Category Archives: Slovenia

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Discrimination

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Discrimination

The story of a Roma boy’s first day at school, where classmates reportedly rejected him based on his ethnicity, was shared by his mother on social media.

The school principal confirmed the incident, stating it was an isolated case of inappropriate behavior among students, and emphasized the school’s commitment to equality and respectful relationships.

The article highlights the broader societal issue of discrimination against Romani children and calls for reflection on the impact of such rejection on young students.

Well, Slovenia’s general attitude towards Roma is not really positive …

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Kindergarten Enrolment

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Kindergarten Enrolment

In the Slovenian municipalities of Šentjernej, Škocjan, and Šmarješke Toplice, acceptance of Children in kindergartens is supposed to be easy and fast.

However, despite a large Roma population in Šentjernej, no Roma children are currently enrolled in local kindergartens, highlighting challenges in getting them to school.

The number of children with special needs is increasing, while overall birth rates are declining, affecting kindergarten enrollment numbers.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Roma in Slovenia

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Roma in Slovenia

Melisa Gutmann and Sandi Horvat are members of the Slovenian Roma Academic Club (RAK), which was founded in 2008. Horvat joined it two years later and has been its president for the past few years, while Gutmann is the vice president, who has been working in the club for ten years. We bring you their stories, their rich experiences, observations and warnings about what the real problem is… Read the double interview, from which it is clear: “The problem is not the Roma, the problem is in the system, which has been repeating the same mistakes for decades.”

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Racism in School

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Racism in School

On the first day of school at Šmihel Primary School in Novo mesto, Slovenia, a Roma child was bullied by classmates who expressed their refusal to be in the same class as him, highlighting ongoing discrimination against Roma children in schools.

The mother of the bullied child emphasized that such discrimination starts early and worsens over time, with complaints about Roma children beginning in the first grade.

Local Roma councilor Bojan Tudja noted that incidents of discrimination are common and that schools often fail to address these issues, leading to a negative environment for Roma students.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Romani Zour

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Romani Zour

The Romani Zour program, aimed at increasing employment among the Roma community in Kočevje, has seen limited success, with only three out of 18 participants securing jobs after six months.

According to the artcile, many Roma prefer to rely on social help rather than seek employment, as they often receive more financial support through these programs than they would earn from jobs. The program faces challenges, including a lack of interest from local employers and the need for better planning and support for participants, such as providing meals during work hours.

The issue is as usual racism and education …

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Imer Traja Brizani

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Imer Traja Brizani

Imer Traja Brizani, a prominent Romani musician and composer, celebrates 30 years of his group Amala and 46 years of artistic creation, blending Romani music with jazz and classical influences.

He emphasizes the importance of music as a means to break stereotypes and foster cultural dialogue, highlighting his family’s musical legacy and collaborations with notable artists.

Brizani advocates for better understanding and support for the Romani community in Slovenia, stressing the need for professional knowledge to combat stereotypes and promote genuine inclusion.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Roma in Slovenia

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Roma in Slovenia

The Council of the Roma Community in Slovenia urges the government to adopt a comprehensive and inclusive approach to address key issues facing the Roma community, emphasizing the need for dialogue and responsibility from all institutions.

They highlight the importance of legalizing Roma settlements and improving basic infrastructure, as living conditions directly affect health, education, and employment opportunities.

The council condemns the rise of anti-Romani sentiment and calls for stricter sanctions against hate speech, public education for officials, and campaigns to combat stereotypes.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Slovenia and Roma

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Slovenia and Roma

The Slovenian Council of the Roma Community, led by Jožek Horvat Muc, emphasizes the need for the regulation and legalization of Roma settlements, active economic inclusion, and the sanctioning of hate speech.

They call for a clear political framework based on dialogue and responsibility, adhering to the principle of ‘nothing about Roma without Roma’.

The council advocates for improved living conditions, active labor market participation, and stronger measures against anti-Roma sentiment, including public education campaigns.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Culture

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Culture

Young Roma from Brezje and Jedinščica explored radio and Roma culture in Prekmurje, Slovenia, visiting various cultural centers and participating in media workshops.

The initiative aims to provide opportunities for young Roma to learn about their culture and improve their social skills, fostering interregional connections and self-confidence.

Participants expressed enthusiasm for the experience, highlighting the importance of community engagement and the desire to pursue their goals despite challenges.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Maribor Roma

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Maribor Roma

The article features Murim Baftiarov, an activist working to improve the position of the Roma community in Maribor, emphasizing the importance of education, support, and collaboration with the wider society.

Since 2023, he has been involved with the Roma association ‘Sprememba Takoj’, which aims to bridge the gap between the Roma and Slovenian communities and promote positive changes for Roma in Maribor.

He shares his personal educational journey and highlights the need for professional assistance to enhance stability and conditions within the Roma community.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Slovenia Education

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Slovenia Education

Nine months after the Ombudsman submitted a report on the education of Roma children to the National Assembly, there has been no discussion on it, prompting the Ombudsman to call for action.

The report, sent in October 2025, includes 19 recommendations aimed at improving the educational progress of Roma children and fostering coexistence with the majority population.

The Ombudsman emphasizes the urgency of addressing educational failures, especially following a tragedy in Novo mesto that highlighted the need for effective measures in education and integration.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Slovenia and Roma

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Slovenia and Roma

The Novo mesto Society for the Development of Voluntary Work organized a day trip for young Roma from Brezje and Jedinščica to the Prekmurje Roma community, where they visited various cultural and educational sites.

The trip aimed to enhance the young Roma’s understanding of their culture and language, as well as to expose them to successful practices in the region, fostering their educational and employment aspirations.

Participants expressed their excitement about the experience, highlighting the importance of such opportunities for personal growth and community connection.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Social Help in Slovenia

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Social Help in Slovenia

Andrej Brečko, a Slovenian lawyer, criticized social welfare recipients, particularly targeting the Roma community, for allegedly misusing benefits while enjoying leisure activities like picnics.

He expressed concerns about societal responsibilities and rights, arguing that individuals should prioritize self-sufficiency and contribute to society rather than rely on state support.

Brečko highlighted the disparity between those who have worked for decades with minimal pensions and those who exploit social assistance, calling for a reevaluation of social support systems.

Europe News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Anna Mirga-Kruszelnicka

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Anna Mirga-Kruszelnicka

Anna Mirga-Kruszelnicka, a Polish Romani anthropologist and activist, leads the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture, focusing on combating anti-Romani sentiment and promoting Romani identity through art and education.

She highlights the resurgence of anti-Romani attitudes in Europe, linking them to a broader decline in democratic values and the importance of minority rights as indicators of democracy.

The article discusses the need for systemic changes in education and public services to improve the socio-economic conditions of Romani communities, emphasizing the role of trust and collaboration between authorities and these communities.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Slovenia and Roma

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Slovenia and Roma

The Šentjernej People’s Initiative claims that police had to intervene multiple times due to violations of public order by local Roma after 10 PM.

They criticized Amnesty International Slovenia for not addressing the concerns of local residents who face harassment and threats from nearby Roma communities.

The initiative, formed by local residents, advocates for equal treatment under the law and zero tolerance for violence, and gained prominence after organizing a protest in 2025 over safety issues.

They actually support rather extreme measures, such as cutting social care if Roma don not “behave” or send their children to school, and want to remove Roma settlemens which they mostly deem illegal.

News Eastern Europe Serbia Slovenia

Slovenian Conference and Serbia

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Slovenian Conference and Serbia

The National Council of the Roma National Minority from Serbia participated in the Second International Roma Conference in Slovenia, focusing on the progress and challenges faced by the Roma community over the past 20 years.

Dalibor Nakić, the president of the council, highlighted advancements in education, political participation, and decision-making inclusion for Roma in Serbia, attributing these to collaboration with various institutions and organizations.

The conference included discussions on housing and local development, with a visit to the Pušča Roma settlement in Slovenia, recognized as a model for organized Roma communities with developed infrastructure.

All wishful thinking …

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Slovenia Commemoration

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Slovenia Commemoration

The President of the Roma Community in Slovenia, Jožek Horvat – Muc, emphasized that discussions about the genocide against Roma are crucial for understanding human rights and the current status of the Roma community.

He highlighted the dangers of marginalization and the persistence of anti-Roma sentiment in Europe, which is rooted in historical prejudice and exacerbated by contemporary socio-political issues.

The memorial event served as a reminder of the systematic extermination of Roma during the Nazi regime and underscored the importance of preserving historical memory to combat discrimination and promote social equality today.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Slovenia: Demolition

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Slovenia: Demolition

Amnesty International Slovenia and the Legal Network for the Protection of Democracy accuse the Novo Mesto municipality of failing to provide housing after the demolition of a woman’s home in a Roma settlement, citing violations of human rights and legal procedures. The municipality is enforcing demolition orders on illegal constructions in a Roma settlement, leading to protests from the Roma community.

It defends its actions, stating it was obligated to enforce a legal decision regarding the illegal structure and denies any wrongdoing regarding the individual’s rights.

A representative of the Roma community expresses frustration over the lack of support from the municipality, highlighting ongoing issues with access to basic utilities and the need for better living conditions. Roma leaders criticize the head of the Roma Association for inaction and demand legal protection and alternative housing for affected residents.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Slovenia Memorial

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Slovenia Memorial

The Maribor synagogue held a memorial event for the International Day of Remembrance of the Roma and Sinti genocide, emphasizing the need to remember and warn against rising intolerance in Europe.

Jožek Horvat Muc highlighted that the genocide, which claimed around half a million Romani lives during WWII, is often overlooked in history, and that current discrimination and hate speech against Roma persist in many European countries.

Slovenian officials acknowledged progress in integrating the Romani community but stressed the need for ongoing dialogue and responsibility to combat prejudice and protect human rights.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Slovenia and the Holocaust

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Slovenia and the Holocaust

The article discusses the violent actions of communist partisans in Sodražica during May 1942, including the murder of 16 Roma and other locals, highlighting the impact of these events on the community.

It references the historical context of the region, including the rise of communism and the experiences of local families during the war, particularly the Kozina family.

While it is true that partisans executed Roma and others during the war, this is aprt of a new narrative in Slovenia whereby all crimes during the war were committed by others …  As a reminder, let’s just say the mayor of Ljubjana vetoed the transfer of Roma victims to the local cemmeraty devoted to victims of World War Two.

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