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[Adventurer]

Page last updated at 16:56 GMT, Thursday, 17 July 2008 17:56 UK
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Croatia wins in Roma pupils case
By Nick Thorpe
BBC News




The ruling could affect Roma children across Europe

The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that Croatia did not discriminate against Roma pupils by putting them in separate, all-Roma classes at school.

The children, now aged between 14 and 20, said they suffered psychologically and practically, as they were taught only a third of the curriculum.

But the court said they were separated only until their language improved.

A BBC correspondent says the ruling could have an impact on many countries in Central and Eastern Europe.

In Croatia, as in many east European countries, it is common practice for Roma (Gypsies) to be placed in either special classes, or in some cases, in special schools.

The schools argue that the children often do not speak the national language well enough to keep up with their fellow pupils, and that the special classes are designed to help them catch up.

Legal counsel for the pupils argue that the children are simply dumped in substandard classes on the basis of the colour of their skin and that, as a result of lower educational standards in such classes, their future chances of finding work are significantly reduced.

Not set apart

An earlier ruling by the same court, in November last year, found in favour of Roma from the Czech Republic who were placed in Roma schools.

GIPSYLOVER

[Kikomom]

I'd be interested to see at what levels the Roma kids test at, considering the life they lead... roaming.

How long do they actually last at one school, or successfully complete each grade level? This could be what the schools there are up against?