Prague, Feb 3 (CTK) – The Czech government agency for Romany inclusion will immediately stop its activities in Holesov, south Moravia, over the town hall’s allegedly segregationist policies, Vaclav Zeman, from the agency, has told CTK, citing the monitoring committee’s decision.
The 20-member committee comprises experts from Romany associations, ministries, regional authorities and town halls.
Holesov mayor Zdenek Janalik, however, dismisses the claim, saying it is a misunderstanding.
„The Holesov town hall applies practices of segregation instead of integration. We want to send a clear sign to Holesov and other towns that such approach is incompatible with the agency’s,“ said Czeslaw Walek, director of the Government Office’s human rights section and a member of the monitoring committee.
The agency, which provides advice to towns on issues related to Romany integration, will discontinue its cooperation with Holesov after the town hall had more than 70 local Romanies moved from the town to container-like houses on its outskirts, Walek said.
According to an analysis experts completed a couple of years ago, there are over 300 excluded localities, houses or neighbourhoods, in the Czech Republic. Romanies prevail among their inhabitants. Many Romany children end up in „practical schools“ for pupils with learning difficulties, which critics say is inappropriate.
The agency’s workers try to coordinate cooperation of local town halls, labour offices, schools and NGOs on a local Romany integration plan outlining the necessary steps in areas such as education, housing, safety and employment.
The agency also helps towns apply for EU subsidies.
The agency started operation in 12 towns in 2008, and later it extended it to include another 11 towns.
In accordance with schedule, it plans to end its activities in six towns in mid-2011. In another six it will continue to operate until end-2012.
