In the Czech Republic, ghettos are increasing, and security and employment within them are not improving

Prague - In the Czech Republic, the number of ghettos is gradually increasing, and more people in need are living in them. Over the last four years, there has been no significant improvement in safety, employment, or housing in these impoverished areas and their surroundings. The authorities have so far only implemented part of the measures needed for change. This is stated in a report for the government on the implementation of the strategy to combat exclusion, prepared by the government agency for social inclusion. The document is available to ČTK. The strategy with tasks for the years 2011 to 2015 was adopted by the cabinet four years ago.
    "Out of 71 measures, 18 were fully completed, 26 partially, and 24 were not completed, while three were dropped. It is evident that the desired effect has not been achieved," the authors of the report state. According to them, the situation has not improved, and in some areas, there has even been a further decline, with public administration not responding adequately, indicating a need for more coordinated action.
    The measures pertained to safety, housing, social services, health, education, employment, and benefit payments. According to the report, ghettos are increasing, and the debt levels of their residents are rising. More and more people are ending up in inadequate shelters, with entire families frequently moving around among them.
    According to a 2006 analysis, there were around 300 impoverished houses and neighborhoods in the Czech Republic. About 80,000 people lived there, primarily Romani people. The head of the government agency, Martin Šimáček, previously told ČTK that field findings indicate there could be around 400 ghettos. The report does not provide a new number. However, the Ministry of Labor commissioned a new analysis last year to map the current situation.
    According to the report on the implementation of the strategy, the security situation in ghettos and their surroundings "has not fundamentally improved" over the last four years. Crime rates remain higher, and the use of addictive substances and gambling is more widespread. Investigations are often complicated due to the interconnectedness of various offenses, which increases police reluctance to engage with the cases, the report states. Moreover, the demanding nature of the work of police officers or other workers in impoverished areas is not reflected in their compensation. There is a lack of training for rank-and-file police officers on the issues of social exclusion and social work with people returning from prison to ghettos. There are also no specialists for combating usury.
    The housing situation has also not improved. Since 2011, there has been a significant increase in the number of households and individuals living in shelters. The prices there are often significantly inflated and exceed usual costs, the report states. "Complete or partial reconstruction is required for houses in up to 80% of socially excluded areas," the authors stated. They added that there is a lack of subsidies for the reconstruction of occupied rental apartments.
    Frequent moving of families between shelters hampers long-term social work with those in need, with transfers affecting children's school attendance. They have not yet been successfully integrated into regular schools and often end up in "special schools."
    According to the report, employment has also not significantly improved. Between 30 to 60 percent of adults in the ghettos are unemployed. When they do work, it is often in low-skilled positions or seasonal jobs. The authors note that some prefer to work illegally due to high debts and foreclosures.
    The report states that dependence on benefits is more a result of low wages than a generous benefit system. Since 2012, benefits have been paid by labor offices instead of municipal offices. This measure, according to the report, has mostly confirmed fears that municipalities would lose interest in social work.
    The Minister for Human Rights is now preparing a strategy for 2016 to 2020. The first version is expected to be ready by mid-year, with institutions able to provide their feedback in November.