Croatia: The European Court of Human Rights issued a ruling last week upholding Croatia’s policy of separating students into all Roma and non-Roma classes.

The Roma children, now aged between 14 and 20, had argued they suffered from being separated from the other students in school, and were taught only a third of the curriculum. The schools contended that they were separated only until their language skills improved enough for them to keep up with other students.

The ruling could have implications for Roma children throughout Europe, where it is common practice for Roma (gypsies) to be placed in either special classes, or in some cases, in special schools.

The Dzeno Association, a leading Roma rights organization and Advocacy Project (AP) partner, is carrying out a campaign in the Czech Republic to ensure that Roma youth receive an equal opportunity in the classroom. In a similar case last year, the court found in favor of Roma students and insisted they be integrated in Czech schools.

Colby Pacheco, an AP Peace Fellow, is volunteering with Dzeno this summer.

Read more in Colby’s blog.

Read the full article about the decision.