2012年-CEPS欧洲政策研究中心_The_Incomprehensible_Flow_of_Roma_Asylum_45页_357kb

Summary of "The Incomprehensible Flow of Roma Asylum-Seekers from the Czech Republic and Hungary to Canada" by Judit Tóth (November 2010)

Core Content

This working paper examines the migration of Roma asylum-seekers from the Czech Republic and Hungary to Canada between 1996 and 2010. It explores the complex interplay between migration policies, state sovereignty, and the concept of European solidarity, particularly in the context of human rights and security. The paper highlights the challenges faced by Roma communities in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the role of Canada in responding to these migration flows.

Main Points

Roma Migration from the Czech Republic

• Background and Context: The Roma migration wave began in 1996, with the first group of Roma asylum-seekers arriving in Canada. The Czech Republic and Hungary were the only former communist countries that allowed visa-free travel to Canada at the time.
• Roma Situation in the Czech Republic: Roma in the Czech Republic face systemic discrimination, segregation, and poverty. Around 300,000 Roma live in the country, with many residing in ghetto-like communities. They also encounter racial attacks, hate speech, and institutional neglect.
• Media and Public Reaction: A 1997 documentary Na vlastni OCI (With your own eyes) highlighted the poor conditions of Roma in the Czech Republic and contributed to the exodus. It sparked significant public and political attention.
• Government Response: The Czech government, particularly under Prime Minister Vaclav Klaus and Viktor Dobal, initially resisted the migration wave and aimed to improve conditions for Roma. However, the lack of effective policies and public support led to continued marginalisation.
• Legal and Social Challenges: Despite claims of legal protection, Roma in the Czech Republic are not adequately safeguarded. There are reports of racial violence, including murders and attacks by neo-Nazi and skinhead groups. The government's failure to address these issues has been documented by human rights organisations.
• Impact on Canada: The influx of Roma asylum-seekers put pressure on Canada's refugee and asylum policies. The Canadian government often viewed these claims with skepticism, citing criminal records and questioning the authenticity of asylum applications.
• Policy Developments: In 2007, free travel for Czech citizens to Canada was granted, but it was revoked in 2009 due to the increased number of Roma asylum claims. This reflects the complex relationship between migration and asylum policies and state responses.

Roma Migration from Hungary

• Economic Exodus Narrative: The Hungarian government initially framed Roma migration as an economic exodus, suggesting that Roma were leaving due to poor living conditions rather than persecution.
• Asylum Claims and Recognition: Despite the economic narrative, some Roma were recognized as refugees due to racial persecution. The Hungarian government introduced visa restrictions in 2001, which were later lifted in 2008.
• Impact on Migration Dynamics: The migration of Roma from Hungary to Canada has been influenced by both economic and social factors. However, the lack of coherent inclusion policies and anti-discrimination measures has continued to drive Roma out of the country.

Canadian Context

• Public Order Concerns: The Canadian government raised concerns about the impact of Roma migration on public order, particularly in the context of increasing asylum claims.
• Asylum Application Process: The process for Roma asylum-seekers was often scrutinized, with some claims being dismissed due to perceived criminality or lack of genuine persecution.
• Anti-Roma Sentiment: Canadian media and public discourse have contributed to anti-Roma sentiment, often reinforcing stereotypes and misconceptions about Roma as a threat or source of crime.

European Perspectives

• Roma as a Minority Group: Roma are a vulnerable minority group in the EU, facing discrimination and exclusion. Their migration highlights the failure of CEE states to address systemic issues.
• Visa Policy and Solidarity: The paper argues that visa policy in the EU is often used as a political and economic tool, rather than a genuine expression of solidarity. The lack of coherent policies has hindered Roma integration and protection.
• EU Integration and Roma: EU accession did not lead to improved conditions for Roma, as evidenced by continued discrimination and marginalisation. Integration programs have had limited success, and Roma communities have not benefited significantly from EU policies.

Key Information

• Timeline of Migration Issues: Appendix 1 provides a chronological summary of key events related to Roma migration in the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Canada, as well as international responses.
• Statistics on Asylum Applications: Appendix 2 outlines the number of asylum-seekers and refugees by citizenship, though it does not distinguish between Roma and non-Roma applicants.
• Public and Political Discourses: Both Czech and Hungarian governments have been criticized for their lack of effective policies and for failing to address the root causes of Roma migration.
• Human Rights Concerns: Reports from organizations such as Human Rights Watch and the European Roma Rights Centre indicate that Roma in CEE states continue to face serious human rights violations, including violence and discrimination.
• Legal and Institutional Barriers: Legal systems in CEE states have not adequately protected Roma from racial persecution, and there is a lack of institutional support for Roma integration and social inclusion.

Conclusions

• The migration of Roma asylum-seekers from the Czech Republic and Hungary to Canada reflects deeper societal and institutional failures in CEE states.
• The Roma exodus has highlighted the tension between state sovereignty and European solidarity, as well as the challenges of implementing human rights protections in practice.
• The Canadian response to Roma asylum-seekers has been shaped by both genuine concerns and prejudices, affecting the reception and processing of asylum claims.
• The paper concludes that without coherent inclusion policies and effective anti-discrimination measures, the Roma will continue to face marginalisation and be forced to seek refuge abroad.

References and Appendices

• The paper references various sources, including media reports, government documents, and human rights organizations.
• Appendices provide detailed chronological data and statistical information on Roma migration and asylum applications.

This analysis underscores the multifaceted nature of Roma migration and asylum issues, emphasizing the need for comprehensive policies to address discrimination and support integration.