In the Republic of Moldova, there are 62 localities that are densely populated by Romanies. A large part of the Roma want that the country to becomes part of the EU, but these are not so many in number. More information about the European integration process is necessary and this should be done by civil society and also by the authorities and by European representatives in the Republic of Moldova. The suggestion was formulated by the Coalition “Voice of the Roma” that consists of 35 NGOs.
“The Coalition “Voice of the Roma” holds this news conference ahead of the EPC Summit namely because the observance and protection of human rights are one of the main components of the European integration process. It also goes to the Roma community – a community with a complex vulnerability profile,” Ion Duminica, a member of the Coalition’s Secretariat, stated in a news conference hosted by IPN.
According to him, activities for the inclusion of the Roma community in Moldova have been initiated since 2000. The activities are aimed at four target groups. One of the groups consists of the Romanies who are concentrated primarily in the northern districts of the country. Another group was created together with the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in February 2022. This consists of the Roma refugees and this community needs to be integrated into Moldovan society through European instruments. The third group is represented by the Roma from the left side of the Nistru – a community with which they work and that requires social inclusion policies. After the visa regime with the EU was liberalized, a large community appeared and this immigrated to the European states. These Romanies ask for political asylum. Many of them returned from the EU states and form one more group that should be integrated into the country here.
Marin Alla, executive director of the Coalition “Voice of the Roma”, said the Republic of Moldova is a European country and it should apply functional mechanism and instruments to ensure the observance of the universal principle of human rights. The Republic of Moldova should take all the necessary steps to become a member of the European family.
According to Marin Alla, the Roma community in Moldova supports the idea of joining the EU. 20% of the Roma community realizes the benefits of the European integration. But the interest of the 80% needs to be aroused so that they realize what major changes for the benefit of the Roma community can be enjoyed together with Moldova’s integration into the EU.
The Coalition’s director noted that the EPC Summit is necessary and useful to Moldova, while the participants from abroad will see if Moldova is ready to become part of the European family or not. “When we join the European family, I hope the rights of the Roma community will be better addressed, including within the dialogue between three institutions – the President, the Parliament and the Government. I hope that the subject of the Roma will also be raised. Policies should be developed to support this community as, in the efforts to become a member of the EU, the solving of the problems of the Roma group in the Republic of Moldova cannot be ignored,” said Marin Alla.
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