Observation (CEACR) - adoptée 2000, publiée 89ème session CIT (2001)

1.  Discrimination on the basis of national extraction or religion.  The Committee recalls that, in its previous comments, it expressed its concern at the treatment of the Turkish minority and, more recently, members of the Roma community. It notes that, although certain difficulties persist, specific measures have been taken with a view to fighting against discrimination and the lack of integration of these groups. The Committee notes that in April 1999 the Government adopted a Framework Programme for the Equal Integration of Roma in Bulgarian society. This Programme was prepared on the initiative of the Roma organizations and in discussion with representatives of all the Roma associations in Bulgaria. It contains strategies for achieving equality for Roma, which the Government has expressed its commitment to fulfilling over a ten-year period, with priority given to some core proposals such as the establishment of a specialized body to combat racism and discrimination. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the implementation of this Programme and the results obtained to date. The Committee notes that, according to a report by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, 80 to 90 per cent of Bulgarian Roma are unemployed and trusts that, in its next report, the Government will supply information on the functioning of its assistance programme for members of this group who are seeking employment and, particularly, on its long-term job creation strategy. More generally, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply detailed information on the specific measures taken to combat the prejudice and intolerance suffered by members of national minorities and other groups to the extent that this prejudice leads to discrimination against them in many domains, particularly education and, consequently, in employment opportunities and subsequent working conditions.

2.  In regard to the effective application of the Act on Political and Civil Rehabilitation of Repressed Persons, the Committee reiterates its request for information on the number of people - particularly members of the Turkish minority - who have applied for and obtained compensation under the implementing decrees of this Act (Nos. 139 of July 1992 and 249 of December 1992). With respect to restoration of real estate to Bulgarian citizens of Turkish origin who asked to return to the Republic of Turkey or to other countries during the period May-September 1989, the Committee once again expresses the hope that the Government will indicate the number of repatriated workers of Turkish origin who were unemployed but not receiving benefits, who were able to benefit from the compensation provided by Decree No. 170 of 30 August 1990 regarding the restoration of real estate to Bulgarian citizens of Turkish origin who were forced to sell. In addition, it requests the Government to supply statistical data on the number of Bulgarians of Turkish extraction registered in schools and other educational institutions and on their participation in the labour market, so that it can measure the progress made by this minority in regard to access to employment and occupation.

3.  The Committee is raising certain other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.