segregation Archives

Roma and the enforcement of anti-discrimination law

Category: EU Policy and Advocacy on ECEC | Types of resource: Report | Author: European Union | Region: EU |

In general, the situation of Roma children, pupils and students remains challenging across Europe.

This report aims to examine the current situation of the enforcement of non-discrimination law in Europe with regard specifically to Roma and their rights. The report is based on the professional assessment of 27 national non-discrimination experts of the European network of legal experts in gender equality and non-discrimination, and covers all EU Member States, with the exception of Malta.

It contains a chapter on education which includes an analysis on school segregation.

Download Resource

When ‘Special’ means ‘Excluded’: Roma segregation in special schools in the CEE/CIS region

When ‘Special’ means ‘Excluded’: Roma segregation in special schools in the CEE/CIS region (2009)

This paper provides a brief overview of the groundbreaking case of “D.H and the Others vs. the Czech Republic” that brought into focus the right of Romani children to equitable educational opportunity. It summarizes the issue of Roma segregation in special schools, it presents the case and the positions of the involved parties. The report presents UNICEF’s position and strategy in response to the unjust placement of Romani children in special schools in the CEE/CIS region. The report also shows some cases of Romani children rights violations.

Download Resource

Romani children in South East Europe. The challenge of overcoming centuries of distrust and discrimination

Romani children in South East Europe. The challenge of overcoming centuries of distrust and discrimination. (2007)

The report provides an overview of the situation of Romani children in South East Europe. It is shown, on the base of available data, that Romani children experience human rights abuses on a large scale. Within every country in South East Europe, they are the ones that are the most vulnerable to poverty, deprivation and lack access to healthcare and education. The report examines the various national action plans analyzing their potential to ensure the realization of Romani children’s rights.

The results say that all of the NAPs (10-year National Action Plans) are aimed to increase the ‘employability’ of Roma but don’t focus on children’s needs. The report also puts forward a number of recommendations for strengthening the effectiveness of the government action with the aim of sustainable progress for children.

Download Resource

Roma Empowerment and Support for Inclusion – Case study Rome, Italy

The case study clearly demonstrates both the urgent need for intervention and the challenges of working in a politically and economically hostile environment marked by discriminatory practices and segregation of Roma. It also showcases the importance of advocacy efforts and actions aimed at addressing child- and human rights and with awareness raising on the importance of inclusion of young Roma children and their families in the mainstream society.

Under the Capacity building of Roma supporting partners project, carried out by ISSA in partnership with Bernard van Leer Foundation (in 2014-2016), three case studies on Roma Empowerment and Support for Inclusion were developed. This is one of the three case studies developed after the projects in Italy, Belgium and the UK/Northern Ireland. A “Synthesis report of the Case Studies in Ghent, Belfast and Rome – Policy Recommendation” is available here.

Read the case study in Italian here.