decade that needs to be harnessed to best effect and scaled up. Between now and 2020, one definite lesson learned is that there is a need for the Commission to put in place a coordinating mechanism proportionate to the tasks that lie ahead; a coordinating mechanism that can sustain the necessary momentum to ensure that this EU Framework will, to use the Commission’s catchphrase, “make a difference by 2020.”

The danger is that we could witness a familiar pattern of diminishing political will, resulting in weak and uneven implementation, with hopes for a better future for Roma once again raised and then duly dashed. And this would posit a real danger for the future, because the present situation is simply unsustainable.

It is a matter of regret to note that soon after the Prague meeting, and the Decade pledge to support the Framework, the Czech government was the first to decline the Commission’s request to submit a national Roma integration strategy. The government stated that it:

has a well-developed national coordination mechanism relating to the Romany agency. It is neither desirable nor useful to create new tasks for ministries, especially at the time of budget austerity.

Quite apart from the almost weekly incidents of violent extremist mobs descending upon Roma settlements, there is much to indicate that the “well-developed” mechanism for Roma integration has broken down.

The resignation in May of more than 50 education experts tasked with designing a plan for inclusive education, and the ongoing protests from political parties and civil society groups concerning the role of Ladislav Bátora within the Education Ministry, suggests that there is neither consensus nor progress on the key priority of equal access to quality education for Roma.

In a damning public letter announcing their resignation, the 50 experts stated that the stalling of reforms means that “the Czech Republic is violating its obligations flowing from international treaties and from the European Court for Human Rights judgment,” and that “‘inclusive education’ now amounts to nothing more than mere rhetoric intended to calm the international community.” The sociologist Ivan Gabal stated that “we currently have 16,000 Roma pupils in the ‘special schools,’ and last year less than 50 of them managed to return to mainstream schools—in other words a minuscule number. This shows that the current state of affairs is not in order.”

The Czech Republic is in something of a crisis, anti-Roma hate speech by politicians is ever more common, hate crime is on the rise, the neo-Nazis are on the march. And to cap it all, in a time of austerity, there is the real danger, according to the former Prime Minister Jiří Paroubek, that hundreds of billions of crowns from the EU financing prospects for 2007–2013 that could go for regional development “won't even be touched.”

It is to be hoped that the Czech opt-out is an aberration and that EU member states with significant Roma populations will follow the example set by the Hungarian government and meet the submission deadline. The strategy outlined by the Hungarian government is rich in analytical detail and ambitious in scope. This strategy lays down a sound basis for discussion, consultation, and participation. It is to be hoped that the enthusiasm and commitment shown by State-Secretary Balogh, will be shared across key line ministries, especially the ministry of education.
“Nothing about us without us” was the catch-call at the launch of the Decade, with the assertion that Roma participation “will make or break” the Decade. The reality is that the lack of substantive Roma participation is at the heart of the shortcomings of the Decade so far.

The time has passed when Roma can simply be viewed as an undifferentiated, passive, and dependent population. The Commission has a vital role to play to promote substantive Roma participation in this process and to strongly encourage member states to embrace the idea that active citizenship is fundamental to social inclusion, and include all of the citizenry regardless of their ethnicity. Roma communities and representatives must be accorded the opportunity for participation in shaping the policies and initiatives that directly impact their lives.

From the side of the municipalities, partnerships with community-based civil society organizations are vital to close the evergreen implementation gap. Civil society organizations have garnered much by way of sound practice and lessons learned. From the side of the NGOs, to transform project-based knowledge into sustainable change, partnerships with municipalities are essential.

There has been little evidence to date of coherent, complex, and comprehensive policy interventions to simultaneously combat poverty; provide access to health services and quality education; and resolve housing and infrastructure issues. Such approaches require the ingredients of political will, partnership, resolve, know-how, and knowledge. It is to be hoped that the Framework can provide the necessary glue to hold these ingredients together.

Dale Farm eviction and a request for help

Please consider your reactions. People need help keeping their homes from an unjust eviction.

COME DOWN TO DALE FARM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

The Court of Appeal has just rejected the residents' right to a judicial review, which means that Basildon Council will be able to come on to conduct an eviction from now onwards.

We need supporters to come down as soon as possible to help resist this eviction. We need people to come willing to engage in civil disobedience as well as support residents and activists in resisting the eviction through non-arrestable roles. It may seem like a scary thing to do, but coming down to Dale Farm is one of the most important things we can do for the community here, and to protest the injustice that even the United Nations and Amnesty International have unreservedly condemned. This is a historic moment of resistance - let's do something.

The residents have nowhere to go. They are united in resisting the eviction, and we have been working with them to develop plans and strategies. Travellers in the UK are at the receiving end of state violence. The way the Dale Farm community is being treated is a form of ethnic cleansing which criminalizes a people and a culture, and it is vital that we come together in solidarity to resist it. We are ready to resist the eviction, and we need more people to join us and the residents as soon as you can come down. Bring a sleeping bag, food and resistance paraphernalia. (For a full list of things to bring, how to get here - only 30 min from London- and other important info, see http://dalefarm.wordpress.com/activity/ or call 07583621312).

In addition to getting supporters down to Dale Farm, we still need a lot of funds to cover the work we have been doing so far. Please donate at: http://dalefarm.wordpress.com/donate/

Urgent from Amnesty International

Posted by request of Amnesty International.

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
MEDIA ADVISORY

17 October 2011

Amnesty International petitions Serbian Deputy Prime Minister

On 19 October 2011, an Amnesty International delegation is handing over to the Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Bozidar Djelic, thousands of petitions against forced evictions of Roma communities in Serbia.

The petitions call on the Serbian government to adopt a law against forced evictions and to regulate the process of evictions.

“Forced evictions in Belgrade and elsewhere in Serbia make people move from one settlement to another depriving them of proper roof over their heads, the jobs they may be holding at the moment, the schools their children go to,” said Nicola Duckworth, Amnesty International’s Europe and Central Asia Programme Director.

Amnesty International members from Japan and Korea in the east to Netherlands and Spain in the west collected signatures and photos in streets of events such as the EXIT Festival in Novi Sad bringing into the spotlight the discrimination and other human rights violations the Roma community is facing in Serbia.

Amnesty International is extremely concerned at the rising number of forced evictions in the country, affecting the lives of thousands of people. Currently there ate around 100 informal settlements in Belgrade and 500 elsewhere in Serbia.

“Forced evictions are in breach of the right to adequate housing. They affect the most vulnerable in the society, mainly the Roma community – those who have been driven by poverty to live in informal settlements in Belgrade and who have no other housing options,” Nicola Duckworth said.

What: Nicola Duckworth informs journalists about meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Božidar Djelic in charge of European integration and Chair of the Council for Improvement of the Status of Roma Population.

            When: 19 October 2011, 1100 local time (0900 GMT)
            Where: Regional Centre for Minorities in Belgrade  Dobracina 17

Rromani education issues in the Czech Republic

This article comes to us from the Roma Virtual Network.

In our opinion, this is a continuation of words by the Czech government. When we see some action on the part of the government in response to their disregard for the basic human rights of the Roma, then we will be excited.

PM: Education is key to better social situation of Roma

ČTK |

13 October 2011

Prague, Oct 12 (CTK) - Full inclusion of Czech Romani children into education activities is a key point on the road towards an improvement of the social situation of the Roma in the country, Prime Minister Petr Necas told journalists after the cabinet Wednesday discussed a report on the state of the Romani population.

The Czech Republic has been criticised over a high portion of Romani children placed in special schools for pupils with slight mental disabilities.

Necas said the government wants to increase Romanies' chances of getting a job and present positive examples of inclusion of the Roma into majority society.

"There are positive examples, too, and they need to be pointed to," Necas said.

Necas said the cabinet dealt with the 2010 report on the Roma very thoroughly. The government report states that a big part of the Roma live in social exclusion and children's chances of a better life are small. It considers inclusive education of the Roma to be the best and economically most advantageous method of leading Romani families out of social exclusion and poverty.According to the report, the first half of 2010 was promising in this field, but all positive changes were stopped by the end of the year, even in spite of strong calls by Czech experts and important international institutions.

The report says there was no progress in Romanies' employment and that Romanies held only a marginal position in the labour market, citing the economic crisis and overall higher unemployment in the country among the causes.

The report deals with bad living and health conditions of Romanies.

It says Romanies live in cheap, low-quality housing facilities and that they are victims of discrimination and unfair practices by housing owners and real estate offices. Romanies often suffer from chronic diseases, they neglect prevention and have an unhealthy life style. They are also often the target of segregation.

Social problems such as unemployment, housing uncertainty and a low educational level concentrate in socially underprivileged Romany localities as a result of municipalities' directed policy or spontaneous migration, the report says.

Although the report only focuses on the events and phenomena of 2010, it discusses circumstances that may lead to tension between majority society and Romanies.

The Sluknov area, a rather poor and remote part of northern Bohemia near the borders with Germany and Poland, has been recently hit by unrest.

Repeated protests were held, with both locals and extremists participating, in reaction to cases of Romany violence and increased immigration of Romanies to the area. The government had to send a riot police unit to the area.

The latest museum visit

OPES staff were very busy this weekend. The Wagon Display, along side an old fashioned tent, went on display at the Cedar County Historical Society in Iowa on Saturday. The Wagon was fitted with two new text panels explaining the history of the Rromani in Iowa, including one panel on how the Rromani were often vilified in the newspapers. The tent is a replica of tents that could have been used by Rromani in America and is furnished with items from 1890-1915.

Educational Director Ciuin Ferrin spent the day cooking for 75 people over a fire pit, taking the opportunity to talk to guests not only about Rromani in Iowa but around the world. Most visitors were surprised to learn Rromani currently live in the United States and that to be "Gypsy" was not a choice, that someone cannot wake up in the morning and decide they are now Rromani.

The standard thought among most guests was that one chose to be "Gypsy" and that "Gypsies" were people who didn't want to settle down, to work, or to take on normal responsibilities any other citizen would have to take on. Most were eager to learn the truth about the Rromani, and not just in Iowa, but around the world. A few asked what could be done and how they could help. Some even donated financially.

It was a successful and rewarding day and we hope eyes were opened to the condition of the Rromani not only locally, but world wide.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Necas on the Roma

This article comes to us from the Roma Virtual Network. We do have to ask if this is fair. Are other minorities subjected to such measures? By creating a 'complex' system, does it benefit the Rromani or the government? Is this a forced assimilation? Is this not a unique form of slavery?

Czech PM: We solve Roma issue not forgetting that Czech citizens have both rights and obligations
04 October 2011 14:24 FOCUS News Agency

Prague. “We want to solve the Roma issue in the Czech Republic through integration and avoid the social exclusion,” said Czech Prime Minister Petr Nečas at e joint press conference with Bulgarian counterpart Boyko Borisov in Prague, FOCUS News Agency reporter informed.
“We want to apply a complex system of measures, which to allow the Roma society get education but also to act in a way that will make people realise that apart from the rights they also have some obligations. For instance, the social benefits could be bind to children’s going to school. It is up to the Roma parents whether their kids will go to school or not,” Petr Nečas remarked.
“We want a system that will allow the Roma people integrate at the labour market. As of next year the social benefits will be paid only if the people perform community service; if they do not perform certain amount of community service, then they will not receive social benefits,” the Czech prime minister said.
“We aim at full integration at the labour market; the issue about their [Roma people’s] accommodation should be solved too, because they live in communities, ghettos and etc. We do not examine the issue as ethnic or racial, but as a social one. Apart from the rights, being citizens of the Czech Republic, we have also obligations,” Petr Nečas said.

An update on the Wagon Display

The Wagon Display has been very busy the past two months. Its latest adventure took it to the Rromani concert hosted by the International Academy for Russian Music, Arts, and Culture. Saturday, October 8th, the Wagon went on display during a concert in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Attendees enjoyed the music from the wagon and the information given.

We are creating two more panels for the history section, relating the Rromani to the State of Iowa to help locals understand the need for further education about the Rromani in the US. The two panels are being printed free of charge by one of the wagon's sponsors, Rapids Reproduction. We are grateful for their help.

The Wagon is in need of some repair, however. It has been shown four times in four weeks and has some chips and marks along its hinges. We need to repaint two sides and replace one section of molding and then clear treat the entire wagon to prevent further damage.

Once our application for a 501(c)3 status is approved, we plan t raise funds to recreate the Wagon using gator board, a sturdy material that will allow the wagon to be moved without extensive damage.

Thank you for your interest in our project.

OSCE human rights conference

This story comes to us from the Roma Virtual Network. See the link below if you are interested.

Discrimination and negative discourse against Roma and Sinti must stop, say participants at OSCE human rights conference

Governments in OSCE participating States urgently need to tackle persistent discrimination and negative public and political discourse targeting Roma and Sinti. They are unfortunately frequent targets of prejudiced portrayals by politicians and public officials, said participants at the OSCE's annual human rights conference in Warsaw on 5 October.

“We observe an increasing number of reported incidents involving populist politicians who scapegoat Roma and Sinti in their public speeches to gain electoral support,” said ODIHR First Deputy Director Douglas Wake. “These developments have the potential to erupt into open conflicts.”

A joint statement by 30 Roma activists from across Europe warned that, in many instances, negative stereotypes of Roma are supported by the media.

“Very often we witness hateful, populist rhetoric that caters to anti-Gypsy public opinion being used not only by extremist parties, but by mainstream ones,” the statement said.

Jeroen Schokkenbroek, the Council of Europe Secretary General’s Special Representative for Roma Issues said that hostile and provocative public discourse concerning Roma and Sinti deepens inter-ethnic tensions and perpetuate prejudices.

Referring to instances of incitement to hatred against Roma, he said that “quick and decisive action is needed not only to bring culprits to justice but also to avoid escalation.”

Participants underlined the need to fully implement the OSCE Action Plan on Improving the Situation of Roma and Sinti in continuing work to close the economic and social gaps between Roma and Sinti, on the one hand, and wider societies in the countries in which they live, on the other hand.
http://www.osce.org/odihr/83627