Budapest conference sees renewed call for Roma integration

An international roundtable on issues related to the region's Roma (Gypsy) minority saw calls for a more forceful approach to social integration, reports daily Népszabadság.

Fidesz MEP Lívia Járóka said that there is a dire need for a European Roma strategy, adding that if governments do not have any ideas, civic groups will have to step in.

Meanwhile, activist Nicolae Gheorghe said that developments in Hungary and Italy could set the Roma cause back by 20-30 years.

Gheorghe also said that since Roma are denied basic rights in many countries, and since the group as a whole does not have a mother country, there should be a general right to asylum for Roma.

The conference concluded that proper educational and employment programs should be launched capable of providing the Roma with permanent jobs and other opportunities.

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