For years, there has been talk about improving the position of Roma and Egyptians in Montenegro, but nothing substantial is being done to put it into practice, announced Ganija Pajazitaj, president of the NGO "Association of Displaced Roma and Egyptians from Kosmet in Montenegro", on the occasion of World Day Roma, which is celebrated on April 8.
In a statement sent to the media, she pointed out that from time to time a round table, forum is held, people talk about the situation of Roma and Egyptians, and very little, or almost nothing, of what is said is realized.
"This year we welcome the International Roma Day and we celebrate it, but there must be a reason to celebrate. April 8 is a good reason, but if you see the environment in which people live, then you will understand that there is no reason to celebrate. If you pass by of new buildings in the Konik Roma settlement, you will see children, dirty, naked and barefoot, playing in the street, who do not go to kindergartens, they do not even go to school... A scene like from Kusturica's movies.
Instead of improving their intellectual abilities, Roma tend to do low-paid physical jobs to support their families. "Despite sporadic efforts by the state and its institutions to improve the position of the Roma community, there is a general belief that there are very few, if any, essential changes," Pajazitaj believes.
He also said that in recent years, numerous non-governmental organizations have implemented a large number of projects related to the contribution to improving the status of the RE community in Montenegro.
"But there was no progress, because dealing with the issue of these communities obviously became for many a good opportunity for business, and for quick and easy earnings, so April 8 is also an opportunity for business from which these communities have nothing at all", opinions is Pajazitaj.
He said that the practice of discrimination and segregation towards the community of Roma and Egyptians must finally be stopped.
"The government of Montenegro is trying to solve the most significant problems in accordance with its capabilities. Unfortunately, there is sometimes a lack of political will to improve the position of the Roma community in Montenegro. There are local action plans, which are not operational and are not implemented in practice.
One should be honest and say that there are certain developments, especially when it comes to education. The number of children enrolled in regular school education is increasing every year. The number of high school and university students is also increasing. The decision of the Government of Montenegro to provide scholarships for high school students and students every year certainly contributed to these good results, and that is to be commended. These are essential measures and activities that produce concrete results, and we should persevere in that," the announcement concludes.
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