Dosta! Campaign launched in Slovenia

Campaign for Eliminating Prejudice Against Roma Launched 
18/11/2008 - STA / Slovenia
 

A campaign aimed at bridging the gap between the Roma and the majority population was launched in Ljubljana on Monday. Parliamentary Speaker Pavel Gantar said on the occasion that he was convinced that the campaign would contribute to better understanding between cultures and eliminate many prejudices.

Gantar is proud that the campaign was first launched in Slovenia, he is however displeased that such a campaign is necessary, as living in harmony in a modern society like Slovenia should seem natural.

Head of the Government Office for Nationalities Stanko Baluh said that the campaign dubbed "Dosta! Enough! Go beyond Prejudice, discover the Roma!".

aimed at freeing people of prejudices and stereotypes and wants to show who Roma people actually are.

Vera Klopcic of the Institute for Ethnic Studies said that even though the Roma had been living in Europe since the 14th century the majority population did not see them as equal.

Some progress in improving their economic and social situation in Europe has been made, however such endeavours are often hampered by deeply rooted beliefs and prejudices, she added.

There are some 12 million of Roma people in Europe. They are present in almost all EU members and represent over 5% of the population in some Central and Eastern European countries.

Head of the Council of the Roma Community Jozek Horvat Muc meanwhile stressed the importance of exposing all forms of intolerance, racism and such. It is also important that the Roma make good use of all possibilities given to them by the campaign.

The campaign is a part of the Council of Europe and the European Commission's programme for equal rights and treatment for Roma in South Eastern Europe.

 Listen to the "Dosta! anthem" for Slovenia