Public Discussion “Achieving and Protection of Social Rights” in Beli Manastir

2014-06-17

2014-06-17

On 17 June 2014, IPC organised the forth public discussion within the project implementation on “Achieving and Protection of Social Rights” in Beli Manastir.

Guests at the public discussion were Predrag Stojanovic, Deputy Mayor of Beli Manastir, Dimi Fustin, director of the Social Welfare Centre Beli Manastir, Nada Sinko, Head of Croatian Employment Service (CES) Beli Manastir and Martina Kedmenec, social worker from the Center for Social Welfare Centre (CSW) Beli Manastir.

Predrag Stojanovic has spoken about problems that Roma Community is facing i.e. unemployment, low education, etc. He pointed out disunity of Roma community as the biggest problem. And stated the Town does not have sufficient funds to help all vulnerable groups but as a good example he emphasized a project “Library tools” that has been implemented by NGO Luna in Beli Manastir. Mr. Stojanovic informed citizens that requests for firewood assistance should be submitted to the Centre for Social Welfare this year.  Furthermore, he stated that Beli Manastir does not own apartments that could be given for use to socially vulnerable groups.  

Nada Sinko pointed out all employment measures for Roma people that are being conducted by the CES. She informed all present that 60 Roma people will be soon employed by CES through the public works. She also pointed out novelties related to the monthly check-in of unemployed persons to the CES:  if the unemployed refuse offered job or if they fail to contact their advisor without justified reason, they will be deleted from the CES registry.  Furthermore, she stated that only 30 Roma people with finished elementary school have been registered to the CES, therefore it is necessary to encourage all Roma (young and old) to finish their education because only then they can become competitive on the labour market.

Dimi Fustin underlined tidings of the new Social Welfare Act. The Centre for the Social Welfare has been still conducting audits of their beneficiaries and they are connected with the CES so if Employment Service remove person from their registry he/she will automatically lose social assistance. Furthermore, pursuant to the new Social Welfare Act, none of the social welfare beneficiaries are allowed to own real estate or moveable property. As for assistance with buying school books, the Social Welfare Centre will continue to strive and  assist in co-financing.

This was the most visited public discussion so far. 60 citizens, members of Roma community, attended this tribune, as well as the local and the national media.

During this public discussion that lasted for an hour and half, citizens were actively asking questions and seeking advice from guests.