PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT OF WORLD ROMA ORGANIZATION

REGARDING FORBIDDING ROMA CHILDREN TO ENTER MC.DONALDS RESTAURANT IN NOVI SAD

Belgrade, 20th July 2012 – Regarding the case from 10th July, which become known today through the medias, where is stated that children of Roma nationality were forbidden entrance to the McDonalds restaurant in Novi Sad,  Presidium of World Roma Organization Rromanipen expresses deep concernment and files a strong protest to the management of the McDonalds’ franchise in Serbia.
Vojvodina was since ever known around the globe as an embodiment of multi-ethnicity and multi-culture, where there wasn’t ever place for discrimination. We are assured that this is not a company’s policy, but regardless that fact, this individual act represents roughest form of discrimination based on the ethnic qualification.

In addition, we are confident that competent bodies will investigate this case, because if statements from this news are correct, by that was according to the articles 6 and 9 of Law about abolition of discrimination of Republic of Serbia performed act of discrimination, which is punishable according to the final provisions from that same law.

President of World Roma Organization Jovan Damjanovic will, regarding this case, ask reception with Commissioner for protection of equality Dr. Nevena Petrusic.

President of World Roma Organization

Jovan Damjanovic