Obudsman warns of bad living conditions for Roma

In a statement issued on International Roma Day, Pasalic warned that a significant number of Roma live in sub-standard housing and settlements often with no access to basic utilities such as running water, power or sewers. “Those conditions have a direct effect on their quality of life and other basic rights, including the right to health care, education and social security,” Pasalic wrote in the statement.

He expressed special concern over the hate speech directed against the Roma which has become increasing frequent in the media. “That content contributes to the spread of prejudice and intolerance and we need timely, decisive and proactive reactions by the authorities to prevent the spread of harmful messages, especially in media outlets that reach a wide audience,” Pasalic said.