UN Report: Bulgaria Severely Lags in Roma Integration

Roma are still largely in the lowest economic and social stratum among Bulgarians, according to a report presented at the 12th UN Human Rights Council.

Roma are still experiencing rampant discrimination and exclusion which leaves them marginalized and poor, argues UN human rights expert Gay MacDougall in the report.

At the same time, the Bulgarian government is not doing enough to mend that situation, according to the reporter.

"Policies of Roma integration in Bulgaria remain lamentably inadequate with uncoordinated initiatives that have only superficial impact," states the report.

It argues that government efforts are a long way from the point in which they will pivotally contribute to overcome what it describes as the "enormous challenges" that Roma face.

The UN Human Rights report further discusses discrimination Roma in Bulgaria face when applying for jobs in the private sector, as well as the prevalence of poorly qualified labor among the community.