Roma Education Fund, along with Idetartozunk Egyesület (We Belong Here Association), Central European University (CEU), 1Magyarország Kezdeményezés (1Hungary Initiative), Pedagógusok Demokratikus Szakszervezete (Democratic Union of Pedagogues), Igazgyöngy Alapítvány (Real Pearl Foundation), Társaság a Szabadságjogokért (Hungarian Civil Liberties Union) and Romaversitas Alapítvány (Romaversitas Foundation) would like to express our concern regarding the case of Romani children’s segregation in education in Gyöngyöspata, Hungary. The act of interference in the judicial proceedings in part of the State, and more specifically the Prime Minister, to withhold the legally binding verdict is in contradiction with the democratic rule of law, and with the European Union principals, underpinned by the separation of powers and independence of judiciary.
We call upon our respective European Union institutions such as the EU Parliament, the EU Council, and the EU Commission to join our efforts in drawing attention to the responsible authorities in ensuring equal access to education for all children and a free and independent judiciary.
REF’s mission and ultimate goal is to contribute to closing the gap in educational outcomes between Roma and non-Roma. In order to achieve this, we support policies and programs that ensure quality education for Roma, including the desegregation of education systems. In the past 15 years we have supported over 550 projects implemented by partnering civil society organizations, educational institutions and/or governments with the goal of supporting access to high-quality, integrated schooling at all educational levels. In addition, REF has awarded over 16,600 scholarships to students in tertiary education in 16 countries. Our results and rich experience clearly demonstrate the impact that positive education interventions have on Roma children in building their knowledge, skills, resilience and leadership. Our impact also sheds light on the negative impact of segregation which further exacerbates the marginalization of Roma. Roma have been exposed to racism and discrimination in many countries of Europe and continue to live in dire circumstances. Education is often seen as a primary tool to support Roma in accessing the labour market, increase employment rates, and enable them to lead a successful and beneficial life for themselves and society.
As the European Convention on Human Rights declare “no person shall be denied the right to education” and furthermore, these rights should be enjoyed without discrimination on any grounds. We call upon the EU Parliament, EU Council and EU Commission to collectively stand with us in condemning the actions of the Hungarian government to scapegoat and stigmatize Roma, and we appeal to the Hungarian authorities to ensure our collective rights to an inclusive education system.
