Jozef Stojka, chair of the Union of Vlax Roma, calls for Roma across Europe to mourn the tragic fire in Slovakia, Romani politicians say the system is failing

Jozef Stojka, chair of the Union of Vlax Roma (Unie olašských Romů) in the Czech Republic, has called on Romani people in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and across the European Union to light candles on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in memory of these victims. According to him, the tragedy has exposed the long-standing crisis in Slovakia’s approach toward its marginalized Romani communities.

In his appeal, Stojka criticized, among other things, the way Slovakia and its government handle European Union funds intended to improve the living conditions of the Roma. He points out that despite the millions of euros flowing into the country from Brussels, thousands of Romani families live in conditions that are dangerous.

“Let’s finally stand up against a system that allows Romani children to grow up in poverty, cold and hunger,” writes the chair of the Union of Vlax Roma in an emotional appeal to European governments and the media. “Let’s light candles and send photos of them out to the whole world. Let everyone see what’s happening.”

The fire in Veľký Šariš broke out on Wednesday, 19 March shortly after 10 PM. According to residents, the fire spread very quickly – neighbors and relatives tried to help, but the intensity of the fire did not allow them to reach the trapped victims.

Among the dead are four siblings under the age of four and their great-great-grandmother. Approximately 30 people lost their homes.

The town has declared a state of emergency and provided emergency accommodation for evacuees at a community center. Police have opened a criminal case for manslaughter and are investigating the cause of the fire.

Marián Dancso, Vice-Chair of the Czech Government Council for Roma Minority Affairs, called the fire a tragedy that should never have happened. “Those children’s dreams went up in flames,” he said.

According to Dancso, the fire revealed the longstanding neglect of the situation in Romani settlements. “Poor living conditions, inadequate housing, and insufficient access to resources create an environment where such disasters are unfortunately more frequent. It is striking that despite billions of euros from the European Union, the situation in many Romani settlements is not improving,” he stated.

The effectiveness of the use of these funds, Dancso said, has to be fundamentally reassessed. “In the 21st century, it is incomprehensible that there are still settlements in Europe where people live in conditions that do not meet the basic standards of a dignified life. This tragedy must be a warning signal,” he added, expressing his deep condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.

Czech Government Commissioner for Roma Minority Affairs Lucie Fuková also expressed her condolences to the families. “Poor little children. I am so sorry. Mi del o Del lenge lokhi phuv,” Fuková wrote online.

Pollák: How long will our children keep on dying here? The EU sends money with no results.

Romani members of Slovakia’s unicameral legislature and former MEP Peter Pollák also arrived in Veľký Šariš shortly after the tragedy, posting the following message to social media: “How long will our children die here? Sympathetic statuses on social media are not enough. We need real action.”

Pollák is also criticizing the use of funds from the European Union. He reminded the public that France, Germany, and other countries send funds through the European Union specifically to improve the living conditions of people in Romani settlements.

According to Pollák, that money often disappears without a trace and its actual impact on Romani people’s lives is minimal. The current Slovak Government Plenipotentiary for Romani Communities, Alexander Daško, is expected to visit the site of the fire today.

Daško’s office is already cooperating with the crisis team and the town to deal with the repercussions of the fire and to propose preventive measures to reduce the risk of similar tragedies recurring. “They will be discussing the forms of aid, the procedures, and the tools for addressing this situation. A representative of the Fire and Rescue Service of the Slovak Republic will also participate in the meeting,” spokesperson for the office Miriam Žiaková said.

Romani Lawmaker Irena Bihariová, an ex-chair of the Progressive Slovakia party, has issued a statement drawing attention to the deeper context of the entire tragedy. According to her, it is unacceptable for the state to consider the housing problem solved by offering Romani people makeshift, temporary housing.

“No government has yet found the courage to truly stand up for the Roma. It is not enough to put Romani children in school without support, it is not enough to offer a few dozen euros for activation work. If the approach does not change, similar tragedies will be repeated,” Bihariová predicted.

Slovak Commissioner for Children Mikloško: This tragedy demonstrates how dangerous the conditions are for children living in settlements

Psychological aid to the victims is now being provided by experts on-site, and other public figures have also expressed support for them, including the Slovak Commissioner for Children Jozef Mikloško, Slovak Labor Minister Erik Tomáš, and Slovak President Peter Pellegrini. All are unanimously speaking of the need for systemic changes that could prevent similar tragedies.

Mikloško reminded the public that the victims were children living in the most vulnerable environment and appealed to the need to create dignified, safe conditions for all children in Slovakia. “As part of the extensive monitoring of the Office of the Children’s Commissioner we have repeatedly drawn attention to their difficult situation and the urgent need for systemic solutions,” Mikloško said.

Slovak Labor, Social Affairs and Family Minister Erik Tomáš (Hlas-SD) has expressed his deep condolences to the families and the loved ones of the victims of the tragedy. He said employees of the Labor, Social Affairs and Family Office in Prešov are already at the site aiding locals as they cope with the consequences of this disaster.

“They are ensuring safe environments for the children, providing psychological interventions, social interventions, and other support to the affected family and their relatives. We are monitoring the situation in detail, cooperating with the local government and other state institutions, and are ready to continue to provide aid,” the minister said.

Slovak Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok (Hlas-SD) also expressed his condolences to the families and thanked the rescue services for their quick response to the fire.