The Thames Valley Police has been criticised in a report about their policies towards Gypsies, Rroma, and Travellers. This police force already made headlines as some of its officers posted racist comment on a Facebook page.
The French newspaper “Le Progrès” from Lyon was cited to court for an article where they explicitly named the origins of criminals, including Rroma, was cleared of all charges.
A PITY… Ethnicity has nothing to do with criminality. Exactly as there is no ethnical background relevant in the case of idiots.
Clearly, with the events in France, the “Rroma Problem” somehow faded in the background. Interestingly enough, the Rroma yes, the “Gens du Voyage” [Travellers], not. So here’s a short overview of the general news: In La Courneuve, where Rroma were expelled from their camp, expelled Rroma organised a dinner for the victims of the attacks in Paris; an article about the scholarisation of Rroma children; in Lyon, a demonstration for migrants was annulled following the attacks; in the north, Rroma have problems to get their skills recognised; Rroma are still squatting; in another place, the illegal camps are resolved – allegedly; in Beziers, in the South, an association against Racism is being asked to vacate their offices; in the West, in la Rochelle, health is more important than money, thanks God; some people are thinking about the causes for the attack; and finally, festivals and music in various place in France on Rroma.
It would be cool if I could say I am a Sinto – in the words of a 13 years old Sinto from Germany who is currently participating in a theatre group. Yes, would be really cool…
An article on the housing crisis in Europe and on the fact that Rroma are facing much more difficult conditions than the rest of Europeans.
Interesting analysis of racism against Rroma and the collective guilt assigned to them, even coming from the Pope.
A report in several European countries highlights that Rroma are the least popular minority, ahead of Moslems …
Long way to go|
So called “Stolpersteine” (Stumbling blocks) are being set in the pavements of cities to remember the victims of the Holocaust. In the meantime, 53’000 such stones have been set in 18 European countries, some of which for Rroma.
The French Newspaper le “Progrès” has been cleared for its article on criminality where they explicitely cited Rroma besides Georgians, Albanians and Travellers (by the way, showing they have no clue about what they are talking about).
SHAME.
Seems that if you are Rrom, well, then you are a criminal, that’s not offensive, isn’t it ?
An article about migration from Africa, but also about fences within European populations, excluding Rroma …
An exhibition in Grenoble attempts to present the history of Rroma to the general public. Unfortunately, it renders the usual stereotypes such as nomadism (which was forced on Rroma in France by the interdiction to settle) and tells a lot of inaccurate things (such as being mercenaries, not being surely out of India, etc. …
An article about an association and workers thereof in the city of Nantes, in the West of France. This association tries to help Rroma to integrate.
There is no space for Belgium “Gens du Voyage” – in this case, many Lovara and related groups.
A project to find jobs for the German Sinti minority in Germany in Kirchheim.
A summary of the news of the other “Gypsies” in France, the so-called “Gens du Voyage”. These are mostly Manouches and Sinti, but also cover groups such as Lovara, Kalderasha, and a few others as well as non Rroma groups of travellers. Here’s a digest of the news on them: A general debate on camps for travellers in France; the MRAP, an anti-racist group wants to reinforce the dualogue; in the South of France, they are forced to change camp; whether a camping stop will be allowed near Paris; the construction of such a camp near Vincennes; Watreloos, and its Wall, now from the Traveller side; a mayor disclaiming footing the electricity and water bill for travellers; a petition in the South West to close a camp; in the North, Travellers squat a unused parcel; and finally travellers being reported to poach in Brittany;
An interesting project in Liverpool to bridge the gap between Rroma and the majority population.
Besides the regional elections where Rroma are increasingly being used for electoral purposes, especially in the north of France, one hears about: a camp on a construction site in Marseilles; a positive example in Gardanne where Rroma were helped to integrate; an new “insertion village” is planned near Lyon; 50 Rroma families escape an upcoming eviction in St. Denis, near Paris; the story of the wall at the French Belgian border seems to peter out; some dumb commentaries of Rroma in the context of circulation problems; and finally, some dubious National Front propositions in the North of France.
What have Rroma, the French minister of the economy, and Valeurs Actuelles have in common? Well, Valeurs Actuelles lost its subsidies due to an article they published on Rroma, and, well, this paper’s boss is a good friend of the current minister of the economy …
Roughly 350 people demonstrated last week in Germany for the right of refugees to stay. Many are at risk due to the declaration by Germany of several Balkan countries as being “safe”.
A group of young integrated Rroma in Italy are fighting against the stereotypes and prejudices they are facing. Well done!
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