A comprehensive investigation into the racial harassment of Roma in Gyöngyöspata must be a priority for the EU President Hungary, says MRG
24 March 2011
Minority Rights Group (MRG) has expressed deep concerns today about the recent intimidation and racial harassment of Roma, by the paramilitary group, Civil Guard Association "For a Better Future" and the informal defense group, the Troop of Rogue in Gyöngyöspata, Hungary.
For more than two weeks, uniformed members of "For a Better Future", supported by the Troop of Rogue, deployed patrols to stand guard in front of shops, instructed Roma to withdraw to their yards, entered schools, verbally abused Roma children and Roma patients in doctors rooms, along with continuous insults in the streets. Members of the Troop of Rogue were armed with axes and whips and accompanied by dogs.
MRG says that the government must live up to their commitments under international human rights law and protect the Roma from the escalating racial hostility in the country. Authorities must launch a criminal investigation and bring to justice those who were involved in the abuses.
"Leading the European Union in the adoption of the European Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies, the Hungarian government must take a firm and public stance against the harassment of the Roma minority in Gyöngyöspata," says Neil Clarke, Head of Europe and Central Asia Programmers. "The government must put an end to the proliferation of paramilitary and self-appointed defense groups."
"For a Better Future" arrived at Gyöngyöspata on 1st March, claiming to ‘restore public order'. Five days later Jobbik, with links to the Civil Guard Association and the disbanded Hungarian Guard, organised a demonstration, which fanned the flames against the town's 4-500 Roma population further.
That evening, more than a thousand demonstrators were reported marching with torches and flags in the segregated Roma housing colonies. The walk culminated, when a local Jobbik member forced Roma representatives, under intimidation, to sign the Rules of Cohabitation, a code of conduct regulating behaviour for Roma residents in schools, shops and on the street.
Many Roma are reporting having to live in constant fear from harassment, remaining in their homes and afraid to go out onto the streets. Parents are not letting their children go to school by themselves and many of the children are suffering serious shock as a result of the intimidation and abuse. On the 11th March, the president of the local minority council urged the Hungarian government in an open letter to intervene.
Most disturbingly, the police have been ignoring warnings from the Roma and are failing to provide adequate protection despite the ongoing threats. Reportedly, police did not patrol Roma-inhabited districts when the harassment took place.
"It is intolerable that apparently, the police have not fulfilled their legal obligations to protect citizens from racial harassment," said Clarke. "The government needs to take immediate steps to prevent mistreatment of the Roma in policing and to introduce a systematic and comprehensive monitoring of all incidents that may be racist."
Hungary's legal obligations include: declaring illegal and prohibiting organizations, and also organized and all other propaganda activities, which promote and incite racial discrimination; recognizing participation in such organizations or activities as an offence punishable by law; and guaranteeing the right to security of persons and protection by the State against violence or bodily harm, whether inflicted by government officials or by any individual group or institution.
"The 21st March is the Day Against Racism, marking the persecution and harassment of minorities all over the world including the Roma residents of Gyöngyöspata," Clarke added.
Notes to the Editor:
1. MRG is a member of the European Roma Policy Coalition (ERPC). Read the statement of the Coalition presented to the European Commission on the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies here .
2. MRG is participating in the Europe-wide Action Week Against Racism with various activities. Read about it here.
3. Minority Rights Group International (MRG) is a non-governmental organization working to secure the rights of ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities and indigenous peoples worldwide.
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