Roma Center for Social Intervention and Studies (Please see below.)
and
EUROPEAN ROMA INFORMATION OFFICE (Here follows.)
EUROPEAN ROMA INFORMATION OFFICE Statement on Bulgaria and Romania
On September, 26, 2006, the European Commission approved the Monitoring report on the state of preparedness for EU membership of Bulgaria and Romania. This report outlines the Commission's assessment of both countries' progress since May 2006. It confirms that Bulgaria and Romania have made further progress to complete their preparations for membership, demonstrating their capacity to apply EU principles and legislation from 1 January 2007. These countries have reached a high degree of alignment. However, the Commission also identifies a number of areas of continuing concern, and also areas where the Commission will initiate appropriate measures to ensure the proper functioning of the EU, unless the countries take immediate corrective action. Both countries are strongly encouraged to make proper use of the months before accession, in order to address the remaining issues.
The report briefly highlights progress made with regard to the political, economic and acquis criteria. Among the criteria pointed out in the conclusion of the May 2006 Report which needed further action is also the protection and integration of minorities (1.1 Political criteria. Pages 21-22.).
In regard to Bulgaria the Report states " ... Some progress has been made with regard to the integration of Roma. A programme for Roma literacy and occupational training 'From Social Aid to Employment' was launched in May 2006. It aims at providing basic occupational training for jobless Roma. Furthermore, members of the Roma community were employed under this programme, mainly in infrastructure upgrading.
"In May 2006, a coordinator of the Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005-2015 was assigned. Bulgaria has taken over the chairmanship over the Decade of Roma Inclusion for one year. Regular monitoring meetings are organised in order to review the implementation of this programme. The administrative capacity of the Commission for Protection against Discrimination has been strengthened by recruiting additional staff. The implementation of vocational and other training measures for vulnerable groups has continued. Further training was provided to officials of the Directorate Ethnic and Demographic Issues."
Concerning the negative trends the following has been noted " ... certain concerns persist. The job profiles and budget for the assistant teachers have not been conclusively defined. Measures to integrate Roma children in schools have to be further enhanced to cover higher education. The health status of the Roma population is low and outbreaks of diseases caused by poverty or lacking hygiene are frequent. Many Roma continue to have limited access to healthcare services. Efforts to include vulnerable groups, in particular Roma, in the labour market need to be further enhanced.
"The administrative capacity of the National Council for Cooperation on Ethnic and Demographic Issues remains weak, particularly on the regional level. The governmental approach to non-registered settlements of mainly Roma community has led to tensions. Forced evictions further increased those tensions. Further efforts are needed to combat all forms of intolerance, particularly by fully applying existing legislation on broadcasting and other activities aiming to combat any form of racism, discrimination or xenophobia."
The Monitoring Report concerning Romania's preparedness for accession assesses progress with regard to issues of the political, economic criteria and the acquis areas, which were still outstanding in the May report (2.1 Political criteria).
Regarding Roma, the Reports states that "... In the field of protection of minorities, only limited progress can be reported. The draft law on the statute of national minorities and setting up the principles of equality and nondiscrimination and multi-culturalism, is still being discussed in parliament. This legislative process needs to be followed closely. The new National Employment Plan which was approved in August 2006 provides targeted action for minorities, including Roma. The law on preventing and sanctioning all forms of discrimination has been amended to meet EU standards related to the independence of the National Council for Combating Discrimination. The administrative capacity of the National Agency for Roma has improved as regional offices are being developed. The Agency has also begun implementing community development projects which could make a significant and long lasting contribution to improving the situation of Roma. However, certain concerns persist.
"Implementation is slow. Social inclusion of the Roma minority remains a structural problem. Overall living conditions are still inadequate. Employment measures should be further developed and implemented. Adequate resources for Roma strategies and policies are not always ensured, especially at the local level. The Romanian authorities do not yet demonstrate at all levels that a zero-tolerance policy on racism against Roma is applied.
"There are still cases of institutional violence against and assaulting of Roma, such as police raids and evictions in Roma communities, without providing them with alternative accommodation. Generally, the level of awareness of the Roma situation and of the government strategy for Roma, especially in the local communities which are responsible for the evictions, is low. Local authorities should be supported to develop community development projects and bring solutions to the problems of legality of Roma settlements or others. The institutional framework for the implementation of the national strategy for Roma is not yet sufficiently effective and it tends to diminish the decision-making capacity of the National Agency for Roma and representatives of the Roma population to participate effectively in decision-making in relevant areas. Romania's preparations in this area should be stepped up immediately and continued after accession."
The Report recognises that Bulgaria and Romania have made far-reaching efforts to adapt their legislation and administration to the laws and rules of the European Union and as a result of the progress made, Bulgaria and Romania will be in a position to take on the rights and obligations of EU membership on 1 January 2007.
More info on http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/key_documents/reports_sept_2006_en.htm
Ivan Ivanov, Executive Director, ERIO.
Ivan.ivanov@erionet.org
Valery Novoselsky, Consultant, ERIO information program.
romale@zahav.net.il
The European Roma Information Office (ERIO) is an international advocacy organization, which promotes political and public discussion on Roma issues by providing factual and in-dept information on a range of policy issues to the European Union institutions, Roma civil organizations, governmental authorities and intergovernmental bodies. The ERIO cooperates with a network of a large number of organizations and acts to combat racial discrimination and social exclusion through awareness raising, lobbying and policy development.
ERIO
Ave. Edouard Lacomble 17
Brussels 1040
Belgium
Tel: 0032(0)27333462
Fax: 0032(0)27333875
E-mail: office@erionet.org
EUROPEAN ROMA INFORMATION OFFICE http://www.erionet.org
Roma Center for Social Intervention and Studies
Country Report: Zero-Tolerance Policy on Racism
Presented yesterday, September, 26, 2006 the European Commission’s Report outlines the Commission's assessment of Romania and Bulgaria's progress since May 2006, in terms of accession to the European Union. Although it ascertains a progress, the Commission also identifies a number of areas of continuing concern, and, unless the countries take immediate corrective action, the Commission will initiate appropriate measures. Both countries are strongly encouraged to make proper use of the months before accession, in order to address the remaining issues.
In regard to protection of minorities, the Commission can report only limited progress. Thus, few concerns continue to remain in regard to the Roma in Romania:
“Implementation of the Romanian Government Strategy for the Improvement of Roma Condition is slow. Social inclusion of the Roma minority remains a structural problem. Overall living conditions are still inadequate. Employment measures should be further developed and implemented. Adequate resources for Roma strategies and policies are not always ensured, especially at the local level. The Romanian authorities do not yet demonstrate at all levels that a zero-tolerance policy on racism against Roma is applied.
“There are still cases of institutional violence against and assaulting of Roma, such as police raids and evictions in Roma communities, without providing them with alternative accommodation. Generally, the level of awareness of the Roma situation and of the government strategy for Roma, especially in the local communities which are responsible for the evictions, is low. Local authorities should be supported to develop community development projects and bring solutions to the problems of legality of Roma settlements or others. The institutional framework for the implementation of the national strategy for Roma is not yet sufficiently effective and it tends to diminish the capacity decision-making capacity of […] representatives of the Roma population to participate effectively in decision-making in relevant areas. Romania's preparations in this area should be stepped up immediately and continued after accession.”
The EC Report underlines and certifies the conclusions of the human rights organizations: in the 2006 Romania we are still facing cases of human rights violation, especially in the case of Roma minority.
Romani CRISS reminds of the recent cases of Police abuse (Gepiu, Bihor County – 5 Roma persons assaulted by policemen as result of a raid; Pata Rat, Cluj Napoca – 10 houses of Roma burned down during a Police raid; Bontida, Cluj County – 5 Roma physically abused by policemen, two of the victims were minors; Reghin, Mures County – 36 Roma victims after a Police and Special Forces raid), as well as of the forced evictions (Chitila, Bucharest – 7 Roma houses demolished during winter, without providing the people with alternative accommodation; Miercurea Ciuc – eviction of approximately 50 persons, to move them near a filtering station on which fence, the same with the new Roma’s settlement, had posted boards with warning of the toxicity danger; Piatra Neamt – approximately 250 people, mainly Roma, evicted).
Romani CRISS makes available to local and central authorities the reports on the severest cases of human rights violation. We remind that these reports include also possible solutions in some cases. We also mark out and support the Country Report’s conclusions, according to which “Romania's preparations in this area should be stepped up immediately and continued after accession.”
We take into consideration the commitment undertaken yesterday by the President of Romania, Traian Basescu: “Our life is not going to change fundamentally from 31st December to 1st of January. I will continue to be a critic of institutions that need to catch up” and inform him of few such examples: the Ministry of Internal Affairs and local authorities – evictions and Police abuse against Roma. Things will not change over night in the case of Roma, citizens of Romania, either, unless institutions catch up soon.
Sincerely,
Cezara David
PR Coordinator
Romani CRISS
Roma Center for Social Intervention and Studies
19, Buzesti St., Sector 1
Bucharest – Romania
Tel: +4 021/ 310 70 60
Fax: +4 021/ 310 70 70
E-mail: office@romanicriss.org
Roma Center for Social Intervention and Studies http://www.romanicriss.org
Please also see:
Fourth arm of the state. Romania's press becomes a willing partner in prejudice
Romania's media is a willing partner in the perpetuation of racism, prejudice and discrimination.
Valeriu Nicolae
http://www.eurozine.com/articles/2006-09-21-nicolae-en.html
Bulgaria and Romania to Join European Union
http://www.unobserver.com/index.php?pagina=layout5.php&id=2616&blz=1
and
EUROPEAN ROMA INFORMATION OFFICE (Here follows.)
EUROPEAN ROMA INFORMATION OFFICE Statement on Bulgaria and Romania
On September, 26, 2006, the European Commission approved the Monitoring report on the state of preparedness for EU membership of Bulgaria and Romania. This report outlines the Commission's assessment of both countries' progress since May 2006. It confirms that Bulgaria and Romania have made further progress to complete their preparations for membership, demonstrating their capacity to apply EU principles and legislation from 1 January 2007. These countries have reached a high degree of alignment. However, the Commission also identifies a number of areas of continuing concern, and also areas where the Commission will initiate appropriate measures to ensure the proper functioning of the EU, unless the countries take immediate corrective action. Both countries are strongly encouraged to make proper use of the months before accession, in order to address the remaining issues.
The report briefly highlights progress made with regard to the political, economic and acquis criteria. Among the criteria pointed out in the conclusion of the May 2006 Report which needed further action is also the protection and integration of minorities (1.1 Political criteria. Pages 21-22.).
In regard to Bulgaria the Report states " ... Some progress has been made with regard to the integration of Roma. A programme for Roma literacy and occupational training 'From Social Aid to Employment' was launched in May 2006. It aims at providing basic occupational training for jobless Roma. Furthermore, members of the Roma community were employed under this programme, mainly in infrastructure upgrading.
"In May 2006, a coordinator of the Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005-2015 was assigned. Bulgaria has taken over the chairmanship over the Decade of Roma Inclusion for one year. Regular monitoring meetings are organised in order to review the implementation of this programme. The administrative capacity of the Commission for Protection against Discrimination has been strengthened by recruiting additional staff. The implementation of vocational and other training measures for vulnerable groups has continued. Further training was provided to officials of the Directorate Ethnic and Demographic Issues."
Concerning the negative trends the following has been noted " ... certain concerns persist. The job profiles and budget for the assistant teachers have not been conclusively defined. Measures to integrate Roma children in schools have to be further enhanced to cover higher education. The health status of the Roma population is low and outbreaks of diseases caused by poverty or lacking hygiene are frequent. Many Roma continue to have limited access to healthcare services. Efforts to include vulnerable groups, in particular Roma, in the labour market need to be further enhanced.
"The administrative capacity of the National Council for Cooperation on Ethnic and Demographic Issues remains weak, particularly on the regional level. The governmental approach to non-registered settlements of mainly Roma community has led to tensions. Forced evictions further increased those tensions. Further efforts are needed to combat all forms of intolerance, particularly by fully applying existing legislation on broadcasting and other activities aiming to combat any form of racism, discrimination or xenophobia."
The Monitoring Report concerning Romania's preparedness for accession assesses progress with regard to issues of the political, economic criteria and the acquis areas, which were still outstanding in the May report (2.1 Political criteria).
Regarding Roma, the Reports states that "... In the field of protection of minorities, only limited progress can be reported. The draft law on the statute of national minorities and setting up the principles of equality and nondiscrimination and multi-culturalism, is still being discussed in parliament. This legislative process needs to be followed closely. The new National Employment Plan which was approved in August 2006 provides targeted action for minorities, including Roma. The law on preventing and sanctioning all forms of discrimination has been amended to meet EU standards related to the independence of the National Council for Combating Discrimination. The administrative capacity of the National Agency for Roma has improved as regional offices are being developed. The Agency has also begun implementing community development projects which could make a significant and long lasting contribution to improving the situation of Roma. However, certain concerns persist.
"Implementation is slow. Social inclusion of the Roma minority remains a structural problem. Overall living conditions are still inadequate. Employment measures should be further developed and implemented. Adequate resources for Roma strategies and policies are not always ensured, especially at the local level. The Romanian authorities do not yet demonstrate at all levels that a zero-tolerance policy on racism against Roma is applied.
"There are still cases of institutional violence against and assaulting of Roma, such as police raids and evictions in Roma communities, without providing them with alternative accommodation. Generally, the level of awareness of the Roma situation and of the government strategy for Roma, especially in the local communities which are responsible for the evictions, is low. Local authorities should be supported to develop community development projects and bring solutions to the problems of legality of Roma settlements or others. The institutional framework for the implementation of the national strategy for Roma is not yet sufficiently effective and it tends to diminish the decision-making capacity of the National Agency for Roma and representatives of the Roma population to participate effectively in decision-making in relevant areas. Romania's preparations in this area should be stepped up immediately and continued after accession."
The Report recognises that Bulgaria and Romania have made far-reaching efforts to adapt their legislation and administration to the laws and rules of the European Union and as a result of the progress made, Bulgaria and Romania will be in a position to take on the rights and obligations of EU membership on 1 January 2007.
More info on http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/key_documents/reports_sept_2006_en.htm
Ivan Ivanov, Executive Director, ERIO.
Ivan.ivanov@erionet.org
Valery Novoselsky, Consultant, ERIO information program.
romale@zahav.net.il
The European Roma Information Office (ERIO) is an international advocacy organization, which promotes political and public discussion on Roma issues by providing factual and in-dept information on a range of policy issues to the European Union institutions, Roma civil organizations, governmental authorities and intergovernmental bodies. The ERIO cooperates with a network of a large number of organizations and acts to combat racial discrimination and social exclusion through awareness raising, lobbying and policy development.
ERIO
Ave. Edouard Lacomble 17
Brussels 1040
Belgium
Tel: 0032(0)27333462
Fax: 0032(0)27333875
E-mail: office@erionet.org
EUROPEAN ROMA INFORMATION OFFICE http://www.erionet.org
Roma Center for Social Intervention and Studies
Country Report: Zero-Tolerance Policy on Racism
Presented yesterday, September, 26, 2006 the European Commission’s Report outlines the Commission's assessment of Romania and Bulgaria's progress since May 2006, in terms of accession to the European Union. Although it ascertains a progress, the Commission also identifies a number of areas of continuing concern, and, unless the countries take immediate corrective action, the Commission will initiate appropriate measures. Both countries are strongly encouraged to make proper use of the months before accession, in order to address the remaining issues.
In regard to protection of minorities, the Commission can report only limited progress. Thus, few concerns continue to remain in regard to the Roma in Romania:
“Implementation of the Romanian Government Strategy for the Improvement of Roma Condition is slow. Social inclusion of the Roma minority remains a structural problem. Overall living conditions are still inadequate. Employment measures should be further developed and implemented. Adequate resources for Roma strategies and policies are not always ensured, especially at the local level. The Romanian authorities do not yet demonstrate at all levels that a zero-tolerance policy on racism against Roma is applied.
“There are still cases of institutional violence against and assaulting of Roma, such as police raids and evictions in Roma communities, without providing them with alternative accommodation. Generally, the level of awareness of the Roma situation and of the government strategy for Roma, especially in the local communities which are responsible for the evictions, is low. Local authorities should be supported to develop community development projects and bring solutions to the problems of legality of Roma settlements or others. The institutional framework for the implementation of the national strategy for Roma is not yet sufficiently effective and it tends to diminish the capacity decision-making capacity of […] representatives of the Roma population to participate effectively in decision-making in relevant areas. Romania's preparations in this area should be stepped up immediately and continued after accession.”
The EC Report underlines and certifies the conclusions of the human rights organizations: in the 2006 Romania we are still facing cases of human rights violation, especially in the case of Roma minority.
Romani CRISS reminds of the recent cases of Police abuse (Gepiu, Bihor County – 5 Roma persons assaulted by policemen as result of a raid; Pata Rat, Cluj Napoca – 10 houses of Roma burned down during a Police raid; Bontida, Cluj County – 5 Roma physically abused by policemen, two of the victims were minors; Reghin, Mures County – 36 Roma victims after a Police and Special Forces raid), as well as of the forced evictions (Chitila, Bucharest – 7 Roma houses demolished during winter, without providing the people with alternative accommodation; Miercurea Ciuc – eviction of approximately 50 persons, to move them near a filtering station on which fence, the same with the new Roma’s settlement, had posted boards with warning of the toxicity danger; Piatra Neamt – approximately 250 people, mainly Roma, evicted).
Romani CRISS makes available to local and central authorities the reports on the severest cases of human rights violation. We remind that these reports include also possible solutions in some cases. We also mark out and support the Country Report’s conclusions, according to which “Romania's preparations in this area should be stepped up immediately and continued after accession.”
We take into consideration the commitment undertaken yesterday by the President of Romania, Traian Basescu: “Our life is not going to change fundamentally from 31st December to 1st of January. I will continue to be a critic of institutions that need to catch up” and inform him of few such examples: the Ministry of Internal Affairs and local authorities – evictions and Police abuse against Roma. Things will not change over night in the case of Roma, citizens of Romania, either, unless institutions catch up soon.
Sincerely,
Cezara David
PR Coordinator
Romani CRISS
Roma Center for Social Intervention and Studies
19, Buzesti St., Sector 1
Bucharest – Romania
Tel: +4 021/ 310 70 60
Fax: +4 021/ 310 70 70
E-mail: office@romanicriss.org
Roma Center for Social Intervention and Studies http://www.romanicriss.org
Please also see:
Fourth arm of the state. Romania's press becomes a willing partner in prejudice
Romania's media is a willing partner in the perpetuation of racism, prejudice and discrimination.
Valeriu Nicolae
http://www.eurozine.com/articles/2006-09-21-nicolae-en.html
Bulgaria and Romania to Join European Union
http://www.unobserver.com/index.php?pagina=layout5.php&id=2616&blz=1