The decade of work towards Roma inclusion 2005 - 2015 is almost half way through. However LYMEC recognises that the situation for the largest European minority isn't improving fast enough. The combination of the economic crisis and xenophobic populist politicians mean that the opposite can be seen. LYMEC calls on European liberals to fight against the terrible situation faced by the Roma community and asks our European politicians to build on possible solutions for Roma integration, such as establishing local and global inter-ethnic partnerships and the recognition of both Roma language and culture.
The presidency of New Generation, Andras Lederer, Hungary, one of LYMECs member organisations, also stressed: 'the majority of European countries have a growing hostility against minorities and especially against impoverished minorities, like Romas. It isn’t just a verbal threat anymore, we don’t just see it in the media and hear it in politicians’ speeches. In Hungary alone, seven people have been killed, shot and blown up in fifteen atrocities aimed at Hungarian Roma's. Few countries are safe with attacks against Roma's in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and in Romania too. The xenophobic parties, which often use anti-gypsy rhetoric, have become more powerful than ever before in the last 20 years.'
Aloys Rigaut, LYMEC president: 'European liberals will always fight against xenophobic and extremist parties from gaining advantage, especially now when such groups are preying on the fears of the people caused by the economic crisis and the slowdown of integration. We liberals believe that intolerance and segregation cannot solve ethnic tensions and will only make matters worse. One of the most important principles of the European Union is cooperation and integration. The integration of the Roma minority is a real European issue. The EU cannot afford to polarize conflicts and not to integrate this potential manpower.'
Dries Holvoet, LYMEC Bureau Member add: 'We also call on the both the EU and non - EU countries to unite their fight against the pauperism and segregation of Europe’s largest minority. LYMEC suggests the member states to adopt the principle of subsidiarity, and establish the frameworks for solving these problems locally. Since integration can only be realized through the interoperability of both sides, LYMEC calls on Roma organizations and communities to cooperate with European, national and civil organizations, for the sake of the cause.'
Image Credit: <u><font color="#800080">Calpeacepower</u>
