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Newly-Constructed Wall Separates 'Roma' From Rest of Romanian Population

Hindus and Jews have strongly criticized the reported initiative of erection of a wall around a Roma (Gypsy) neighborhood in northern Romania, calling it a clear sign of apartheid.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed and and Rabbi Jonathan B. Freirich said erection of this concrete wall in Baia Mare town was an attempt to segragate the Roma. This is clearly racism, separating Roma from the rest of the population.

"Could this be 21st century Europe?" Zed and Rabbi Freirich asked.

Rajan Zed and Jonathan Freirich further said the condition of Roma in Romania reflects signs of apartheid. They said Romania should urgently do something of to stop their maltreatment. According to reports, between 1.8 and 2.5 million Roma live in Romania and about 75 per cent live in poverty.

In its annual "Human Rights Report" about Romania by the US Department of State, its says: "Roma faced persistent poverty and had poor access to government services, few employment opportunities, high rates of school attrition, inadequate health care, and pervasive discrimination."

Zed and Freirich argued that it is now time for European Union to urgently intervene in Romania and do something "concrete and real" to improve the situation of European Roma.

As the Europe's most persecuted and discriminated community, the Roma regularly faced social exclusion, racism, substandard education, hostility, joblessness, rampant illness, inadequate housing, lower life expectancy, unrest, mistrust, rights violations, discrimination and appalling living conditions.