The persisting financial crisis significantly worsens prospects for integrating Europe’s Roma and Sinti populations and combating intolerance and violence targeting this minority in many countries, the head of the OSCE Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues, Andrzej Mirga, told the United States Helsinki Commission on February 15.
As governments in the OSCE region are facing tough decisions to reduce public spending and keep national debt under control, efforts to advance the integration of Roma minorities into mainstream society risk becoming a victim of austerity measures, OSCE press office quotes Mirga as saying.
“Most problems facing Roma and Sinti populations have by no means been resolved and, for the most part, these minorities have not yet benefited from lasting improvements in human rights and social inclusion; this is unfinished business in Europe that requires much stronger and longer-term interventions at national and European levels,” he stressed.
In a disturbing development, some local authorities are actively pursuing policies aimed at forcing Roma and Sinti from their communities, Mirga said: “Exclusion or separation is openly advocated in some municipalities, including in the segregation of children in educational systems.” There are also cases of local authorities refusing to accept or request state aid aimed at supporting Roma communities, he added.
Mirga stressed the crucial role of the media in combating discrimination and prejudices against minorities. He also highlighted the need for more focus on education: “The best way to deal with the future consequences of today’s economic difficulties is to invest in education. This is particularly the case for the Roma and Sinti, who suffer the most from a lack of education and skills.”
