The Roma remain the most persecuted minority in Europe. Innocent children, mothers and fathers are brutally attacked and murdered and there is little action from the authorities to apprehend and prosecute the racist culprits responsible for these senseless acts. The authorities themselves are often responsible for singling out Roma by withholding rightful citizenship, asylum from persecution, right to travel, social services and due process of the law. Imprisonment and deportation are the only official actions of many governments.

The reasons given by European governments lack clear thought or even-handed justice. The German government claims it reduces racial violence by removing Roma from their country. And what happens to the people responsible for committing violence against Roma and other minorities? Other governments claim that Roma are responsible for much petty crime, but have they attempted to remove obstacles that prevent unemployment among the Roma, reducing crime at the same time? Racist organisations demonstrate their messages of hate openly directed at Roma with little or no restrictions, yet Roma have little if any active decision-making roles in policies directly affecting their own future.

Governments have attempted to forcibly settle and resettle Roma, often with little success and negative results. These same governments have also refused Roma the opportunity to settle down of their own accord. When a new Roma encampment begins, they are forcibly removed. Reasons include safety, hygiene, and reducing crime, but there is feeble effort by the authorities in power to improve these settlements.

The Roma remain a people on the margins of society, prevented from self-determination and gaining official recognition as a minority entitled to basic humanitarian services and rights.

The Romani people remain misunderstood and socially isolated in Europe for many reasons. Roma have mistrusted help or aid from outsiders, and with justification. For centuries they have maintained a social distance from gadje and remained separate as a matter of choice for protection and cultural strength. The days of voluntary isolationism are nearing their end in Europe. There remain very few places where Roma can have peace. Overcrowding, ethnic conflicts and strictly enforced borders within Europe force Roma closer and closer to gadje, and the situation will not change soon.

Governments have been slow to action because of the lack of a single strong united Roma voice. If outside help is accepted Roma concerns and resolve must be forcefully communicated. The World Romani Congresses and the First Gypsy Congress of the European Union are major steps in the right direction. See our Romani Rights and Romani Organisations sections.

Education is the key. Roma organisations must educate young Roma for positions of leadership in the Europe of tomorrow. Roma organisations must also develop programmes to educate the public of the realities of the Roma situation, and work with other organisations to eradicate myths, slander and propaganda about Roma that inhibit progress towards equal civil rights and social justice.

Governments must be held responsible for their mistreatment of Roma. They must be informed and held liable for the criminality of their actions and inaction. The European Parliament and the United Nations must send notice to governments that continued abuse and persecution of Roma, or any minority, will not be tolerated.

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