On the eve of April 8 – International Roma Day, yesterday in the Cabinet of President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, a debate was held on the topic “Challenges with the integration of Roma through the prism of youth”.
Participants in the debate were pupils and students, members of the Roma community. The debate was led by Doan Sulejmanovski, Director of the “Shaip Jusuf” High School, member of the Youth Council and member of the Pardoning Commission.
Congratulating them on the upcoming International Roma Day, President Siljanovska-Davkova told young Roma that the Cabinet, as a common civic home, is an appropriate place to celebrate this most important Roma holiday.
She told those present to be proud of their ethnicity, given the proven creativity, modesty, ability and adaptability, which makes them special.
She encouraged them to contribute to the competition in all fields, pointing out examples of successful Roma, in order to create an authentic image, because the narrative about Roma is based on their perception, which is not immune to ignorance and even prejudice.
The most important thing, according to her, is for the best Roma to find themselves in the appropriate positions, as proof that knowledge, intelligence and dedication are rewarded regardless of affiliation on any basis. She reminded that affirmative action in the case of Roma is particularly important given the pronounced vulnerability of this category of Macedonian citizens.
A lively debate developed in which many students and pupils participated. Their critical thinking and self-awareness impressed. They pointed out a series of examples of discrimination against Roma on all grounds, detected the biggest problems they face, and proposed solutions.
When it comes to resolving the Roma issue, however, the President, as well as some participants, pointed to our country as a positive example, referring to the constitutional status of the Roma, the formation of a municipality with a dominant Roma population in which the Roma language is the official language, the political engagement of the Roma through the formation of Roma political parties, the acquisition of mayoral, parliamentary and other positions, investment in education and culture, and the stimulation of the civic center.
Many challenges were pointed out, such as the problem of studying the Roma language as a mother tongue and as a constitutionally guaranteed right. For the President, the establishment of a Department of the Roma Language will contribute to the creation of pedagogical staff to teach the Roma language.
The need to establish a Roma cultural center, a decent health center, cultural, artistic and sports societies, and a library was also pointed out.
The young people pointed out the still-current problem of “phantom” persons, i.e. people who still do not have personal documents and are prevented from exercising their right to education and healthcare, and are also faced with a series of administrative obstacles in their daily functioning.
For the guests, the low quality of health services received by the Roma, given the chronic shortage of medical staff in Suto Orizari, is worrying.
The debate highlighted the need for urgent establishment of the Interparty Parliamentary Group for Roma Rights, as well as ensuring the representation of the Roma in the Committee on Inter-Community Relations by appointing members from communities that do not have representatives in the Parliament as soon as possible by the Ombudsman.
According to the President, our model of resolving the status of the Roma in the country can be our civilizational contribution to the EU.
