Skopje, 8 April 2026 (MIA) – Ombudsman Faton Selami on the occasion of International Romani Day (April 8) urged stereotypes to be overcome, segregation to be cancelled and equal opportunities for members of the Romani community to be secured, saying that education plays a key role enabling their complete integration into the society.

In a press release on Wednesday, Selami said that equality and access to all rights and services guaranteed by the state should serve as the principle applied for all citizens regardless of their ethnic origin. 

“Equality, access to everything guaranteed by the state must be a principle applied for everyone regardless of their ethnic origin. Segregation in schools and discrimination must be left behind if we want to talk about a multi-cultural society,” he added.

The Ombudsman emphasized education as being the key factor for the improvement of the conditions for living of the Romani community. 

“Romani children belong in schools, they shouldn’t be on the streets as our studies show, unfortunately. As a result, all stakeholders in our country must make efforts to improve the situation,” he stressed.

Only quality and inclusive educational process, Selami said, will pave the way for complete integration of all ethnic communities, including the Roma. 

“Without it, we cannot talk about prosperous and legal state in which everyone will feel like home,” read the Ombudsman’s press release. 

MIA file photo