Members of civil society organizations that work towards the promotion of Roma rights in Moldova say that a phenomenon of discrimination and racial hatred is breeding within the society and state institutions. The attitude towards persons of Roma ethnicity is governed by prejudice, and representatives of this ethnic group become victims of violence. During a press conference at IPN, the activists presented the story of an underage Roma girl who was subjected to violence in one of the capital’s schools.
Aurica Carai, member of the Radio Patrin Moldova organization, said that the incident took place on December 20, in the B.P. Hașdeu high school in Chișinău. A 13-year-old minor was beaten by her classmate. The aggressor motivated her acts by saying that her classmate “is a gipsy, and they always fight.”
Further conversations have revealed that the girl who initiated the fight had gotten mad at the Roma girl after the latter had thrown a snowball at her. The schoolgirl threw several punches to her head, causing a cerebral concussion. The Roma girl had been beaten previously, on at least three occasions, by peers from the same institution.
Voice of Roma Coalition Secretary Marin Alla consider that the Ministry of Education and other relevant entities should create instruments for raising awareness on the phenomenon of discrimination against Roma in the society. “We wish for proper living conditions, so that the system and the people work towards the benefit of everyone. Professors should understand how to address this issue and parents should teach their children not to manifest hatred towards their peers. This conflict needs a nation-wide resolution,” said Marin Alla.
Elena Sîrbu, President of the Platform of Roma Women in Moldova, says that the cases of discrimination and violence towards Roma people stem from ethnicity-driven intolerance and hatred. “It is regrettable that the Police called to address this case hinted towards the Roma as a mob, uneducated and incapable of listening,” said Elena Sîrbu.
According to Radio Patrin Moldova Founder Victoria Luca, discrimination towards Roma people is a systemic problem in the Moldovan society. To fight it, programs and social policies are needed, which would unify minorities and create a multi-cultural dialogue within the society and in state institutions.
The activists will take their case to the Prosecutor’s Office and the Children’s Ombudsperson.
