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Writer's pictureCHR

Workshop on the Topic Romani Language, Access to Education, and Ethnic Neutrality of Law

On Friday, December 15, 2023, the CHR organized a workshop at the Faculty of Law of Charles University in collaboration with Romani studies experts from the Department of Central European Studies, Faculty of Arts of Charles University.

In the first part of the workshop, dr. Pavel Kubaník from the Institute of Ethnology and Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts of Charles University (ÚESEBS FF UK), presented his extensive research on the interaction between the Romani language and the educational system in the Czech Republic. His presentation covered a wide range of topics, including the use of the Romani language both in general and within the education system, the reasons leading to the marginalization of the Romani language, teachers' attitudes towards the use of Romani, and several other related issues. CHR member dr. Pavel Uhl contributed with a co-presentation focused primarily on the issue of access to procedural means of protecting fundamental rights for members of ethnic minorities. He also discussed the case law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and domestic courts in this area, placing these discussions within the specific context of the functioning of the Czech education system.

The subsequent discussion addressed the effectiveness of Czech anti-discrimination law, the role of the Czech School Inspectorate, and broader societal attitudes towards the status of the Romani minority. The discussion was fruitful and stimulating, resulting in interesting proposals for changes to the education system that could improve the situation for Romani children.

We thank the speakers for their contributions and prof. Helena Hofmannová for moderating this highly valuable lecture. We also extend our thanks to the audience and participants in the discussion, and we hope to see you again soon!


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