Activists: Racial discrimination often manifests itself in housing in the Czech Republic

Prague - Discrimination, including racial discrimination, often manifests itself subtly in housing in the Czech Republic. This is pointed out by non-profit organizations that focus on human rights and minority issues. According to them, for example, municipalities set criteria for allocating their apartments in such a way that, for instance, Roma people cannot meet them.
    Today's campaign, the Orange Ribbon, was intended to draw attention to racial discrimination in the Czech Republic. Information and ribbons symbolizing the fight against racism were distributed by volunteers in seven cities. According to activists, Roma are among the groups most endangered by unequal access. They claim to be discriminated against in job searches, education, and particularly in housing. More information can be found at www.diskriminace.cz.
    According to activists, the allocation of municipal apartments and setting of criteria is the most common area of hidden discrimination. Municipal regulations allegedly do not pursue public interest goals, but rather favor profit. "In the behavior of municipalities, one can identify completely exploitative practices that are contrary to good morals," representatives of non-profit organizations stated. They claim that criteria for granting an apartment are often in conflict with certain laws, the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, or the constitution. Municipal leaders argue that they are trying to find tenants who will take care of the housing.
    In some places, people can apply for a municipal apartment only if they have a clean criminal record. This requirement also extends to their entire family. There is even a note about insufficient social adaptability. "This criterion, due to its vagueness, allows for whim and manipulation of applicants. On its basis, it is essentially possible to label anyone as a person who does not meet the conditions for allocating a rental apartment," states the activists' report.
    In some cities and municipalities, according to representatives of non-profit organizations, even people who lost their municipal housing in the past due to non-payment cannot apply for an apartment. It is allegedly not taken into account whether they eventually settled the debt. "The rules label a person as a rent debtor essentially forever, without the possibility of changing this situation through their own efforts," the activists added. According to them, this approach does not improve the payment morality of debtors and only contributes to their "falling into social degradation."
    Last year, the Forum for Integration also warned about discrimination in housing. According to its research, local governments are trying to rid themselves of socially weak individuals, mostly Roma. They push them to the outskirts of the city or municipality into bare apartments or hostels. When people start to apply for a municipal apartment, they usually do not get it. They are considered unsuitable tenants. Similarly, landlords reportedly approach them, the forum stated.