Romanian state bans segregation of Roma children in schools

Policy Response DateJuly 19, 2007 Country: Romania General Type: Discrimination, Institutional discrimination, Equality/Integration Racism and discrimination phenomena: Anti-roma/ romaphobia
Groups affected / Interested in: Roma & Travelers Key socio-economic/institutional areas: Education

In 2007, following a 2004 Minister Notification (No. 29323/2004) also banning segregation as well as NGO work documenting and challenging segregation cases; and following a consultation process with relevant institutions and also NGOs,[1] the Ministry of Education adopted Order 1540/2007 on banning school segregation of Roma children and approving the Methodology for the prevention and elimination of school segregation of Roma children. The Order has as objective “the prevention, banning and elimination of segregation, seen as a serious form of discrimination with negative consequences on equal access of children to quality education”. The Order forbids that segregated classes are formed for Ist and Vth grades (the first classes for the first and second education cycles in Romania). Yet, implementation is still slow, and schools which form segregated classes have been taken before the equality body also in 2012, eight years after the Notification and five after the Order. [2] However, the Order is an important legal provision.

In order, among others, to assist implementing the Order, Romani CRISS, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, and the NGOs: Equal Chances Association (Salaj), Roma Alliance Association from Galati and Rroma Heart llo Rrom (Brasov) have implemented a structural funds funded project also aiming at the implementation of de-segregation plans in 90 Romanian schools in the period 2009-2011. [3]

 

Sources:

1. Romani CRISS, Newsletter May-August 2007, available at: http://romanicriss.org/RCRISS%20newsletter%20mai-aug07.pdf (Accessed on 09.03.2012)

2. Romani CRISS, Press release, First day of school for Roma children – Lesson 1: Segregation, 16.02.2012, available at: http://www.romanicriss.org/PDF/comunicat%20presa%20Ionita%20Asan_engleza.pdf (Accessed on 09.03.2012)

3. Romani CRISS project Strategic steps for improving access to education of Roma children 2009-2011, available at: http://www.romanicriss.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=113&Itemid=11 (Accessed on 09.03.2012)