ZAGREB, 5 Dec (Hina) – Interior Minister Davor Božinović and local authorities in Međimurje held a meeting on Friday on the situation and integration of members of the Roma minority, stating that stronger cooperation between all institutions is necessary, as well as resolving problems that have been accumulating for years.
Božinović stressed that this is a long-standing and complex issue that requires the engagement of all levels of government.
“We are determined to do everything we can to improve the position of the Roma, but also to send a clear message to all citizens of Međimurje that the institutions are acting together,” he said.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the absence of five to six municipalities from today’s meeting, emphasising that many concrete problems, from education to employment and status-related issues, can only be resolved at the local level.
The discussions particularly focused on Roma settlements which, as he said, “do not send a good message when we talk about integration”. It was announced that the current model will be gradually phased out, with encouragement for young Roma families to relocate and integrate into the wider community.
Božinović also announced further consideration of issues related to social benefits and the legalisation of buildings, noting that solutions must be applied equally to all citizens.
Roma MP: Continuous work and cooperation between institutions are needed
Member of Parliament Veljko Kajtazi said that todayв’s meeting was an important step and warned against the harm caused by stereotypes about the Roma community because of individual cases.
He expressed his condolences to the families of the victims of the recent tragedy and emphasised that Roma-related issues require continuous work and cooperation between institutions.
He added that because of 5 or 10% of individuals, the entire Roma community cannot be stigmatised, as this harms those who respect the law and want to live as equal citizens.
He also noted that “every time an incident occurs, Roma suddenly have no names or surnames“ the entire community is called out, and that is something we must change.”
Кajtazi was referring toa murder which happened in the Roma settlement of Sitnice in Mursko Središće.
Božinović , said that in Slovenia a car belonging to the person suspected by the police of having committed a femicide in Mursko Središće yesterday — killing one woman and injuring another –В has been found, while the search for the suspect, who has so far been recorded for around 35 criminal offences, is still ongoing.
“We have reasonable suspicion as to who the perpetrator might be. We know who is being sought, and I am certain that, through this operational cooperation with the Slovenian police and all the tools available to the Croatian police, he will be brought to justice,” Božinović said.
On Thursday evening in Mursko Središće, in Sitnice Street, a pregnant woman (28) was killed, and her sister (29) was seriously injured. It has been established that a 40-year-old man fired a gun at the 28-year-old in a family home, and then, while leaving the house, shot and injured the 29-year-old before fleeing.
County Prefect: I feel strong readiness on the part of state institutions to resolve the issues we are facing
The Prefect of Međimurje County, Matija Posavec, warned of the problems present in Roma settlements, including weapons, drugs, loan-sharking and illegal construction, as well as the inadequate response of certain state bodies.
He highlighted an initiative to introduce a two-year preschool education programme for all children belonging to the Roma national minority, as well as the introduction of e-payment cards to monitor the use of social benefits.
“For the first time in 12 years, I feel a strong motivation and readiness on the part of state institutions to resolve the problems we are facing,” Posavec concluded.
