Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

Racism and discrimination

Periods of profound political change can expose divisions in society, and the resulting tensions are often expressed in terms of racism or discrimination against other communities. In Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, the transition of the past fifteen years has seen a rise in hostility aimed at Roma, Sinti and related groups. As a result, some Roma and Sinti have been prevented access to employment, education, housing and health care. In several countries, Roma and Sinti have been the victims of racially motivated crimes and have suffered abuse at the hands of the police.

Security of residence

For many Roma, obtaining a legal residence with secure living conditions is a prerequisite to the recognition and fulfilment of other rights. Without an address, it is often impossible to register for public services or engage in lawful income-generating activities. Problems that have resulted from insecure residence include: forced evictions, lack of secure land tenure, inadequate alternative housing, lack of civil registration and the inability of Roma and Sinti children to attend school.

Trafficking in human beings

A reported increase in trafficking in Roma and Sinti communities, particularly of children, can be linked to four factors: endemic poverty, social marginalization, the collapse of institutional support structures and widespread discrimination.

Exclusion from public and political life

The discrimination faced by Roma and Sinti populations has prevented them from playing a significant role in the public and political life of the communities in which they live. This is often compounded by a lack of awareness among Roma and Sinti of their ability to influence their own circumstances through political participation. Particularly affected are the most vulnerable groups within Roma and Sinti communities, including internally displaced persons, refugees, young people and women.

Roma rights in crisis and post-crisis situations

Tens of thousands of Roma had to leave their homes during the recent conflicts in South-Eastern Europe and now live as refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs). While some of the refugees and IDPs have integrated into their host societies, others still live in refugee camps where difficult living conditions are often aggravated by tensions with the local population, including the local Roma population.