The state's attitude towards the Roma community in Montenegro is best illustrated by the example of Volujica, where the Roma family Bisljimi lost four members and their roof over their heads in a horrific fire, the Civic Alliance (GA) announced today.
"Today, after more than a year, instead of the promised security, they are faced with poverty, unsafe living conditions and institutional silence. Despite clear announcements that they would be provided with a roof over their heads, there has been no concrete solution to date, which shows a lack of political will and responsibility. The state often does not recognize the complexity of the challenges that Roma face, nor does it approach them in a way that would lead to substantial and sustainable changes," the statement from the Civic Association, signed by Jelena Ristović, states.
The non-governmental organization (NGO) added that although the institutional level emphasizes commitment to equality and a dignified life for all citizens, the reality is far from that.
"Members of the Roma community continue to face systemic discrimination, obstacles to education, difficult access to healthcare and the inability to exercise basic human rights. This attitude of the state, marked by passivity, irresponsibility and lack of political will, contributes to the further marginalization of Roma men and women and the deepening of social inequalities. A particular problem is also posed by negative social practices such as forced marriages, which, although prohibited by law, continue to exist, further endangering the rights and prospects of young Roma women," the statement reads.
The CA stated that without real political will and concrete steps, the problems of minority communities will remain synonymous with institutional indifference, and promises will remain empty words that pale in the face of the burden of reality.
"On the occasion of International Roma Day, the Civic Alliance conducted an analysis of the position of Roma in Montenegro, which included demographic aspects and obstacles faced by this community. Special focus was placed on the case of the Bisljimi family, which illustrates the problem of institutions' unwillingness to react in a timely manner in crisis situations and find a long-term solution. Finally, specific recommendations were given for the competent institutions and organizations dealing with minority policies, with the primary goal of improving the position of Roma in Montenegro," said the Civic Alliance.
Analysis is available HERE.
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