Roma community is still one of the most marginalized groups in Kosovo. None of the institutions, being it political, social or cultural seriously worked to overcome these issues, Roma activist Gazmen Salijevic said on the occasion of International Roma Day, Radio KIM reports.
He noted that 19 years since the end of the conflict, the situation of Roma have not changed, and these people are mentioned in negative context only.
“They write and talk about you or me as members of non-majority communities only when something bad happens, and I and members of my community are looked at with prejudices,” Salijevic told Radio KIM journalist.
The main issues hampering the lives of this community are poor economic situation and unemployment.
“When it comes to the employment of Roma, in particular in the ministries and other institutions in Kosovo we are almost nonexistent. There are Roma if there are guaranteed seats, and it is Kosovo Parliament. And I would leave it up to you to judge the political effect and work in the Parliament,” Salijevic added.
He also opined one should think about launching a platform in order to resolve numerous issues affecting the Roma community. He urged domestic and international institutions to seriously deal with the issues of this community at all times and not only on April 8, the International Roma Day.
Salijevic emphasized the true success would be giving equal opportunities to the Roma community to be part of the institutions and be part of the society without prejudices and discrimination.