Czech Republic: An organization called "Citizens Initiative for Peace and Human Rights of the Gypsies", including the names of its leaders, officers
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 November 1998 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | CZE30276.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Czech Republic: An organization called "Citizens Initiative for Peace and Human Rights of the Gypsies", including the names of its leaders, officers, 1 November 1998, CZE30276.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6acd130.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to the Czech Helsinki Committee, the Citizens Initiative for Peace and Human Rights of Roma in Krnov was established in August 1998 (30 Oct. 1998). Josef Coveja is listed as a representative for the organization. It is involved in monitoring of human rights, rights of children and youth, minorities, antiracist activities, mediation, training and crime prevention (ibid.).
An October 1997 article from the Czech News Agency (CTK) mentions the Civic Initiative for Peace and Human Rights of the Romanies and cites Jan Kotlar as one of the organization's leaders (see CZE30275.E) (15 Oct. 1997).
A representative of the Budapest-based European Roma Rights Centre was also aware of a Citizens Initiative for Peace and Human Rights in Krnov, but had not worked personally with them (14 Oct. 1998). Efforts by the Research Directorate to reach this organization were unsuccessful.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
Czech Helsinki Committee [Prague]. 30 October 1998. E-mail communication sent to the Research Directorate.
Czech News Agency (CTK). 15 October 1997. "White Defender of Romanies Tired of Intolerance and Emigrates." (NEXIS)
European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) [Budapest]. 14 October 1998. E-mail communication sent to the Research Directorate.