In some regions of Slovakia, the Roma jobless rate is as high as 80-100%, the new appointee of the Slovak Cabinet for Issues of the Romany Community, Vincent Danihels, reported last week.
Danihels outlined some possible solutions to the problem, such as the revival of traditional crafts, support to Romany business activities or tax releases for those employers who would employ the Romany people.
The government is in the process of of coming up with a plan of action to deal with the Romany issue, and will host a series of round tables in March to discuss the topic. The events mzy include experts on Roma issues from the Slovak Academy of Science, universities, and NGOs and may also give space to representatives of the Roma communities.
Danihels took up his post as Cabinet appointee responsible for working on the problems of Romany on March 1. The former parliamentary deputy works as the executive deputy chairman of the Slovak Helsinki Committee and is the personal advisor of Interior Minister Ladislav Pittner.
