| Country of origin: |
India |
| Countries of residence: |
Eastern European countries, Spain, Italy, France, Czech Republic, UK |
| Total population: |
approx. 2-5 million |
| Population in UK: |
approx. 300,000 |
| Language: |
Romani |
| Religion: |
Christianity; Islam; Hinduism |
Who are the Roma?
Since their migration from India approximately 600 years ago, the Roma have suffered economic, political and cultural discrimination at the hands of communist and capitalist as well as democratic and totalitarian societies. Yet, the Roma gypsies, an ethnic group living mostly in Europe, are one of the oldest roaming communities in the world.
There are about 2 to 5 million Roma in the world. It is impossible to estimate the total population with accuracy since many governments do not record Roma in their census figures. Many Roma also conceal their ethnic origin out of fear of discrimination. They are heavily persecuted, particularly in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
Why are the Roma in trouble?
According to Amnesty International, of the 10 million Roma living in Europe, almost 80% live in European Union states. The Roma population is the poorest and one of the fastest growing in the region, living predominantly on the margins of society. Roma are one of the largest ethnic minority groups in Europe.
Romani's are commonly subject to ill treatment by law enforcement officers. Women and children are most vulnerable to traffickers as well as racial attacks, with little or no protection from the police. Additionally in most countries they are prevented from obtaining citizenship, healthcare or other benefits. In Eastern Europe, Roma often live in depressed squatter communities with very high unemployment, while only some are fully integrated in the society. Most Eastern European Romanies are Catholic, Orthodox or Muslim.
Around 300,000 Gypsies, Roma and Travellers live in the UK.
The right of education for Roma Gypsies
There has been a recent concern on Roma children in Britain on their level of education attainment. Ofsted has reported that Gypsy, Roma & Traveller pupils, have the lowest results of any ethnic minority group and are the groups most at risk in the education system. In addition to this, the Swann report identified Gypsy, Roma and Traveller pupils as being strongly affected by many factors influencing the education of children from other minority ethnic groups. Particular mention was made then, as now, of racism and discrimination, myths, stereotyping and the need for more positive links between Gypsy, Roma and Traveller parents and their children's schools.
The ideology of many schools, both in their practices and discourses, perpetuate myths and beliefs that foster the exclusion and marginalisation of the Gypsy children. As a result, the Gypsy/Roma children suffer processes of segregation in the educative systems, both in the classrooms and in particular school centres. In most of the contexts studied, the channels of communication between the families and the teachers are almost non-existent.
Our work so far
Thus far we have been working with communities in the UK and in Europe to understand better the ways the Roma community are marginalised. We have reported on certain issues and also campaigned both online and physically to bring to light and raise awareness on the inequality faced by the Roma Gypsy community living here in the UK, through our Roaming Trail.
Our continued work
For 2013, our project aims are:
- To research and write frequent articles highlighting the areas of concern within the Roma community.
- To raise awareness of the marginalisation of the Roma community through online and physical campaigning.
- To create and hold after school workshops to give Roma children extra educational and social support.
Many more very exciting developments are in progress for this project, and we just can’t wait to tell you all about them! Follow our Twitter and Facebook accounts and be the first to hear!
