Mar 20 • 08:55 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania Lrytas

Human rights organizations prepare an appeal to government representatives regarding A. Valotka's remarks

Human rights organizations in Lithuania are preparing an appeal to government officials, expressing concerns over remarks made by A. Valotka that are perceived as discriminatory.

Human rights organizations in Lithuania, including the Lithuanian Human Rights Center, are drafting an appeal to Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė, Chairman of the Culture Committee Kęstutis Vilkauskas, and Minister of Culture Vaidą Aleknavičienė regarding statements made by A. Valotka. The organizations are requesting an evaluation of Valotka's comments and concrete actions in response. They argue that public officials should not be allowed to demean individuals or disregard the historical context associated with their identities, asserting that it is essential for state servants to serve all citizens equally.

The controversial remarks by Valotka, who claimed that terms like "negras" (a derogatory term for Black people) and "čigonas" (a derogatory term for Roma people) are acceptable, have sparked significant backlash. The organizations believe that such statements not only reflect Valotka's consistent position but also lower the dignity of certain groups within the country. They maintain that his comments, made publicly, degrade a portion of the population and tarnish the reputation of the public institutions he represents.

This appeal signifies a growing concern among human rights advocates regarding the responsibility of public figures and the potential consequences of their words on societal attitudes. By addressing this issue, the organizations aim to foster a more inclusive environment and hold officials accountable for their rhetoric, which can harm marginalized communities. The outcome of this appeal may influence public discourse about the use of language and the attitudes towards different identities in Lithuania.

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