E/CN.4/2000/16/Add.1 page 32 persists in the Czech Republic and Hungary. Whereas in the Czech Republic and Romania, Roma affairs are managed by administrative bodies with representatives of Roma associations as partners, in Hungary the Government works with elected Roma representatives on the design and development of programmes for their community, even though the system of “self-governments” still raises some doubts. All in all, it should be stressed that in their common desire to become members of the European Union, the Governments of all three countries are genuinely committed to carrying out reforms which will benefit the Roma and which, if they are followed through, should meet with success in the medium or longer term. It is therefore with the intention of supporting this process and allowing the Commission on Human Rights to continue to follow closely the situation of the Roma that the Special Rapporteur makes some recommendations for the Governments of the Czech Republic, Romania and Hungary. A. Czech Republic 141. Roma and non-Roma families in the town of Ústi nad Labem should be encouraged to come together and hold talks on living side by side on better terms. 142. The segregation of Roma schoolchildren should be stopped through steps to ensure equality of opportunity for this population and equitable access to education for all. 143. The Czech Government should speed up the process of passing a law to curb racial discrimination in all walks of life by following the example of the Model National Legislation for the Guidance of Governments in the Enactment of Further Legislation against Racial Discrimination, prepared by the United Nations. 144. The Czech Government should plan cultural exchange programmes that would allow the Roma and the majority of the population to draw closer together. B. Romania 145. Action is needed to prevent the disparagement of the Roma in the media, to raise awareness of Roma culture and to carry out a campaign to educate the general public in human rights and tolerance. 146. The Romanian Government should involve the Roma more closely in taking decisions that concern them. 147. The Romanian Ministry of the Interior should pursue its efforts to change police officers’ attitudes to ensure that the Roma receive better treatment. C. Hungary 148. The Hungarian courts should come down harder on racist crimes or acts committed by individuals or by State officials.