Romania: Information on tensions between ethnic Hungarians and Gypsies in Transylvania
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 February 1994 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | ROM16480.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Romania: Information on tensions between ethnic Hungarians and Gypsies in Transylvania, 1 February 1994, ROM16480.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ab3a3c.html [accessed 4 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to a Reuters report, ethnic Hungarians took part in the September 1993 attacks on Gypsies in the Transylvanian region (25 Oct. 1993). A report in The Independent further indicates that in this region, where tensions between Romanians and ethnic Hungarians are reputedly high, both communities share the same hatred of Gypsies (19 Oct. 1993).
A January 1994 BBC report indicates that mistrust exists between the Hungarian and Gypsy communities. The report states that the Free Association of Romanies was planning a demonstration to protest against the decision taken by Reformed Church bishop Laszlo Toekes (an ethnic Hungarian) to freeze money granted to the Gypsies by a German aid organization (28 Jan. 1994). According to the same source, the demonstration which would have taken place on 25 January 1994 in front of Toekes's residence was banned by the Romanian authorities (ibid.). Furthermore, another BBC report states that the Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania (HDUR) protested against the planned demonstration (25 Jan. 1994).
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 28 January 1994. "Gypsy Demonstration Against Laszlo Toekes Banned by Local Police." (NEXIS)
The Independent [London]. 19 October 1993. Adrian Bridge. "Romanians Vent Old Hatreds Against Gypsies; the Villagers of Hadareni Are Defiant About their Murder of 'Vermin'." (NEXIS)
Reuters. 25 October 1993. BC Cycle. Adrian Dascalu. "Romanian Gypsies Fall Victim to Race Attacks." (NEXIS)
Attachments
BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 28 January 1994. "Gypsy Demonstration Against Laszlo Toekes Banned by Local Police." (NEXIS)
. 25 January 1994. "Hungarians' Organization Rejects Gypsy Claims Against Bishop Toekes." (NEXIS)
The Independent [London]. 19 October 1993. Adrian Bridge. "Romanians Vent Old Hatreds Against Gypsies; the Villagers of Hadareni Are Defiant About Their Murder of 'Vermin'." (NEXIS)
Reuters. 25 October 1993. BC Cycle. Adrian Dascalu. "Romanian Gypsies Fall Victim to Race Attacks." (NEXIS)
