Govt lays the groundwork for tackling Roma issues
Ljubljana, 12 December - The government adopted a blueprint for tackling problems in Roma communities on Thursday after conflicts with the Roma in the southeast of the country have been escalating in recent months. The plan includes measures to promote integration of Roma children and efforts to improve living conditions in Roma villages.
Škocjan
Roma village Dobruška vas.
Photo: Aleš Kocjan/STA
File photo
"We are applying the same comprehensive approach we have applied to other reforms," deputy Prime Minister Matej Arčon said after the government confirmed guidelines for several legislative motions that will now be hashed out by individual ministries.
Amendments to the Kindergartens Act aim to improve the inclusion of Roma children at least one year before they enter primary school. They also bring about "the implementation of responsible parenthood in terms of ensuring equal opportunities and guaranteed rights for members of the Roma community".
Changes to the Parental Protection and Family Benefits Act would abolish an additional 20% child allowance if a child up to the age of four is not enrolled in kindergarten.
This allowance had been introduced years ago, when it was difficult to get a place in kindergarten, especially for younger children. However, as there is now enough space in kindergartens, there is no longer any need for this, the Ministry of Labour, the Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities said.
Changes to the Act on Primary Schools would extend teaching Slovenian language and culture to Roma children outside class if this is necessary to ensure the safety of other students. There would also be more detailed rules for monitoring truancy, with the possibility of earlier involvement of the social work centre.
Both legislative proposals involve the collection of data on ethnicity to protect the right of Roma children to education.
The government also highlighted the introduction of mandatory coordinators for the Roma in municipalities with Roma communities. Such coordinators would cooperate with social work centres, education institutions, the Employment Service, the probation office, police and other state institutions and the Roma community and the municipality.
Planned changes to the Act on the Roma Community focus on improving the living conditions in illegal Roma villages. According to Arčon, changes are also being considered to allow police officers to be more effective in case of violation of public law and order.
The rules on the financing of municipalities will be changed to set the criteria for dividing the funds among the municipalities with Roma communities.