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The population of Roma has been presented on the territory of the Republic of Croatia since the 14th century, yet its national community has to take on a structured form. The destiny of the Roma people in Croatia follows that of other Roma minority community found throughout similar transitional countries. The rights of these national community, which have been secured constitutionally, have not been brought into common practice. Examples of this are easily found within politics, culture, mass media, and the complete disregard for the use of traditional Roma language within the educational system. The formation of the national community of Roma is an ongoing process, in which the starting point is determining the exact number of Roma people living in Croatia.
While the results of the census can be a starting point, they will not accurately be able to determine the numbers of Roma currently residing in Croatia. This is largely due to the fact that the Roma population has been persecuted in the past; therefore large numbers of the present population choose not to declare themselves as Roma. There is a clear contradiction apparent in the fact that according to the most recently released statistical data there are 21.381 Roma receiving some form of social welfare, while at the same time the census puts the number of Roma living in Croatia at 9.463. There are estimates that the number of Roma is as many as 60 thousand. The vast economic and political difficulties brought on by the recent shift to privatization and the market economy, have made the smallest minority, the Roma, the most vulnerable. Multiple denial is presented throughout all aspects of Roma life; economically, politically, culturally, and geographically.
a) Economical
-Roma live in a state of extreme poverty, in which their fundamental existential needs are hanging on the edge. This has essentially put the Roma on the fringes of the stratification system. Their living conditions do not provide them with the most basic of infrastructure, and there remains a lack of electricity and running water;
-The professions of Roma are ones of low status. (Modernization caused traditional Roma arts and crafts to disappear);
-The tendency of Roma towards certain professions coins the term ethno-economy (traditional small crafts);
-Roma are mainly shut out of the formal job market, and many Roma that do find jobs find themselves unemployed due to economic transformation. (Roma are the national minority with the largest unemployment rate);
-The low employment rate is in part due to a covert form of discrimination within the job market. This is one of the main reasons why Roma tend towards self-employment in traditional crafts and trades. The fact is that Roma have very poor educational level, but even those who have some education are not welcome to the most of work environment, which stops any development regarding employment of the Roma population.
b) Territorial isolation
-Roma mostly inhabit the outskirts of cities and villages;
-The areas of the cities that are inhabited by Roma remain separated from the majority of the population, and clear boundaries exist;
-Lack of public schools, urban infrastructure, health care, and basic social services do not exist in Roma settlements, which makes other additional problems, connected to the educational problems, health problems, social problems and many other issues which are the main goals of establishing Zagreb and Zagreb County Association;
c) Cultural
-Roma have a specific way of life and valuating the system, which came from their history, custom and culture;
-Migration is a principle way of life for the Roma, assimilation becomes unattainable, while at the same time, and ethnic identity is strengthened, due to events on this territory from 1991. - 1995.; Roma declared themselves as Croats, to avoid pointless problems, covered by the current government and, in particular, by the local governmental policy.
d) Political
-Roma who have migrated from other territories of the former Yugoslavia are unable to gain Croatian citizenship, which brings different issues, mentioned and presented on all levels;
-Roma are unaware of the procedures involved in gaining citizenship, and therefore they never properly perform permanent residence;
-Roma do not have representation in any levels of governmental rule;
- The voice of the Roma people is not heard in any aspect of political and public life in Croatia;
GOAL: SOCIAL INTEGRATION OF THE ROMAS
Social integration of the Roma should not imply the loss of their unique cultural and ethnic identity, but rather it should prevent isolation and promote their integr< ation into mainstream of the society. That, of all things, means the improvement of Roma socioeconomic status. This must start with the improvement of living conditions and basic infrastructure in their settlements. Roma live below the basic standards, and are continually faced with unwarranted prejudices from not only the majority but other minority populations as well. In order to advance the goal of social integration the whole of society needs to be aware of the Roma struggle, thus making the Roma, a minority population with equal rights. Insufficient integration within the public school system is the source of other numerous difficulties facing the Roma. It is the direct responsibility of the many Roma organizations to improve their place in society. The Roma as a national minority face a particularly difficult challenge due to their long continual social neglect, and the traditional way of life. The lack of homogeneity within the Roma population because of linguistic and cultural differences provides a number of different interests, therefore a large number of Roma NGOs exist. During the first Congress of Roma National Minority in the Republic of Croatia held from the 14th through the 16th of February 2003, these issues have been directly discussed for the first time. Representatives from the state and local levels were successfully elected. An agreement was reached on the direction to go for further action. The Roma have somewhat improved their relations with the state authorities needed to aid them in improving their status in society. Without the help of the state authorities the Roma will not be able to solve their problems. Roma do not have their representatives in the public service sector; inspectors, police, city and county councils, health care providers. The Roma are so widely dispersed across the country, thus making it difficult to organize local leadership. It should therefore be essential in areas where there is a large population of Roma (Zagreb, Medimurje County, Osijek-Baranja County) to organize and effectively influence change. The cooperation between Roma associations, and joint actions with specific NGOs promoting human rights, democracy, and civil society, are extremely important, as well as cooperation with other international organizations and institutions.
Over the past years Roma founded their associations through self-initiative on the local level. The oldest such association is the Roma Zagreb and Zagreb County Association, with its head office in Zagreb, Cemernicka 17, entering the official register of citizen associations in the Republic of Croatia in 1993. This particular association has fought many of the problems of that time, and they were successful at handing out humanitarian aid. Unfortunately this association was unable to combat some very real problems, due in part to lack of help from political personnel whose interests were not vested in the Roma cause.
All in all, great success was achieved in animating the public and international institutions, which in turn created a broad awareness of the Roma struggle. The result of the earlier efforts of the Roma Zagreb and Zagreb county Association has culminated in the founding of the first Roma National Minority Congress in Croatia. The Roma minority stood together unified, and was successful in creating one unified national program for the Roma in the Republic of Croatia.
The practice of these associations has identified problems of the existential nature mainly, and they cannot be solved without: -A long-term systematical program that will include all the Roma in Croatia. -Address their problems as a unified group. -The essential help from the authorities in Croatia, and other organizations within the countries and abroad.
Specific clear-cut practice presented:
KEY ISSUES AND PROBLEMS OF THE ROMA POPULATION
1. Inadequate acceptance of the Roma population by mainstream society;
2. Poor cooperation with the authority institutions in Croatia, and low advocacy levels in dealing with the specific problem of Roma as a national minority. This will aid in dealing with issues of unemployment, status issues, education, health care, living conditions, etc;
3. Insufficient cooperation with other national minority groups;
4. Weak interconnections of Roma associations in Croatia;
5. Insufficient cooperation between Roma and international organizations
I. INADEQUATE ACCEPTANCE
Inadequate acceptance of the Roma population by majority of the society Considering the discrimination and the inaccurate perceptions of Roma by the majority of the population (in all the structures of social life). It is essential to address the following areas:
1.) Media
Newspapers, television, radio, public appearances, magazines distributed in Croatia. All of these areas must be addressed in order to create a more positive and accurate view of the Roma people. Positive forms of media will help break negative stereotypes of the Roma people.
Director: The Council of Roma Associations of Croatia- CRAC- VRUH, and their representatives, all Roma that have access to mass media, publishers of publications, and magazines.
Deadline: None (Continual work)
Special funds: They are met through regular activities of the association, and special publishing projects.
2.) Promotion of Roma culture and music by founding new Roma cultural centers and promoting public Roma events
Proponent: All Roma cultural and performing societies in Croatia.
Deadline: None (Continual work)
Special funds: They are met through regular activities of the association, but if need they will be provided through the cooperation with the ministry of culture.
3.) Provide incentives for authorities and institutions involved in the educational system to include additional knowledge of traditions involved in the Roma way of life, into their curriculum.
The goal is to counter discrimination and segregation of the Roma people. Also, incentives should be given to all those individuals involved in the social service sector, this would work to avoid personal prejudices of individuals that would be most inclined to stop these particular programs. Proponent: VRUH (the Council of Roma Associations in Croatia- CRAC) in cooperation with the ministry in charge. Deadline: Continually, no deadline Special funds: They are met through regular functioning of these services.
II. POOR COOPERATION WITH THE AUTHORITY INSTITUTIONS IN CROATIA
Better advocacy in solving specific problems dealing with Roma as a national minority should be accomplished. This will aid in dealing with issues of unemployment, health care, social services, and education.
Roma like all other national minorities in Croatia realize their rights through the institutional structure. Therefore it is necessary to invest efforts to reach an even better cooperation with the state authorities and other organizations that will help realize the rights of the Roma population, (the topics are elaborated in 1-3) Considering that there is a mutual interest in dealing with the built up problems, it is necessary to include Roma representatives in the local government. This is especially true in the areas where there is a large concentration of Roma people.
The program for Roma associations funds those activities specific of Roma as a national minority. Programs are also funded through the Office for the National Minorities, which is overseen by the Croatian government. Those specific funds are secured through the state budget. According to the Association Act, around 30 such Roma NGOs are registered; these associations deal with specific Roma problems. The first such organization was that of the Roma Zagreb and Zagreb County Association.
II-1 ROMA STATUS RIGHTS
Acquiring proper citizenship is essential in achieving social and all other rights, which came from the citizenship issue; therefore it is important to make this issue a priority
The conditions of applying for citizenship are outlined in the laws on Croatian citizenship. Poor knowledge and defective informations considering these laws has resulted in Roma without citizenship status. Problems mostly deal with formalities, because the Roma population are unaware of these formalities, they are unable to register in due time, making them in violation of the law. (Failing to register residence in Croatia means that childbirths are not accounted for, especially when dealing with extra marital children). There is an inability to realize the right to citizenship creates the following problem to arise: DETERMINING THE ACTUAL NUMBER OF ROMA IN CROATIA. (Official census only includes those that have properly registered as citizens) GOAL: To remove all legal and administrative barriers, in cooperation with the legislation and the ministry of the interior to solve this issue. Put an end to indirect discrimination in acquiring citizenship, and informing a greater number of Roma on their rights (VRUH and the Ministry of Interiors initiative for changing and realizing laws on acquiring citizenship for the Roma due to the lifestyle- specifically There should be found the simplest and most convenient way on collecting data of the Roma population (legislation on local levels, then collective ones in VRUH -The Council of Roma Associations in Croatia-CRAC) living on the territory of the Republic of Croatia without valid citizenship. Reasons for that should be determined and the collective solution provided Measure: - education
1) Organize seminars once a month (as needed) where the Roma population will be introduced and explained with the laws relevant to them (hiring a legal counselor);
2) Publish pamphlets and mentioning and dealing with the current issues in magazines (legal problems); Director: VRUH- The Council of Roma Associations in Croatia, local organizations; Deadline: immediately, the year 2003 continually; Funds: should be planned within regular projects of other associations (legal advice, publishing informative pamphlets
II-2 CULTURAL AUTONOMY OF THE ROMA IN CROATIA
Cultural autonomy assumes the right to the public use of language, writing and the cultivation and promotion of own national (ethic), religious and cultural tradition, social life and beliefs in childcare and education system, mass media and other institutions, which is most frequently applied in realizing the rights of ethnic minorities. Main task: Establish the optimal cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and the Government's Office for the National Minorities in order to realize this Program for which there is a mutual interest. Form amateur cultural performing societies where possible and popularization of Roma culture a) The right to the public use of language and writing cannot be carried out at the moment. This issue should be given attention in order to accomplish long-term goals, particularly in areas where the Roma population is concentrated. (Analysis- organizing forums) Director: VRUH the Council of Roma Associations in Croatia- special project Deadline: ten year in preparation for, as soon as possible Funds: should be provided in a special program b) Affirmation of the Roma culture and creative work should be given special attention. Include as many Roma as possible in the programs for the preservation of Roma culture. Particularly children. Roma are the only minority in the Republic of Croatia that does not have the cultural center. A cultural center as a central gathering place with programs, and plans for carrying out cultural, school, sports, humanitarian, and educational projects is the priority and the basic condition for further life and development of Roma national minority This center would be crucial for solving the vital problems (education- pre school, child care, and extra curriculum in Croatian and Roma language for adults that never finished elementary school). It would give support to young mothers; organize various seminars on getting employment, and present programs for free enterprise, etc. The center would be in Zagreb. Over the last ten years the Roma community has gathered an appropriate understanding for this problem. Starting point: Build a cultural Roma center in Zagreb Director: The city of Zagreb in cooperation with the Office for National Minorities Deadline: start immediately/ finished by the end of 2003 Funds: Should be provided for in the budget of the Office for the National Minorities, the rest of the funds of the city of Zagreb. c) Providing for the advancement of the cultural and performing societies in all regions of the Republic of Croatia. These should start proper function and branch out and gather the greatest possible number of young Roma. Roma do not have a recorded written history. Customs and norms re passed on orally, through dances, games, songs from one generation to another. The preservation of the tradition is secured by these cultural performing societies.
Problems are mostly of financial nature (lack of funds necessary to provide for the equipment; instruments, costumes, skilled experts and trainers- choreographers) lack of space- no cultural centers etc. Directors: VRUH, associations and individuals- cooperation with the Ministry of Culture (task force elected at the 1st Roma Congress in Croatia 2003) Deadline: continually Funds: should be provided through project and programs of other associations d) Publishing Support in publishing the magazine in Roma language is essential for the preservation of the cultural identity of Roma national minority in Croatia. We have not received any support so far for publishing Romengo Cacipe (Roma truth) magazine and/or Roma-Croatian dictionary with grammar. Director: Organizations dealing with publishing Deadline: March 30th, 2003 Funds: Should be provided by projects and donations Ask for a concession of a radio frequency -an independent radio station 24 h/day Ask for a one-hour show on Roma weekly. f) Roma Youth Clubs
Provide an alternative environment for youth on the streets in different counties in which the Roma Youth will be able to gather, take part in school cultural programs. No support was gained in this. Roma community initiated opening Roma youth clubs in Zagreb and Bjelovar. Integral parts of the overall project of revitalization of Roma national minority and their full socialization can be organized on a relatively favorable basis. We need property rights or a building that can be equipped to serve the needs of the club, wherever possible. The estimated costs of founding a club and furnishing it are 430,000 Kuna
II-3 MANAGEMENT, JUDICIARY
The Republic of Croatia regulated through sanctions the results of discrimination. An accord by the government decides whether or not offenses are carried out. The assault of a person which is motivated by the race, religion, and ethnicity is considered an unlawful offense.-discrimination. Goal: The monitoring of human rights (especially Roma) and informing internal authorities, international human rights organizations, and all other similar organizations that the human rights of the Roma people are being violated. Use all legal means, including the media, in bringing forth these abuses to the public. The treatment of the Roma by the authorities in Croatia has been slightly improving, but there is still much work that needs to be done to improve relations. The mistreatment by the authorities can be seen in the way that the basic human rights of the Roma are essentially ignored, this is seen primarily on the local level. As stated previously, Roma do not have any representatives in separate municipality and city councils. Examples of this are police, inspectors, health care, and local level judiciaries. GOALS: Roma should fight for their social position and integration into local government where there large populations of Roma are found. One of the goals included in the transformation of local self-government is to include the rights of the minorities. In order to accomplish these goals the following should be taken into account: 1.) Initiate and monitor the founding of minority councils, this will include all national minorities. Also to take an active role in all the issues of a given city or municipality where Roma are primarily located. Director: Roma associations' participators; Deadline: Should start in 2003, later active participation; 2.) Provide amendments to existing legislation to include skilled Roma individuals as external associates for all vital issues, such as acquiring documents, health care, social welfare, and employment. Director: Associations Deadline: End of 2003
II-4 ROMA EDUCATION
Insufficient education is a great problem facing the Roma people. It acts as the catalyst for all other problems within the Roma community, particularly problems with unemployment and social status. A literacy program should be launched for adults; this should be carried out with the cooperation of the ministry of sports and education. As many Roma as possible should have full access to these programs. This creates a particular problem especially when looking at communities situated far away from larger Roma communities. Here again we encounter the problem of finding the exact number of Roma people living in Croatia. It is hard to collect accurate data on the number of children enrolled in the primary education system. A certain number of children and young Roma have never even received a basic education; this problem should be dealt with systematically. (Literacy courses should be listed, along with additional educational courses) All children that are not involved in the primary education system should be listed locally rather then regionally. A task force elected by the congress will determine the causes of misrepresentation within the educational system of Roma youth.
1) Pre-School Education Project and Workshops
In order to provide education to the largest possible number of Roma children to is important to include pre-school aged children into 2 year pre-school. Particular emphasis must be given to the learning of the Croatian language. Goal: Include the largest amount of children possible into this system; this will in turn increase chances of success within the education system.
Measures: Create a list of children that are of age to begin schooling and successfully integrate them into the nearest school facility. Parents will be expected to take an active role in their children's schooling. The hiring of a high school Roma graduate/ cooperation with the proper Ministry. Deadline: School year 2003-2004, action should be taken now and continue on. This remains a work in progress. Funds: Provided by programs and projects of the associations. Getting an accurate list of all eligible children where it is possible. Roma cultural traditions should be included in the curriculum of these schools where possible.
2) Elementary School
Elementary school is obligatory for all those children whom have reached six years of age by the 31st of March of the current year. Children from the age of 7 to 15 are guaranteed a right to full access to education by the Croatian constitution. Goal: Include the largest number possible of Roma into the school system, and to provide children from large families with books and school supplies. Director: VRUH and associations at the local level. Measures: Education from the help of Roma and non-Roma individuals, that have a high school education, and are familiar with the problems at hand. Deadline: Now, Continual work. Funds: Include in to programs of VRUH, and other individual programs.
3) High School
Although it is not obligated by the state to attend, it would greatly improve the social standing of the Roma people if as many individuals as possible would have the opportunity to attend. Goal: Include the largest possible number of attendants; Measures: Acquiring proper scholarships for students, association will handle this business. Deadline: Now, Continual work Funds: Provided through the proper ministries.
4) Special Program-Adult Education
Roma older than 15 years that are illiterate, or that have not finished elementary school should be given the opportunity to do that through certain special programs. This should be a constantly addressed task, and should be actualized with the help of the ministry of education. The programs of the joint associations-subsection education and literacy programs should provide lectures. A cultural center in Zagreb should be the central gathering spot of Roma and a space where these problems can be solved. Further qualifications should be provided for self- employment opportunities. Training sessions to become certified nurses, social workers, and all those other professions that are important to the Roma population. They must learn to help themselves first. Courses in craftwork should be provided, along with the courses aimed at enforcing the importance of education to parents.
5) Roma Croatian Dictionary
To make the effect of the language within the educational system legitimized, there should be a pictorial dictionary included also. To aid in the proper cultivation of Roma languages. One of the largest projects is the Roma-Croatian/Croatian-Roma Dictionary, with grammar; An eminent expert for Roma language and literature, Mr. Nikola Rasic is an author of this significant edition; it takes much longer time as we expected, but this activity depends exclusively on financial point; Goal: A greater understanding of the Roma language, bringing the language closer to Roma children; Measures: The publishing of pictorial storybooks for children, and dictionaries in Croatian and Roma language. Deadline: 2003, Continual Funds: Should be provided by the VRUH and other Roma associations.
11-5 HEALTH CARE
A considerable number a Roma are not properly registered as citizens many also are unemployed; this results in a lack of health care insurance within the Roma community. Since a great number of Roma do not have a permanent residence in the Republic of Croatia they are not eligible to apply for health care coverage, as stated in paragraph 10 on the laws of health insurance. According to ordinances and regulations based on specific criteria on sustainable living and working and the lack of means for self-sufficiency for individuals in Croatia, health insurance is not provided for on any other basis, in that case they would have the right to health insurance and that money would come from the county budget. Therefore the issue of health insurance needs to be given special attention, especially taking into mind the harsh living conditions of many Roma. The unique Roma way of life, education never included health care education programs, this fact should be specifically addressed. The Roma people that are most effected by lack of health insurance are the elderly and sick children.
We should urgently and periodically:
1. Organize vaccinations, regular fumigations of insects and rats, disinfect living areas and the removal of infectious waste.
2. Organize house calls with regular visits from doctors twice a week in Roma settlements.
3. Organize campaigns to aid in the diagnosis of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, STDs, and AIDS. Come to cooperation with the Croatian public health board.
Long-Term Goals:
1. Education and training for public health care nurses and technicians. Provide apprenticeship opportunities.
2. Educators should focus their work in the areas of Roma inhabitance; they should provide the community with information on hygiene and the protection of infectious diseases. There should be special emphasis on fighting alcoholism, drug addiction, and poor nutritional habits.
3. Organizing routine and periodical physical check-ups in Roma settlements.
4. Creating affirmative action programs aimed at increases enrollment of Roma students in medical high schools and faculties. Roma associations will cooperate with the ministry of health along with the community health centers-this will be continual work.
11-6 SOCIAL WELFARE
The overall living standards of the Roma people are extremely low. Poor access to health insurance coupled with a low education level along with improper living condition and a low unemployment rate are all correlated to one another. Each one leads to a dependence on the social welfare system. The social welfare system is regulated by the Social Welfare Act, which sets the standards for application. Those covered through the Welfare Act are single living residences and families that do not have the means to provide themselves with a basic standard of living. That is to say that these individuals do not have an adequate employment income, and do not gain sufficient profit from their property. Also covered under this Act are mentally and physically disabled children, adults that need aid due to bodily and mental damages, those with psychological illnesses, and those with unstable health conditions and addictions. But the primary means of gaining social welfare are based on citizenship. Therefore a large number a Roma do not have access to this right. This problem would disappear if the above stated problems of citizenship, employment, and education were dealt with. Therefore cooperation with the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare and the Croatia Employment Bureau is VITAL. Only this type of cooperation can break this vicious circle. Both of these organizations should act of the main carriers of this program.
1.) Roma population should be aware of their social welfare rights. This would become actualized by lectures in Roma communities and centers. The topics would include information on material rights, the rights of the physically handicapped, family relations, help in resolving families in crisis, addiction problems, and sexual abuse. / Now, later periodically./
2.) Starting program of legal education for Roma, dealing with status and other issues; The prevention of delinquency will also be discussed. /Now, later periodically./
3.) Organizing small entrepreneurial courses in cooperation with the Job Center. The aim of these courses should be to provide employment opportunities to the Roma people, employment in public works, stores, and self-employment./Now, later according to need;
4.) Jobs should be provided for a greater number of skilled professionals, especially in areas where there are large numbers of Roma. This should all be carried out without any form of discrimination;
5.) Initiate program for Roma mentors to carry out measures and create a sufficient cooperation between those serving the population and the population itself;
6.) Councils from the Roma minority should be involved in the work of local self-management units, i.e. they provide a link between the management and the minority. /Now, later continually;
11-7 EMPLOYMENT
The misconception that many people have about the Roma is among other things, reason for the high unemployment rate. The unfavorable structure of the educational system towards the Roma population has made it rather difficult for them to achieve a higher social standing. Educational level and unemployment rates have a direct correlation to each other, therefore it is necessary to:
1.) To start employing people in environmental protection and public utility services, etc. Directors: Associations and cooperation with local management. Deadline: Now/continually
2.) To carry out literacy programs and programs for individuals to gain proper work qualifications, in cooperation with the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare and the Croatia Employment Bureau, should start 2003-2004/ continually.
3.) Encourage self-employment in traditions arts and crafts activities, the gathering of secondary raw materials, small crafts, sculpting, traditional handicrafts, organizing small entrepreneurial courses with incentive, and so on. The directors of these programs would be Ministry of Entrepreneurship, the Ministry of Handicraft Trade, and the Croatian Employment Bureau along with associations. This will start in 2003, later continually.
4.) Push an initiative targeting those individuals with limited work ability that have been unemployed for more than ten years. They should be provided with social welfare without having to make monthly visits to the employment bureau. The main director of this program would be VRUH.
11-8 SPATIAL PLANNING AND ACCOMODATION
Roma are known throughout history as migratory people and because of this they often do not own private property. Most of the areas that are inhabited by the Roma are state or municipality owned. These issues need to be resolved by local self-management in finding out that the real owner of the land is.
1.) Urbanization and legalization of Roma settlements need to begin. Director: Elected Roma representatives. Deadline: The end of 2003
The living conditions of the Roma are more than unsatisfactory. They mostly live on the outskirts of urban centers, infrastructure is lacking, there are no kindergartens or public schools. It is hard to live in these conditions, therefore we need to:
1.) Renovate Roma settlements to create the most basic of living conditions; energy supplies, clean water, adequate sewage systems. Director: Ministry and local self-management. Deadline: Till 2004
2.) Direct inclusion of the Roma representatives into the Government program for building and renovation of Roma settlements.
3.) Provide subsidies to large families for basic living expenses and utilities. Proposals 2 and 3 need to happen now!
III. INADEQUATE COOPERATION WITH OTHER NATIONAL MINORITIES
Considering the fact that common interests exist in resolving the issues of all national minorities in the Republic of Croatia, there is a need for an improved cooperation among all national minorities. (Roma are the second largest national minority in Croatia). Therefore the relationships among other national minorities and their respective organizations need to be solidified through representatives supporting a common goal. This should be mediated by the government's office for the national minorities, and media campaigns should be initiated. Director: VRUH and individuals in charge Deadline: Now, continually Special Funds: Not necessary, shown in regular activities.
IV. INSUFFICIANT COOPERATION BETWEEN ROMA ORGANIZATIONS IN CROATIA AND ABROAD
The position of Roma in society is beginning to gain notoriety in Europe. This is due to the fact that they have one of the worst standards of living of any other minority group. Considering the complexity of the problem that the Roma face across Europe the following needs to occur: Europe-More effective interconnection of organizations is required to solve these problems more swiftly. Other minority groups face the similar problems, regardless of religious and linguistic differences. There must be a focus on the exchange of information, preserving cultural traditions, customs, and way of life, regardless of spatial dispersion. Croatia- More effective interconnection mainly through common culture, religion, and way of life. These are all essential phenomenon that act to bring people together, and make it easier for people to solve common problems promptly; Director: VRUH, all associations, all individuals Deadline: Start now, later continually Special Funds: Not necessary, shown in regular activities.
V. INSUFFICIENT COOPERATION WITH INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Keeping in mind that the greatest Roma problems are spatial dispersion, poor education, and their inability to solve basic life problems. (Unemployment, health care, living conditions) The results of all of these being mass poverty, it is therefore necessary to: -To bring to light the problems of Roma to the many international organizations, with the purpose of solving the piled up problems of the Roma population. Other countries that have similar problems with minority populations will be used as models. (Hungary, Romania, Czech Republic) -The exchange of information is needed to accurately identify the problem and joint efforts need to be taken to solve it. The international organizations need to be informed that the fundamental human rights of the Roma are being violated, after this proper action will most certainly follow. -Thanks to the coordinated action taken by Roma in Europe and the Council of Europe, the European Union has been taking steps to solve many problems facing the Roma population. A special program of the Stability Pact and the Council of Europe has been dedicated to Roma. Four seminars were held in Croatia, the Council of Europe and the Croatian Government Office for National Minorities established them. The many hardships facing the Roma people were dealt with. Director: VRUH directly, in cooperation with international Roma organizations. Deadline: Now, later continually Special Funds: Normal communication through regular activities of associations, according to needs funds should be provided through projects. Perhaps add complete cooperation name by name.
The National Program for the Roma population in the Republic of Croatia is envisioned as a document that will be constantly amended according to newly published data, and the ever-changing needs as declared by the Roma community. Since the beginning of its activities, there have been submitted many Programs regarding the national Roma Program, in order to adjust and finding the best way to perform better conditions for Roma national minority in the Republic of Croatia. At the same time it will be impossible to carry out the National Roma Program, unless a better cooperation is achieved between the Roma community and the state authorities (those in charge of specific activities). The realization of this program is possible if, and only if; the rights and obligations of these two parties are active in achieving the common goal together.
President of the Roma Zagreb and Zagreb County Association, Member of the Council of the Roma Associations in Croatia (VRUH), and the president of the Executive Board of VRUH;
Alija Mešić
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