CAMPAIGN 31 WEEK 12

A Tale of Protection: Ferka

Are Roma people bogus refugees?

Recently, Hungary has been the cornerstone of the bogus refugee rhetoric of the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration in order to justify the outrageous changes to our refugee and immigration system introduced by Bill C-31. Hungary is part of the European Union, therefore it is impossible to have refugees coming from such a country, according to the Minister. That is why Hungary, along with all European Union countries will be placed on the Designated Countries of Origin list (DCO list) to be introduced by the Minister very soon. Thus, people coming from designated countries will be subjected to fast refugee hearings, no rights of appeal, and expedited returns to their countries. In summary, this means that people from DCOs will not have sufficient time to prepare for their hearing, putting civil servants under pressure to make a decision within tight deadlines. Mistakes will not be corrected because of the lack of appeal, which will result in a dangerous return to a country where the person can face a life threatening situation. What do we really know about Hungary and the hate crimes perpetrated mostly against Roma and Jewish Hungarians? Please, google Jobbik and/or read official reports of the Council of Europe or other organizations. You will be stunned to discover the widespread extent of the oppression and discrimination that exists against minorities in Hungary. While hate crimes against Roma populations were widespread during Communism, they are on the unprecedented rise since the 2010 elections when the Jobbik, an ultra radical political party, along with another far right political party won a major representation in Hungarian Parliament. The cooperation between both parties resulted in multiple discriminative laws. In addition, there is an underground para-military organization called the Hungarian grads who terrorise Hungarians who belong to minorities, such as the Roma. Ferka, his wife and 3 kids are a Hungarian Roma family who, as almost any Roma, have been subjected to constant discrimination and hatred by fellow Hungarians. For safety concerns they have been compelled to move to a new place almost every year. In each place they were insulted, slapped, and harassed simply because they are Roma. Ferkas children have been constantly oppressed and beaten by their schoolmates. After the several beatings, one of the children came home with a broken finger. Farkas family never went to the police as in many cases it is the police who are the oppressors and perpetrators. The last incident which compelled Ferka to leave his country to find a safe place for his family was the most horrifying one. One night, on their way back from the supermarket, Ferka and his family were surrounded by a dozen men. One pointed a gun to the head of Ferkas wife while the gang beat up her husband. Once the beating was finished, one of the men grabbed the woman by her head and cut her nose. The family barely survived. The next day they left for the Netherlands to apply for protection. However, due to the existing presumption in European Union asylum law that every EU country is safe, Ferkas refugee claim was rejected. They came to ask for Canadas protection. However, possibly spurred on by Minister Kennys openly discriminatory remarks against Roma people from Hungary, their claim was rejected. What will be the destiny of Ferkas family if forced to return to Hungary? Most certainly the discrimination and attacks will continue even they may face death. As Ferka puts it, If rejected and forced to return our life will be in great danger. I plan to go some other place anywhere is better than Hungary. What is Canada for Ferka and his family? Simply: home. The only place they feel secure and respected as human beings. The first time Ferka ventured to ask a passerby for an address, he was struck by the polite way the person responded to the request. Ferka wants to work as a settlement worker to help other Roma in their transition to the new country. He is volunteering much of his time in the Roma Community Centre where he teaches English to Roma people, and helps with translation and tasks at the centre. The prospects of Ferkas family establishment in Canada are great. Finally they have found the home they dreamed of free of discrimination, beatings and humiliations. Will they be allowed to stay in Canada? The future will tell.