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Why we can no longer let discrimination in preschool ruin the prospects of Romani children

Access to quality and inclusive preschool education should be a right available to all children. Unfortunately, in the Czech Republic, many of the most marginalized groups, including Roma children and those living in poverty, face systemic barriers that prevent them from accessing early education. These barriers perpetuate a cycle of inequality, impacting children’s growth, future opportunities, and the potential for social mobility.

For Roma children in the Czech Republic, the struggle to access preschool education is rooted in a long history of discrimination and marginalization. Despite national and European commitments to equity, Romani children still face disproportionately high rates of school segregation and exclusion. This segregation is often institutional, driven by biased policies and discriminatory practices that prevent these children from entering the education system.

In January 2023, the European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) and the Forum for Human Rights filed a collective complaint against the Czech Republic. The complaint highlights the failure of the government to ensure equal access to preschool education for Roma children and those facing poverty and social exclusion. It identifies three key barriers to access: affordability, availability, and discriminatory practices.

Key Takeaways:

Equal access to preschool education is a right for all children, but Roma and marginalized groups in the Czech Republic face systemic barriers.
Financial burdens, a lack of available preschool spots, and discriminatory practices prevent many from accessing early education.
The situation highlights a broader European issue of educational inequality and social exclusion.
Urgent action is needed to address these barriers and ensure that every child receives the education they deserve.

More information: https://www.errc.org/news/why-we-can-no-longer-let-discrimination-in-preschool-ruin-the-prospects-of-romani-children

Why we can no longer let discrimination in preschool ruin the prospects of Romani children

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