Czech Agency Against Exclusion to begin operating in January

The Czech Agency Against Social Exclusion whose goal is to fight against ghettoisation will begin operating in 12 Czech towns and selected areas as of January. The Minister in charge of minority issues and human rights, Dzamila Stehlikova, made the announcement on Friday. The agency will operate in six areas in Bohemia and six in Moravia. The government will officially approve its establishment in December, Mrs Stehlikova said.

According to analysis, there are more that 300 sites populated by the poor, mostly Romanies, that need to be addressed. Up to 80,000 people live in the ghettos. Most of adult residents are jobless, leaving families dependent on social benefits, while children are often sent to “special schools” for less gifted students. The government pledged to establish the agency in its policy statement and has set aside financial means for its operation in its next year's draft budget.