Šimůnková agrees, segregation of Romany schoolchildren not decreasing

Segregation of Romany children at school is not decreasing much, in spite of criticism the country has long faced, Czech Human Rights Commissioner Monika Šimůnková told the Czech Press Agency on Monday. The statement came in response to the latest report of the Council of Europe, which states that that too many Romany children are still placed in special schools despite a 2004 law designed to improve the situation. Ms. Šimůnková said social disadvantages are often mistaken as minor mental disorders. She said the strategy against social exclusion the government passed last year, which includes stonger pre-school preparation, must start to be pushed through.