"Welcoming Czech Prime Minister’s 'regret' over involuntary sterilization of Roma women, Hindus have demanded fair and adequate financial compensation to the victims.
Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that Czech Prime Minister Jan Fischer should offer formal 'apology' as the misconduct in this case was very serious and just 'regret' would not be sufficient to heal the deep wounds caused. Perpetrators should be prosecuted for the irreversible crimes against these women which permanently deprived them from having children.
Zed, who is the president of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that neighboring Slovakia also now needed to acknowledge this blunder and apologize on this issue. Czech Republic should make Roma upliftment her first priority as they were facing apartheid like conditions. Their maltreatment was a dark stain on the face of Czech Republic and Europe.
Rajan Zed argued that Roma people in Czech Republic reportedly faced violent attacks, stereotyping, racism, prejudice, growing gap between Roma and other Czechs, fear, beatings, poor quality housing, systemic employment and overall discrimination, persecution, throwing of Molotov cocktails, social exclusion, segregated schools, marginalization; refused service at restaurants, stores, discos, etc.; municipalities/towns failing to support them; and the state being unwilling or unable to offer protection.
Zed stressed that the country of Franz Kafka, Antonin Dvorak, Jaroslav Hasek, Karlovy Vary, and rich cultural heritage should not continue staying apathetic and silent spectator ignoring Roma apartheid."
I absolutely agree that expressing regret is not enough. Forced sterilization is genocide, and a formal apology plus compensation need to be given by the Czech and Slovak governments. That would take another step toward mending the very broken relationship between Roma and non-Roma people. No one can give those women back the lives they may have wanted, or their bodies intact, but the government can at least try to make up for the many, many wrongs they committed.
I have received so many emails lately about the Hindu community speaking on behalf of the Roma community, and it really touches me. I'm so happy to see this solidarity. We are all people who deserve love and rights.
No comments:
Post a Comment