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Religious Leaders Want Immediate End to Segregation of Roma in Slovakia

Hindu and Jewish leaders have expressed concern at the reported continual segregation of Roma (Gypsy) children in Slovakia schools.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed and Rabbi Jonathan B. Freirich, prominent Jewish leader in Nevada and California in USA; in a joint statement in Nevada today, said that according to reports, this segregation of Roma pupils had resulted in inferior quality education and limiting success for them, thus causing them to fall into poverty. Sometimes, Roma children reportedly ended up in classes/schools specially created for children with mental disabilities.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, and Rabbi Freirich, further said that segregation practices with anti-Roma attitudes should not have any place in 21st century Europe and should immediately go. All children were equal and should mix with each other for better future societies of Slovakia and Europe. All children should have right to education without any discriminatory practices to become healthy members of the society.

Rajan Zed and Jonathan Freirich argued that Roma children should be accorded equal opportunities and avenues of full participation in Slovak life. Segregation in Slovakia was simply immoral and unacceptable and European Union should immediately act to end this discriminatory practice and ensure equality in education.