Roma in some areas are still struggling to overcome a legacy of slavery as recent as the 19th century. Many Roma children in primary schools attend segregated classes, and few go on to high school or university. If Europe is to overcome the curse of racial intolerance, Roma will have to lead the way. As the first success of its kind involving Roma in Bulgaria, the case demonstrates that law enforcement organs and the judiciary can address and punish racially motivated violence. Notwithstanding these gains, obstacles abound.
Western governments can help.
By throwing their prestige, economic resources, and political power behind the movement for racial equality, they can make clear that countries that tolerate racism won't be admitted into exclusive economic and military clubs to which many aspire. Then one day, perhaps Roma won't have to fly all the way to Canada to find a decent life. James A. Goldston is legal director of the European Roma Rights Center in Budapest. The Christian Science Monitor. All rights reserved.