The Gypsies of Bulgaria (Helsinki Watch Report) - Softcover

Human Rights Watch Helsinki

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1564320316 ISBN 13: 9781564320315

Publisher: Human Rights Watch, 1991

Synopsis

Despite the political changes that have occurred in Bulgaria since Todor Zhivkov's resignation in November 1989, Gypsies continue to be the targets of discrimination, as they have been throughout the country's history. The disparate treatment they receive is reflected in housing, education and the workplace. Many gypsies live in densely populated areas with vastly inferior services. Most gypsies attend segregated schools where they are denied an equal opportunity to learn the Bulgarian language and, in turn, to advance through the university system. Gypsies also find it difficult to be promoted, but they are often the first to lose their jobs in enterprises making the transition to a free market economy. Further, the government restricts Gypsies' political activity by denying them the right to form political parties based on ethnicity. Government officials at both the national and local levels rarely address their problems, and more frequently are critical of their behaviour in ways that fuel bigotry and hatred. Despite these hardships, Gypsies display a remarkable resiliency and remain hopeful that one day their human rights situation will improve.

Edition details

• Publisher: Human Rights Watch
• Publication date: 1991
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1564320316
• ISBN 13: 9781564320315
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 73