Many Roma continue to face discrimination and social exclusion across the EU, according to ‘The situation of Roma in 11 EU Member States: Survey results at a glance’ a new report published jointly by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The report shows that the situation in employment, education, housing and health is not satisfactory and that on average, it is worse than the situation of the non-Roma living close by. Roma also continue to experience discrimination and are not sufficiently aware of their rights guaranteed by EU law. The report draws on surveys into the socio-economic situation of Roma and non-Roma living nearby in 11 EU Member States and in neighboring European countries.
The magnitude of the findings is huge. The results show that one in three is unemployed, 20 % are not covered by health insurance, and 90 % are living below national poverty lines.
The evidence shows that the nature of the challenges many Roma are facing in the EU requires policy responses which articulate development efforts within a rights-based approach. Such policy responses must tackle the socio-economic barriers that Roma face while also ensuring that their fundamental rights are respected.
For more information visit the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) website.
