The Center for the Affirmation of the Roma-Egyptian Population (CAREP) believes that the Montenegrin Cultural Network (CKM) has shown a textbook example of racism and discrimination. They most strongly condemned the messages sent by CKM with photographs within the project "Montenegro without division".
"These supposed promoters of culture, who are 'against division' by dressing citizens of all ethnicities in national costumes, and Roma in the uniform of city cleanliness, have shown how much they really care about cultural and civilizational values. The shameful photo shows why in Montenegro, according to all research , the degree of distance towards the Roma is the greatest, as well as the fact that it is actually fueled and maintained to a large extent by such social and public actors. Because of this unacceptable insult to the Roma, we expect a reaction from the competent ministries, but also from the rest of the Montenegrin public, which is full of equality and European standards." , it is stated in the press release signed by CAREP and NGO "Prima".
As they emphasize, City Cleanliness work suits are not and must not be a feature of the RE population.
"Roma culture is made up of colorful folk costumes, dances and songs that the creators of this project would know if there really were no divisions in Montenegrin society. This image does not contribute to the reduction of stereotypes and prejudices, but on the contrary presents the Roma people in a negative light and marginalizes and ostracizes them even more from Montenegrin society. Therefore, once again, we appeal to everyone, especially the media, not to allow such omissions and not to additionally discriminate against the RE population," the press release said.
Bonus video:
