Kosovo, 22 Jan - We have just launched an internet platform http://kosovoroma.wordpress.com/ dealing with the situation of Roma in and from Kosovo. As you certainly know Roma have become a collateral damage not only of the Kosovo conflict, but of all the wars and conflicts which ensued from the disintegration of the former Yugoslavia.

We would like to remind you that there are still several ten thousands and eventually more than 100,000 of Kosovo Roma refugees and IDPs in the region whose situation remains to be resolved. We would also like to remind you that there are several ten thousands and probably also more than hundred thousand Roma refugees from the former Yugoslavia in Western Europe whose asylum application has been rejected and who may now face an increased deportation risk given the readmission agreements between the EU, Serbia, BiH and FYROM, which have just entered into force.

We would finally like to draw your attention to the fears of Roma in Kosovo to become again victims of violence in the event of a unilateral and uncontrolled declaration of independence of Kosovo and the unresolved claims of Kosovo Roma regarding compensation, political participation and equal civil rights.

We would very much appreciate if you could raise these issues in the context of your campaign and remain at your disposal for further information and/or contacts.

Sincerely,

The editors

Kosovo Roma Website
e-mail: kosovoroma(at)gmail.com