Hindus disappointed at French President Sarkozy's remarks against Roma

23 July, 2010

HINDUS HAVE expressed disappointment at French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s recent comments about Roma and Travellers, which they say are disparaging to these communities.

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that entire communities should not be blamed for the actions of few individuals and illegally settled evictions should not be targeted at selected ethnic communities. It seemed like an attempt to demonize the already most prejudiced against communities in France and eternalizing negative stereotyping of them.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, argued that French Government should urgently launch a nationwide campaign to combat discrimination against Roma and Travellers. Evictions, if carried out, should be according to European and international law and appropriate alternative accommodation should be offered.

Europe’s most persecuted and discriminated community, Roma are reportedly facing apartheid like conditions in Europe. Roma reportedly regularly encounter social exclusion, racism, substandard education, hostility, joblessness, rampant illness, inadequate housing, lower life expectancy, unrest, living on desperate margins, stereotypes, mistrust, rights violations, discrimination, marginalization, appalling living conditions, prejudice, human rights abuse, etc., Rajan Zed pointed out.