Integration of Roma Children into the Educational System

Dear Minister,

Following a publication in the newspaper “To Vima” on 20/09/2001, and after research conducted by my collaborators regarding the refusal of certain school directors to enroll Roma children, I would like to express my deep concern and sadness about the manifestations of racist phenomena and violations of human rights in public institutions.

As is known, a fundamental component of European policy, as well as our government’s policy, remains the creation of conditions for equal opportunities for all citizens, without discrimination based on nationality, race, language, or religious or political beliefs. (Article 13 of the Amsterdam Treaty and Article 5, §3 of the Constitution of Greece).

However, despite the efforts made by your ministry, and particularly by those responsible for the “Education of Roma Children” program, to integrate Roma into Greek society and specifically into the educational system, the situation appears to be more disappointing than in previous years.

Therefore, I request your immediate intervention in order to eliminate such phenomena and simultaneously to punish those responsible whose arbitrary actions contribute to the exclusion of Roma children from public education.

Sincerely,

Anna KARAMANOU