On the situation of Romani children in Rome, Italy

Getting out to dream, Italy
This report shows the situation of Romani children in the city of Rome, Italy. The presence of Roma in Italy is estimated by the Council of Europe at around 0,25%. 60% of the Romani population is younger than 18. The dramatic living conditions of Romani children, segregated in formal and informal settlements, are characterized by inadequate housing conditions and lack of all minimum services. Limited access to health care, no access to preschool and low attendance rate in compulsory education are the consequences. Furthermore Roma leaving in Rome are often forcibly evicted from informal settlements. These evictions lead to a loss of belonging, interruption of schooling and other services. For Romani children, both in formal and informal settlements, studying, playing and fully realizing their own potential is just a dream.