Roma, an european people
The Roma leave places such as Romania and Bulgaria, which are poorly developed, in search of a better life in other EU states. In so doing, they use their rights as European citizens.
27 August 2010, 13:11
French authorities are intent on sending hundreds of Roma people, who live illegally in their country, back to their countries of origin.
The Roma leave places such as Romania and Bulgaria, which are poorly developed, in search of a better life in other EU states. In so doing, they use their rights as European citizens.
But their lifestyle, their poor education and legal disobedience have only turned them into pariahs in states that live by strict rules and have long been keen on applying them.
Illegal suburban camps, begging, theft, juvenile delinquency, and unemployment make up the image of the groups of Roma that the French government wants to send back home, by the end of this month.
A financial aid was added to assists the immigrants in their trip. Every adult Roma was granted a 300-euro allowance, while 100 euros went to every child.
Hundreds of Romanian and Bulgarian Roma people have been subjected to this operation. Some of them have already made it back home.
And for the time being, there is no going back, considering that, under European citizenship regulation, they are only entitled to return to France, after 6 months.
The decision of French authorities does not sit will with all parties. The European Commission and the UN have drawn the attention of the French government, pointing out that they violate the right to free movement, provided by the Human Rights Chart.
In response, Paris says that the operation is based on the Roma’s willing return and calls on Romania and Bulgaria to assume the protection of their own citizens.
France has received Italy’s backing, this week, as Rome warned that it was adamant in taking tough measures, similar to the 2008 measures, when the Roma were subjected to hand print tests.
The mayor of Milan has even called for the expulsion of some Roma categories, as an alternative to voluntary repatriation.
The difference between the Roma and the majority of the population is defined by poverty and inequality.
They will continue to be a problem for the entire continent as long as one-handed, properly funded policies are not put forth, to help Roma people adapt socially.
Otherwise, as a French official claims, after years of Communist repression, the Roma will only know one part of the entire European project – the right to travel from one ghetto to another.
(Radio România Internaţional, Serviciul în limba engleză).
