A/HRC/4/9/Add.2 page 9 in systemic exclusion or discrimination in sectors such as employment. Sporadic incidents and the activities of the far right, including neo-Nazi marches and vandalism of cemeteries, have created tensions and anxiety amongst the Jewish community. IV. THE SITUATION OF THE ROMA IN HUNGARY A. Existence and identity 28. The general situation of discrimination, exclusion and anti-Roma prejudice remains cause for serious concern in Hungary. Based on social and economic indicators and statistical surveys, and in common with their situation across Europe, Roma remain the most deprived group with respect to education, employment, health and housing and suffer disproportionately high levels of extreme poverty. In response to this situation the Government has implemented a number of policy measures, often of an innovative nature. 29. Three major Roma groups exist in Hungary, the “Magyar Cigany��� or Hungarian Gypsies, the Vlachs and the Beash. The Magyar Cigany are considered the most integrated of Hungary’s Roma communities and constitute probably around 80 per cent or more of Hungary’s total Roma population, many living in and around the Budapest region. The Vlachs, originally from Romania, number around 100,000 and are considered culturally very different, often maintaining traditional, patriarchal communities headed by a single male community leader. The Beash are the smallest Roma community, estimated to number around 40-50,000. There are completely or predominantly Beash communities in the south-west region of the country. Government estimates put the Roma population at up to 600,000, although some NGOs working on Roma issues believe the actual figure to be considerably higher. 30. Aspects of Roma identity and culture, including traditional Roma languages, have suffered serious decline to the point of vanishing in some communities. The Government considers that approximately 80-85 per cent of the Roma population have lost the full use of Roma languages, partly a result of “assimilationist” policies pursued under communism and a lack of opportunities within the formal education system to learn or be taught in Roma languages, culture and traditions. 31. In 2002, the Socialist-led Government introduced a positive policy to recruit Roma professionals to senior positions and departments dedicated to Roma-related issues in relevant ministries, reflecting a mainstreamed, yet targeted approach to Roma issues, identified by the Independent Expert as a valuable example of “good practice”. However, following re-election in 2006, the same Government has favoured the incorporation of Roma issues, without differentiation, into a broader institutional and policy framework to address the problems of “disadvantaged groups”. This restructuring is widely perceived by Roma representatives as damaging to prospects for informed and appropriate policy to address the unique problems faced by the Roma, which clearly distinguish them from other socially or economically disadvantaged groups. 32. Hungary’s desire to join the Euro-Zone by 2010 is considered to be fuelling widespread budgetary cuts and institutional downsizing, with the aim of reducing Hungary’s budget deficit and meeting criteria for Euro-Zone entry. While recognizing the potential long-term positive effects and opportunities created by economic growth resulting from accession to the