With a population of 10 to 12 million, the Roma are one of the largest and most disadvantaged minorities in Europe. Six million live in the EU. Hundreds of thousands of Roma have been forced to live in informal settlements and camps, often without heating, water or sanitation; tens of thousands are forcibly evicted from their homes every year.
Thousands of Romani children are placed in segregated schools and receive a substandard education.
Roma are often denied access to jobs and quality health care. They are victims of racially motivated violence and are often left unprotected by the police and without access to justice.
This is not a coincidence. It is the result of widespread discrimination and racism that Roma face throughout Europe.
Governments across the region are failing to protect their rights.Human rights here, Roma rights now: A wake-up call to the European Union
Decisive action needed by the European Union
When it comes to the treatment of the Roma, EU governments are not just failing to respect binding international human rights standards, but also to enforce EU anti-discrimination law. EU anti-discrimination laws have been in place for over a decade but EU governments continue to adopt discriminatory policies that target the Roma and allow discrimination to go unchecked.
This must end now. The EU's executive body, the European Commission, has the responsibility, the obligation and the tools to ensure compliance and fight against the discrimination and violence that Roma face.
Join our campaign “Human rights here, Roma rights now!” and stand up for equality and Roma rights!
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