Slovenski Sinti - samostojna etnična manjšina ali le romska podskupina? (Slovenian Gypsy/Sinti: Independent Ethnic Minority or Just a Sub-Group of Romani?)

Abstract

In present article, author notes that during in the creation of the Slovenian national state in 1991 and with adoption of the Constitution, where the 65th Article defines the status of the Romani ethnic minority, among the Slovenian Gypsy/Sinti and the Romani population, there was no friction or misunderstanding. In Slovenia, as well as in the former common state of Yugoslavia, it was still used ethnonym "Gypsies," which was an acceptable term for both the Romani and Sinti. Slovenian Sinti is, on the adoption of the Constitution a fair definition ethnonyms Romani and Sinti as well as a separate and special treatment for Sinti and Romani entity. Sinti thinking and understanding of ethnonym Gypsies/Romani/Sinti/Manoushes, follow the guidelines of the European Convention and its Protocols on Human and Minority Rights and Fundamental Freedoms - Protocol 12, Protocols and Declarations of UNESCO, in particular: the Declaration on race and racial prejudices in the sixth Article reads: "The state has primary responsibility for ensuring human rights and fundamental freedoms on a completely equal basis, both in terms of dignity and the rights of every individual and every group."

In the theoretical part the author follows the guidelines of the UN Convention on the ethnic, cultural and linguistic minorities, OSCE policies on ethnic and national minorities, the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, adopted by the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, at 10th/November/1994, in force since 1st/February/1998, ETS No. 157/5:1, which is states, that the States Parties will create conditions that allow individuals, persons belonging to national minorities possible: "...protect the basic elements of their identity."

In the field, author is tested terminology definitions of national/ethnic minority group, according to the wording of the Venice Commission in 1991, the Commission for Democracy through Law, and in the context of the recommendations of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, no. 1201 (Recommendation 1201 (1993) and recommendations on further defining "national minorities", the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe: Recommendation 1255:2, adopted on 31st/January/1995.

Note: Downloadable document is in Slovenian.

Keywords: Sinti, Gypsy, Romani, ethnicity, minority, subgroup, Convention, Rights of persons belonging to the ethnic minorities

JEL Classification: K33, K37, K39, Z0, Z13, Z18