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One on OneGovernment’s Roma inclusion agency head Martin Šimáček: most mayors not ready to work hard on integration

One of the gravest problems facing Czech society is the situation of the country’s Romany minority. According to official estimates, there are between 150,000 and 300,000 Romanies living in the country; they face disproportionately high unemployment and continued discrimination in housing and education. Some 80,000 of them live in socially excluded locations. To assist the local authorities in improving the living conditions in such cities and towns, the Czech government set up in 2009 the Agency for Social Inclusion in Romany Localities. The agency has been active in more than 20 such areas, and this year, 19 more applied to join the programme. More

NewsCouncil of Europe report calls for bigger efforts for Roma inclusion ´

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Current AffairsTowns want controversial powers to deal with transients and petty criminals

Mayors from 51 communities across the Czech Republic met this week to discuss problems their constituencies are having with transients, loiterers and petty criminals, most of whom the towns say are Roma. The result was a letter to the government asking for greater local authority to dissuade and punish problematic citizens. The specific measures though are controversial. More

NewsInterior minister promises help in town if crime incidence goes up

Current AffairsPoverty, insecurity and discrimination hindering Roma school kids in the education process

A sociological study, released by Gabal Analysis and Consulting, shows that a staggering 40 percent of Romany children drop out of elementary school and never go back, a figure that is eight times higher than the national average. The study, based on data collected from 14 elementary schools over the past five years, highlights one of the basic problems underlying an endless vicious circle of discrimination of the country’s Romany minority. Kumar Vishwanatan, a community worker who works with the Roma in one of the country’s poorest districts, says there are many factors contributing to this trend. More

NewsMother and son get suspended sentences for petrol bomb attack on Romany home

Current AffairsNew survey finds most Czechs sceptical about Romanies’ integration

A new survey commissioned by the Czech Interior Ministry has revealed that more than 80 percent of Czechs see Romanies as “inadaptable”. The poll also suggests that around 10 percent of the country’s majority population identify with an extreme right agenda. More

NewsYouth said he would emulate Hitler’s treatment of Roma population

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