The International Renaissance Foundation has spread a statement-response to activities of anti-Roma groups. It states in particular that the Foundation is making efforts to develop an open society in Ukraine, with its fundamental objectives of respect for human rights and non-discrimination towards minorities. We are very worried that there are still communities in Ukraine founded on the basis of hate, in particular towards representatives of the Roma minority. The calls of such communities to the citizens of cities to organize public safety groups to "combat the crimes of the Roma" are very dangerous.
The International Renaissance Foundation is also very concerned about the increasing use of media – the tools of an open society – for the destruction of the open society which is based on respect for fundamental human rights.
"Among other things, it is dangerous and unacceptable to use mass media and social networks for the mass distribution of messages and calls for violence on an ethnic basis. This exacerbates the negative stereotyped attitude towards the Roma, creates a tense and hostile environment in the communities, degrades human dignity and provokes discrimination against the Roma minority," – Olga Zhmurko, the Director of the Roma Program Initiative of the International Renaissance Foundationsays.
We call on representatives of state authorities and self-government to interfere and prevent vigilantism and ethnic violence throughout Ukraine.
At the same time, the sense of security of members of local communities is an important common interest. The International Renaissance Foundation supports local community initiatives to develop non-discriminatory approaches to public safety. We are ready to cooperate in finding solutions that respond to criminal activities, but do not pose the threat of the violation of human rights on an ethnic basis.
The full text of the statement can be found here.
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