CERD/C/DEU/CO/18
page 5
order to promote the integration of such residents as may wish to acquire
German citizenship without relinquishing their own.
21.
While taking note that the State party recognizes German Roma and Sinti as a
national minority, the Committee is concerned that many Roma and Sinti continue to
experience discrimination in the fields of education, employment and housing. (art. 5(e))
The Committee, recalling its general recommendation No. 27 (2000) on
discrimination against Roma, recommends that the State party take special
measures to improve the situation of all Roma and Sinti to overcome the
disadvantages brought about by persistent discrimination, in particular in
the fields of education, employment and housing. Furthermore, the
Committee recommends that the framework agreement for the protection of
Roma and Sinti between Rhineland-Palatinate and the respective Land
association of the Central Council of German Sinti in 2005 be replicated in
other Länder.
22.
While noting current proposals for legislative change, the Committee is concerned
by reports that the principle of compulsory primary education is not fully applied to children
of asylum-seekers in Hesse, Baden-Württemberg and Saarland, with the effect that the
children concerned encounter obstacles in connection with school enrolment. (art. 5(e) (v))
In light of its general recommendation No. 30 (2004) on discrimination
against non-citizens, the Committee recommends that the State party ensure
that children of asylum-seekers residing in the territory of the State party do
not face any obstacles in connection with school enrolment.
23.
The Committee is concerned that children of immigrants are overrepresented in
special schools for “under-achievers” (Sonderschulen), mainly on account of their lack of
adequate German language skills, and underrepresented in secondary and tertiary education.
(art. 5(e) (v))
The Committee, recalling its general recommendation No. 30 (2004) on
discrimination against non-citizens, recommends that the State party take
effective measures to ensure the integration of children of non-citizens in the
regular school system, and reconsider the problem of transfer of such
children to Sonderschulen including the criteria for any such transfer, as
well as improving current arrangements to support the German language
skills of such children.
24.
The Committee is concerned about the fragile situation of the Sorbian school
network in Saxony and Brandenburg, caused in part by falling school enrolment, which may
have an impact on the general principle of the use of minority languages in the school
system. (art. 5(e) (v))
The Committee recommends that the State party ensure effective
implementation of the legal provisions with regard to the use of minority
languages in the school system. The State party should encourage the
authorities of Saxony and Brandenburg to consider means of strengthening
the involvement of the Sorbian minority in decision-making in this field and