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| The special school in Targu Lapus (c) Sat Mic Film, LLC |
Throughout Europe, large numbers of Roma children are segregated in separate classes, in ghetto schools, and even in special schools for students with intellectual disabilities. These schools offer very poor quality education in appalling conditions: Windows and basic furniture are often broken, and teaching materials, such as handbooks or chalk are hrd to come by. The curriculum of these schools is often “slowed down” to the point where they make it impossible for students to ever catch up with their non-Roma peers. Teachers there are ill prepared and unmotivated.
Human rights groups have mobilized to address the issue by mobilizing the international community and bringing landmark court cases. In 2007, Europe’s highest human rights court issued the first judgment on the issue, condemning the Czech Republic for systematically segregating Roma children in special schools for children with intellectual disabilities. Two similar cases, one involving Greece and the other involving Croatia, have been brought since.
The Decade of Roma Inclusion, a commitment by 12 European governments modeled largely on the UN Millennium Development Goals, and a new European strategy for Roma inclusion have placed education at their heart. It is still to early to estimating the impact or even promise of these initiatives.
who works in the field
who works in the field
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| The Moldovan family watching Our School in 2011 (c) Sat Mic Film, LLC |
Amnesty International
Decade of Roma Inclusion
Dosta! Campaign
European Network Against Racism
European Roma Information Office
European Roma Rights Centre
Human Rights Watch
Open Society Justice Initiative
OSI Roma Initiatives Office
Roma Education Fund
National organizations
Bulgaria
Areté Youth Foundation
Bulgarian Helsinki Committee
DROM Vidin
Czech Republic
Společně do školy
Greece
Greek Helsinki Monitor
Hungary
Esélyt a Hátrányos Helyzetű Gyerekeknek Alapítvány
Romania
Romani CRISS
Şcoala fără discriminare
UK
Equality UK
US
Facing History and Ourselves
NAACP Legal Defense Fund
resources
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