Itt-Ott, 1991 (24. évfolyam, 1-2/118. szám)

1991 / 1-2. (118.) szám

tion of Romania and the systematization of rural areas.’ The purpose of this restructuring was to compress villages into concentrated built-up areas in order to increase population density and reduce the amount of land in use. The concentrated villages were thus to be converted into large-scale farming centres where industries could be established.” (18)

There were to be four categories of rural communities:

1. 540 agro-industrial centers were due to become towns.

2. 1,800 chief towns were due to become agro-industrial centers.

3. Large villages were to be modernized.

4. Small villages (not worth modernizing) were to be abandoned.

There were a total of 10,000 villages in categories 3 and 4. (19) By early 1989 many historic buildings, particularly in and around Bucharest, had already been demolished.

The Special Rapporteur gave ample evidence of violations of the rights of life, physical and moral integrity, privacy, work, adequate living standards, education and cultural and artistic activity. Freedom of thought, conscience, religion, opinion, expression, assembly, association (including trade union rights) and movement (both within and beyond national borders) were often and consistently denied.

Brutal treatment of detainees, incommunicado detentions and other violations of prisoners’ rights were noted.

The Special Rapporteur emphasized that the rights of minorities were often violated. The “intensive Romanization campaign” especially threatened minorities, particularly the ethnic Hungarian population. Language rights of schools, courts, hospitals, etc. were curtailed. Bilingual road signs nearly disappeared — even in areas with an 85% Hungarian-speaking population. For nearly two years, beginning in January 1988, parents were not allowed to choose children’s names which did not have Romanian equivalents. Hungarian-speaking artists and intellectuals were harassed, persecuted or exiled; Hungarian publications could not be imported; Hungarian radio and television were severely restricted. (20)

The report noted numerous restrictions on religious freedom. “Legal recognition” was accorded to 14 churches, but even these had difficulties. Bibles and other religious materials were restricted—and thus scarce. Some church members suffered losses of employment, social benefits, curtailment from higher education, and even arrest and ill-treatment. Calvinists, Lutherans and Unitarians were said to be short of parish ministers. Reformed and Baptist clergy were reportedly harrassed. (21)

Following the December 1989 revolution in Romania, Special Rapporteur Voyame issued an addition to his earlier report. On January 10,1990 Mr. Voyame wrote Romania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, requesting a visit to Romania and asking for Romanian Government co-operation in bringing his report up-to-date. He received full co-operation from the Government, and visited Romania from 12 to 16 February, 1990. He

40 rn-OTT 24. évf. (1991), 1-2. (118.) szám

met with several senior government officials, political leaders, human rights groups, non-governmental organizations, former dissidents, representatives of the Hungarian minority, and other relevant individuals.

(22)

While not yet perfect, the situation had improved significantly in only a few weeks. Freedom of movement, expression, religion and exercise of minority rights were being restored. All individuals listed in the original report as detained in prison had been freed.

However, many members of the Securitate (Security Police) remained as Government employees. Some individuals said they believed that phones continued to be tapped. Reports of lack of impartiality in media coverage were frequent. (23)

As the Special Rapporteur stated, “Several persons emphasized the continued existence of certain psychological obstacles to exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. The former climate of suspicion and fear, which made it practically impossible to express any divergent opinion or to hold free meetings, has left after-effects that cannot be expected to disappear completely until some time has elapsed. In the meantime, there is a continued danger of manipulation of public opinion. (24)

While early steps were clearly being taken, it would be a very long-term project to abandon “systematization” completely and to restore civil and political rights fully. Shortages of food, medicine and other essentials would likely persist. Building a viable economy would take time.

Human rights, neither known nor practiced during the Ceausescu Regime, would take time to bring to full fruition.

In closing the Supplementary Report, Mr. Voyame recommended that Romanian authorities human rights should:

1. Continue action to ensure de iure and de facto respect for human rights.

2. Pay attention to points made by the Special Rapporteur.

3. Consider use of the Voluntary Fund for Advisory Services set up by the Centre for Human Rights to establish institutions for the promotion of human rights.

(25)

The recently-concluded Children’s Summit reminds us all of the urgent needs of Romania’s suffering children. During the past few years, Romania’s children have suffered malnutrition, dislocation, deprivation of basic necessities, lack of health care—and much more. The needs of children—the most vulnerable—must be kept especially in view as the world reaches a helping hand toward all Romanians—including, of course, Transylvanian Unitarians.

This poem, by 15-year-old Frangulea Daniela, speaks with vision and hope:

Look!

A white dove is flying!

Its wings are shining with the pure brightness of freedom!

Oh, dear world,

Be kind and good,