Czechoslovak Romani Union: Aid to those fleeing war is our moral obligation, we reject the rhetoric of refugees "taking our jobs"

According to the Czechoslovak Romani Union, it is everybody’s moral duty to provide refuge and security to refugees from the Russo-Ukrainian war. The Union also rejects the rhetoric that refugees will “take jobs” from Czech citizens.

“These people are fleeing a war-torn country to save their lives and their children, and the Czechoslovak Romani Union flatly rejects the rhetoric that refugees will take Czech citizens’ jobs and reduce their social status,” the Czechoslovak Romani Union said in a statement. News server Romea.cz is publishing the statement in full translation below.

Declaration of the Czechoslovak Romani Union

The Czechoslovak Romani Union unequivocally and strongly condemns the aggressive invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Army and perceives this act of war as an unprecedented violation of international law and a crime against peace. Attacks on civilian targets are completely contrary to the Geneva Conventions.

“Ukraine is fighting for the whole of Europe, for democracy and for our freedom. Vladimir Putin is a war criminal and must be held accountable for his crimes!”

The Czechoslovak Romani Union fully supports the Czech Government’s position on assisting refugees from the Russo-Ukrainian war, it is our moral duty to provide them with shelter and security. These people are fleeing a war-torn country to save their lives and their children, and the Czechoslovak Roma Union flatly rejects the rhetoric that refugees will take Czech citizens’ jobs and reduce their social status

We believe these refugees will in fact strengthen us, mainly morally, and that we will realize that aiding them is humane. At the same time, the Czechoslovak Romani Union is actively involved in assisting refugees from Ukraine and will help as needed.