Roma women endure flood of emotions after years of seeking justice
By Tom Clifford
“Since the procedure in 1997, I have had constant health issues: psoriasis, bladder problems and immense pain. My husband left me. A public apology is not enough.”
Nataša ?onková
The government expressed its regret to Roma women who were sterilized without their consent but admitted the practice may still be taking place. Human Rights and Minorities Minister Michael Kocáb told The Prague Post the decision to address the issue had the complete backing of the Cabinet, but it was just a small step on the way to ensuring full human rights for all citizens.
“The situation will not change tomorrow or the day after, but this is a step, a small step, in helping all minorities in the Czech Republic,” he said. “This government saw something wrong and tried to change it. It may be a caretaker government, but we knew we could act on this issue.”
As Prime Minister Jan Fischer issued the official statement at Government House just after 3:30 p.m. Nov. 23, Roma women who had traveled from Ostrava for the occasion burst into applause. They arrived in Prague at 11:30 a.m. for a series of meetings with Fischer, Kocáb and other government ministers. Lunch was put aside (though tea and coffee were served in abundance) due to the intensity of the meetings, and the enormity of what was about to happen – a public state acknowledgement of the abuse they suffered at the hands of medical staff – became apparent.
Fischer spoke the words that the women, their families, supporters and many other people had been longing to hear: “We would like to express regret for what happened. It was a huge failure.”