E/CN.4/2001/21
page 44
according to the information of the National Roma Self-Government - did not take part
even in the basic unskilled building work, despite their contractual obligation that they
agreed to.
Every citizen of the Republic of Hungary can freely choose his/her place of
residence whether at home or abroad.
The Roma of Zámoly are free to return home and move back into their new
homes any time they like.
From the funds of the Public Foundation for the Roma of Hungary, they still have
the possibility to take part in an agricultural and husbandry programme, with a grant of
up to HUF 1.5 million per family and professional advice, which could provide them
with work and social security, doing away with the need for benefits.
The Central Police Station of Fejér County will make every effort to ensure their
personal safety and prevent any abuse, by appointing a local police officer and by
increasing the police presence on the ground, and also by liaising directly with the
relevant senior officers of the Central Police Station.
As for a longer-term approach to relieve the local ethnic conflict, there is a
dialogue programme funded from public money, which could help bring the majority and
minority residents of the settlement closer to each other.
It is in the interest of Hungary to make sure that domestic criminal proceedings
for criminal offences which have exacerbated the conflict as well as international legal
proceedings are brought to an early conclusion, thereby allowing public opinion both in
Hungary and abroad to gain a clearer understanding of the matter by concentrating on the
facts.”
149. In addition to the positive measures that have already been taken, the Government should
ensure that the judicial system deals more effectively with any complaints of racial
discrimination that are referred to it. This is one of the deficiencies of the Hungarian judicial
system, as noted in the European Union’s report of 8 November 2000 on Hungary’s accession to
that organization and a communication from the European Roma Rights Centre. The adoption of
a general law to curb racial discrimination in all areas should promote enhanced administration
of justice. At the same time, reforms should be speeded up to eliminate the segregation between
Gypsy and non-Gypsy children in schools.
E. Czech Republic
150. Pursuant to the recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur following his visit to
the Czech Republic (E/CN.4/2000/16/Add.1, paras. 141-144), one NGO, “The Counselling
Centre for Citizenship/Civil and Human Rights” (CCC/CHR), notes that the Czech Government
has not yet adopted a law to curb racial discrimination in all areas of life. The piecemeal
legislation currently in force fails to offer adequate protection against racial discrimination and
the victims of racist acts are unable to secure proper redress. Victims have access to inefficient