Rights defenders treat idea of checking Roma in Rostov Region as impossible

The idea of the authorities of the Rostov Region to involve law enforcers in checking Roma and Cossacks by questioning their neighbours violates the laws and tramples on the rights of the Roma population. At the same time, there are no tension hotbeds in relations with Roma in the region; and the work with communities should be conducted through their leaders.

Law enforcers will be involved in monitoring the compliance with the law by the Roma population. This applies to housing and communal services and traffic regulations, as well as requirements for education and marriage age. While Cossacks will conduct a public opinion poll of Donetsk residents living near Roma communities to find out the reasons for potential threats, the "1rnd" outlet has reported.

"Such a resolution violates the UN Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and the Constitution of the Russian Federation, which guarantees equality to all, regardless of race, nationality or ethnicity," said Stefania Kulaeva, an expert at the "Memorial" Anti-Discrimination Centre. She also believes that it is impossible to involve Cossacks in conducting polls.

"Public polls are a type of sociological activity, only professionals can do them," she has added.

Valentina Chupik, a lawyer for migrants, has also noted that there are signs of a violation of the law. "Any involvement of third parties in police activities violates the law," she said. In her opinion, conducting polls can also violate the rights of Roma if the data is then illegally distributed.

Dmitry Abrosimov, a political analyst, believes that there are currently no tension hotbeds in the region.

Since the spring of 2014, as a result of hostilities in Eastern Ukraine, up to half a million people, including Roma, have entered the territory of Russia and the Southern Federal District (SFD). The legalization of the residence of Roma residents of Donbass in Russia is hampered by the problems of compact Roma settlements and the complex migration legislation. The legalization problem is especially acute for Roma women and children.