Open letter to EC

Open letter to European Commission

Equal opportunities without discrimination for Roma people from Moldova.

We find it difficult to understand what is the purpose today of the Moldovan Government as European Integration and its added value to what has been achieved so far. The Governmental policies for Roma integration is false and are not seen to reach the Roma people needs on the ground.

We appreciate the efforts made by the European Commission in Republic of Moldova, however, it is lamentable, to say that work should be done with the Roma and not for the Roma, as many of the efforts of the Moldovan Government have so far ended with a minimal or no result at all. This will continue as long as the Roma community and its representatives are not involved neither consulted in any of the governmental initiatives or programmes designed which in fact as consequences affect people lives and to add that some of those decision makers had never visited any Roma settlement!

We ask that Roma in Moldova should be treated with respect, fairness, justice and equality. Equal citizenship for all Roma can only be achieved by eliminating and condemning verbal and physical attacks and discrimination against Roma. Roma need to be listened to, to be included, to be empowered so that Roma can have a sense of pride and self-respect. Exclusion hinders the potential of Roma to become active citizens, who are capable of contributing to society development. It states that We will assume our responsibilities to act jointly, forcefully and effectively against anti-Gypsyism. This calls for Roma participation in decision-making as an essential element to achieve meaningful Roma inclusion.

We would like once again to highlight for you that a report of UNDP from Moldova from 2013 says that: “…Roma represent one of the most vulnerable groups of population in Moldova. Roma population faces discrimination and multiple barriers to social inclusion, employment, education, health care and other services. The poverty rates in Roma population raises to 65%, with a higher incidence in families with children. The living conditions of Roma families are worse as compared to non-Roma groups. Only 16% of Roma households have indoor toilet, 20% have indoor shower or bath, and 23% are connected to the public sewerage system. Unemployment rate among Roma is 50% higher than the overall population. Almost 61% of Roma live on less than 2 USD per day, which percentage is 2-3 times higher than Moldova’s average. Three out of four Roma household feel totally insecure in terms of their economic situation.

Being less educated, more affected by unemployment, they are also less likely to access the existing community services. Only one third of Roma dispose of the mandatory health insurance, and although a part of the population is ensured by the state (children and elderly), one quarter of Roma households do not know any health worker they could refer to in case of necessity. Stigmatization of Roma, high costs of health services and the informal payments are important impediments for Roma to demand medical assistance, and they are more likely to become sick and develop chronic diseases as compared to the general population.