Commissioner for the Protection of Equality, Brankica Janković, congratulates all Roma men and women the World Roma Day and points out that April 8 is also an opportunity to point out that progress has been made in the position of the Roma national minority, but that they are still discriminated against and marginalized. The position of Roma has been improved in the labor market, and the education process, but poverty is still one of the main reasons for exclusion and discrimination.

The Commissioner stated that according to the results of the Commissioner’s recently published survey “Attitude of citizens towards discrimination”, respondents believe that discrimination is most widespread against the Roma (61%), stating that stereotypical attitudes that are often spread even by holders of public functions also contribute to this.

The Commissioner stated that recognition and understanding of discrimination are growing, as evidenced by the increasing number of complaints received by the institution, but that it is also important to continue with education and empowering of the Roma national minority. To this end, a comprehensive series of activities is planned for this year, including workshops, visits to different parts of Serbia, and discussions with Roma men and women. Also, a new research project, “Perception of the Roma community on discrimination”, will be initiated.