The Czech Senate has voted on a bill that recognises and foresees financial compensation for the forced sterilisation of Roma women in Czechia which took place for decades.
The European Green Party and Zelení, the Czech Green Party, said they welcome this important step in fighting discrimination against Roma communities in Czechia.
Thomas Waitz, co-chair of the European Green Party comments, “Roma communities have been discriminated against and subject to violence throughout history across Europe, and this discrimination and violence continues now. It is not only time for Europe to recognise this past but also to implement policies which will put an end to all forms of discrimination against Roma communities.”
Magdalena Davis, co-chair of Zelení, the Czech Green Party, said, “It is shocking that this inhumane practice has been in place for so long and stopped only relatively recently. It clearly shows the double standards in our society, including when it comes to human rights. Every woman has the right to decide whether she wants to bring a child into this world. No one but herself can take that right away.”
Michal Berg co-chair of Zelení, the Czech Green Party, adds, “The proposed financial compensations cannot, of course, compensate for children who were not allowed to be born from their forcefully sterilised mothers. It is, however, a signal that acknowledges the seriousness of the situation. Words of apology alone are simply too empty, actions are needed.”
