Monthly Archives: April 2023

Bulgarien News Osteuropa

Bulgaria, the Elections, and Roma

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The upcoming elections in Bulgaria represent a key moment both for the political crisis in the country and for its Roma. For too long, Roma have been systematically excluded from mainstream politics and left vulnerable to those in power. However, new anti-corruption parties have emerged that offer policies that offer hope for change.

While their efforts are laudable, they must recognize that systemic state failures are inextricably linked to the plight of the Roma and require a comprehensive approach to address them. Failure to do so risks perpetuating anti-Roma corruption, symbolism and racism. The election results will determine the lasting progress and stability of Bulgaria and whether the country can truly become an inclusive and fair democracy that represents all its citizens. The Roma refuse to be marginalized anymore and are determined to challenge the status quo to make their voices heard. It is up to the political class to recognize their ability and determination and work towards a more inclusive and just political system.

News Osteuropa Slowakei

Slovakia, Work, and Roma

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A video on Roma and work. It cites Jan Hero, the plenipotentiary of the Slovak Government for Roma, who says that the society has not made great progress in employing Roma. But is also says that “some Roma simply do not want to work”.

Bad.

Italien News Westeuropa

Football and Roma

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Again, and unfortunately as usual, supporters of the AC Roma insulted a player by calling him a Gypsy. Racism among supporters is just not acceptable, but everywhere, authorities turn a blind eye. They should be fined and banned from the stadiums.

Belgien Europe Ungarn News Osteuropa News Westeuropa

Brussel: Exhibition

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On the occasion of International Roma Day, Fidesz EP representative Lívia Járóka organized a contemporary art exhibition entitled “Time of the Gypsies” in honor of the diverse and special Roma culture and art in the EP building in Brussels.

By presenting the works of eleven Roma visual artists of Hungarian origin, the exhibition explores the unique perspectives of Roma visual art and describes its diverse style and specific traditions in its pictorial world.

Lívia Járóka is herself subject of controverses: She is firmly behind Viktor Orban, and thus in effect and in spite of her origins, supports discrimination and segregation of Roma in Hungary.

Frankreich News Westeuropa

French Chronicle …

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Some different topics this week, in addition of the usual litany of evictions and crime. An article and an exhibition in the South of France on Roma art and artists. A concert and an exhibition for April 8th in Montpellier. Then the more usual: In Marseilles, a camp was closed. In the North, a camp is threatened with closure, even though it was legally set up in 2010. In Annemasse, near Switzerland, a  new squat behind the railway station. And finally, 3 dead and 5 wounded after a fatal car crash during a car chase between rival Roma gangs in Strasbourg.

Une course-poursuite filmée à l’origine de l’accident mortel au Port-du-Rhin. In: Dernières Nouvelles d’Alsace. 28.03.2023. https://www.dna.fr/faits-divers-justice/2023/03/28/un-contentieux-entre-roms-roumains-a-l-origine-de-l-accident-mortel-au-port-du-rhin

Bulgarien News Osteuropa

Bulgaria: Bleak future

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Bulgarian elections are coming, and with them articles about vote buying, especially in Roma communities. On one of the dark days of the last election week, the leaders of the Roma community in the neighborhood of the village of Kalipetrovo, located near Silistra, gathered for a cup of tea to share their grievance that “they promised to buy them a bicycle, but another time”. This other time, however, there are not even promises.

They are happy with their mayor, but one bird does not make spring. And they want simple things – a better life for the grandchildren they are raising while their sons and daughters are in England and somewhere else in the world.

News Osteuropa Slowakei

Jan Hero on Employment

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The topic of employing disadvantaged applicants on the labour market is more and more a hot topic in Slovakia. According to the Association for Culture, Education and Communication, the finalists of the Roma Spirit award are a real proof of effectiveness in the inclusion in the employment of low-qualified persons. In this context, the government representative for Roma communities, Ján Hero, stated that the percentage of employed people from marginalized Roma communities is growing only very slowly, but the situation is improving. While meeting employers awarded within the framework of Roma Spirit, which took place this week in Poprad this week, Jan Hero stated:

“With segregation and non-inclusive approaches, the concentration of poverty multiplies, and it is very difficult to get out of that situation. We have experience that Roma people also get jobs outside their homes, but they often do not have a permanent job and thus even better housing is more inaccessible for them.”

News Middle East

Turkey: The Aftermath

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An organisation helping what they call Roma but further are referred to as Domari, the Middle Eastern cousins of the Roma in Southeastern Turkey in the aftermath of the recent earthquake.

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