Czech Government Adopts Term "Antigypsyism" to Combat Discrimination Against Roma People

The Czech government has officially adopted the term "antigypsyism" to combat discrimination against Roma people in the country. Human rights activists have praised the move as a significant step in acknowledging and addressing the systemic prejudice faced by the Roma community.

The adoption of the term "antigypsyism" constitutes an important recognition by the Czech government of the discrimination and unequal treatment experienced by Roma people. It signals a commitment to take action to promote greater equality and inclusion for the Roma population.

The European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) has been actively involved in legal actions and investigations related to discrimination against Roma across Europe. The ERRC has filed complaints regarding issues such as unequal access to education for Roma children, denial of abortion services to Roma women, and the tragic death of a Romani girl.

In a report, the ERRC highlighted how antigypsyism functions as the primary barrier preventing Roma, Sinti, and Traveller communities from participating in sports and physical activities in Europe. The organization has worked to expose and challenge the systemic discrimination faced by these groups.

The North Macedonian Equality Body also recently issued an opinion against a primary school in Prilep for the "indirect, continued discrimination leading to segregation" of Romani pupils. This case further emphasizes the pervasive issue of antigypsyism and educational discrimination against Roma children in the region.

Why this matters: The Czech government's adoption of the term "antigypsyism" marks an important step in officially recognizing and confronting the long-standing discrimination faced by the Roma community. This move has the potential to spur concrete actions and policies to address the systemic inequalities and promote greater inclusion for Roma people in Czech society and across Europe.

The adoption of the term "antigypsyism" by the Czech government comes amidst ongoing efforts by organizations like the European Roma Rights Centre to expose and challenge the discrimination faced by Roma communities. With the North Macedonian Equality Body also taking a stand against school segregation of Romani pupils, there is growing recognition of the need to address the systemic barriers and prejudices that have long marginalized Roma people in Europe.

Key Takeaways

• Czech govt adopts "antigypsyism" to combat Roma discrimination.
• ERRC files complaints on Roma discrimination in education, healthcare.
• ERRC exposes systemic barriers preventing Roma participation in sports.
• North Macedonia Equality Body condemns segregation of Romani pupils.
• Adoption of "antigypsyism" term aims to promote Roma inclusion in Europe.