site.btaRoma Organization Urges Establishment of Roma Inclusion Agency

Roma Organization Urges Establishment of Roma Inclusion Agency

Sofia, November 10 (BTA) - Petko Assenov, who represents
Bulgaria's Roma community in the International Romani Union, has
 urged for the establishment of a state agency for Roma
inclusion. Assenov, who is also a leader of the National Centre
for the Development of the Roma, took part in a BTA-hosted news
conference on Tuesday.

He said that an agency will make financing of Roma inclusion
more transparent. In his words, millions of leva have been spent
 without any tangible results and have only made richer the
leaders of various organizations.

The National Centre for the Development of Roma has made an
analysis of the activities of organizations that have absorbed
significant funds for inclusion of minorities. According to the
Centre, in many cases there are no documents to justify
expenditures and the prosecution authorities should get
involved.

Assenov argued that suspending social benefits and redirecting
money to qualification courses and the creation of more jobs for
 the Roma will be an efficient measure. The Centre also urges
for permanent municipal Roma labour exchanges and wants state
institutions to cooperate through programmes and projects for
alternative employment to encourage small and family Roma
businesses. Assenov said that the traditional way of living and
culture of the Roma should be revived.

He urged the media to stop using hate speech. According to him,
journalists and politicians foster a negative attitude towards
the Roma community.

The Centre has requested meetings with the Prime Minister and
the President to acquaint them with its programme for Roma
integration.

In November in Sofia there will be a conference of the
International Romani Union which comprises 48 states. The forum
will highlight the inclusion of children in school education.