Publications – ERGO Network

GFoD Report on Roma Settlements

Substandard Romani settlements across Europe: Environmental racism and disinvestment

We are happy to showcase the work of our partners in the Global Forum of Communities Discriminated based on Work and Descend. It sheds light on
the situation of Roma living in substandard Romani settlements, which can take different forms such as slums, shanty towns, ghettos, squats, dwellers, etc.

This report aims to illustrate some of the key challenges and living conduction in such sub substandard Roma settlements across Europe and raise awareness of the slow violence of state disinvestment towards such communities.

This report has been coordinated by Simona Torotcoi (GFoD, Romania), with the collaboration of Fatos Kaytan (Romani Godi Association, Turkey), Slobodan Stankovic (Central European University, Serbia) and Albert Memeti (Romalitico Institute for Policy Analysis, N. Macedonia).

Download full report here

Discrimination based on Work and Descent (DWD) affects more than
270 million people worldwide. Communities Discriminated on Work
and Descent (CDWD) can be found on all continents: Dalit communities
in South Asia and Buraku in Japan, Roma communities in Europe,
Haratin, Osu and other communities in West Africa and Quilombola or
Palenque communities in Latin America.

DWD is a unique form of discrimination characterized by social exclusion based on inherited status and ancestral occupation. Rooted in notions of “purity and pollution,” DWD often manifests in practices of untouchability and systemic marginalization. As a result, CDWD face daily harassment, violence, and extreme discrimination in accessing fundamental rights such as employment, education, healthcare, and housing.

Imagine being denied the opportunity to live in a preferred neighbourhood solely because of social stigma linked to your identity. For CDWD identity-based groups, this scenario is not just hypothetical but a grim reality. Forced into separate settlements away from mainstream communities, CDWD individuals endure systemic segregation and deprivation.

The concept of “purity pollution” perpetuates the marginalisation of CDWD communities, relegating them to isolated areas devoid of essential services. Roma communities in Europe often inhabit suburban settlements lacking basic amenities like water and sanitation. Similarly, Quilombos in Latin America are secluded in remote mountainous regions with limited state support.

Spatial segregation extends beyond physical separation, encompassing social distancing and systemic barriers. CDWD individuals are often barred from using the same roads and facilities as dominant populations, further entrenching their marginalization.

Scholarly research, such as Picker’s analysis of Roma segregation in European cities and Vincze’s exploration of marginal urban housing areas, sheds light on the mechanisms perpetuating CDWD exclusion. However, many studies have historically “blamed the victim” instead of addressing systemic inequities.

This report delves into the plight of Roma communities residing in substandard settlements across Europe, highlighting the egregious forms of discrimination they endure. From slums and shanty towns to ghettos and squats, these settlements epitomize the slow violence of state disinvestment.

By raising awareness of the challenges faced by CDWD communities, this report advocates for systemic change to dismantle discriminatory structures and uphold the rights of all individuals, regardless of their descent or occupation.

Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD)

Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD) is the global coordination and engagement mechanism for the Stakeholder Group of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (SG CDWD). Both were founded in 2021 and formally recognise the core motto of ‘Leave No One Behind’ propounded by Transforming Our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which ensures Planet, Peace and Prosperity for all, especially those who are marginalized through generations and suffered social prejudices for life of dignity and peace.

Guidelines on Countering Antigypsyism

New ERGO Network Manual: Guidelines on Countering Antigypsyism

We are happy to present our latest ERGO Network Manual, also part of our Decade Against Antigypsyism Campaign – “Guidelines on Countering Antigypsyism”.

“Guidelines on Countering Antigypsyism” were written by Ana Rozanova and Martina Horvathova for ERGO Network with the idea of equipping non-governmental civil society organisations with practical knowledge and strategies to address one of the most persistent forms of discrimination in our society.

Download guidelines here

The Guidelines provide insights and practical strategies for CSOs and individuals committed to fighting against the deeply rooted prejudice and discrimination faced by Roma communities. Throughout them, we explored various dimensions of antigypsyism, both online and offline, and emphasised the significance of addressing
this issue.

By understanding the complexities of antigypsyism, both online and offline, we can devise effective strategies to challenge stereotypes, promote inclusivity, and advocate for the rights of Roma communities. Our collective efforts are necessary to dismantle systemic barriers and promote social justice.

Let us remember that the fight against antigypsyism is not isolated to a single organisation or individual. It is a collective responsibility that requires ongoing commitment, resilience, and solidarity. By working together, we can challenge prejudices, dismantle stereotypes, and build a society that embraces diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunities.

Let these guidelines for countering antigypsyism serve as a call to action for us to take measurable, practical steps in this work.

Download guidelines here

For more information about ERGO Network’s Decade against Antigypsyism Campaign, please contact Communication and Campaign Officer Ana Rozanova.

European Commission releases Autumn Package 2024: What’s in it for Europe’s Roma?

On 21 November 2023, the European Commission published the Annual Sustainable Growth Survey, accompanied by the draft Joint Employment Report (among other annexes), launching the next European Semester 2024. The Annual Sustainable Growth Survey (ASGS) highlights the main policy priorities for the European Union for the year to come, and it outlines the main tools for implementing these objectives. The Communication also outlines the key aspects of the 2024 European Semester cycle and confirms the commitment to the four complementary dimensions of environmental sustainability, productivity, fairness, and macroeconomic stability.

Read our full response to the Autumn Package here!

ERGO Network warmly welcomes the explicit mention of the Roma in this year’s Annual Sustainable Growth Survey (page 9) in the context of supporting their access to employment. We further appreciate wording on the Union of Equality (page 7), which includes the EU Roma Strategic Framework for Equality, Inclusion and Participation and the EU Anti-Racism Action Plan, though they are sadly not mentioned explicitly. However, disappointingly, discrimination, racism, or antigypsyism are not mentioned at all.

As every year, the main focus of the document is on the green and digital transitions. Social concerns are dealt with under the Fairness section (one of the four dimensions of the European Semester), which is rather narrowly dedicated to employment and skills. Nevertheless, we appreciate calls to strengthen collective bargaining and to raise wage levels, support adequate social protection and social inclusion, and improve access to quality early childhood education and care (although this is clearly done from a labour market perspective rather than children’s rights).

We are very pleased to see Europe’s Roma mentioned multiple times in the Joint Employment Report, concerning issues such as their heightened risk of experiencing poverty and social exclusion (including that of children), low participation of Roma children in early childhood education and care, early school leaving, need for better access to desegregated housing, low employment rates, difficulties in accessing essential social services. Additionally, strong links are made to the EU Strategic Framework on Roma Equality, Inclusion, and Participation and its targets throughout the text, coupled with references to the Council Recommendation and recent Council Conclusions. Regrettably, though, there is no mention of antigypsyism or racism, and only 12 references to discrimination, however, one of them referring specifically to the plight of the Roma.

The ASGS explicitly urges Member States to “actively engage with stakeholders, including social partners, local and regional authorities, as well as relevant civil society organisations” throughout the European Semester and the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (our bold). This is very positive, as are the several references to civil society in the draft Joint Employment Report.

The ASGS also provides some clarity about the future of the European Semester, as well as what are the key steps and milestones to be expected for 2024. As usual, this will include the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, that of the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan, and that of the Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, the 2024 Semester will also look at the Cohesion Policy programmes, exploring how they complement the Recovery and Resilience Facility, with a view to feeding into the mid-term review of the current programming period (2021-2027).

ERGO Network will continue to advocate for a stronger focus on Roma rights and inclusion in the framework of these processes and for stronger synergies between the European Semester and the EU Roma Strategic Framework for Equality, Inclusion, and Participation, the EU Anti-Racism Action Plan, and other relevant policies.

For more information about ERGO Network’s work on EU social inclusion and employment policy (European Semester, European Pillar of Social Rights, Sustainable Development Goals etc), please contact Senior Policy Adviser Amana Ferro.

Promoting Inclusivity: Roma and Non-Roma Youth Leading Social Change

On December 7, in Brussels, ERGO Network had the dissemination event of the “Roma Youth Bring Change” project supported by Erasmus.

The project brought together Autonomia Foundation (Hungary), RRoma (North Macedonia), and ERGO Network to showcase and disseminate the methodology of community detective and community campaign games and case studies in North Macedonia and Hungary focusing on social issues – planned and implemented by and targeting Roma and non-Roma young people. The project was a success and gave young Roma skills to be campaign promoters and game facilitators.

The event’s innovative outcome involves gamification and community campaigns for inclusivity and the fight against discrimination.

See more:

Analysis of Peer Education on Antigypsyism – RROMA, North Macedonia
Community Detectivity Planning Methodology – Autonomia Foundation, Hungary
Methodology of Advocacy and Campaigns – RROMA, North Macedonia
Young People Against Bullying through Games and Campaigns – Autonomia Foundation, Hungary

For more information about this project and event, please don’t hesitate to contact: info@ergonetwork.org

Research report on Roma access to quality and affordable housing

ERGO Network launches its research report on Roma access to quality and affordable housing

The European Roma Grassroots Organisations (ERGO) Network held its annual Policy Conference on 28 November, entitled “Implementing the EU Roma Strategic Framework. Roma access to quality and affordable housing.” Many Roma still live in informal settlements and segregated neighbourhoods, in inadequate dwellings and disastrous living conditions, with severe environmental consequences. Unable to meet ever-rising housing costs or to prove legal ownership of their home, they endure forced evictions, homelessness, and antigypsyism from local authorities, landlords, and neighbours.

The EU Roma Strategic Framework for Equality, Inclusion, and Participation 2020 – 2030 includes as one of its four sectoral objectives “Increase effective equal access to adequate desegregated housing and essential services”, while the Council Recommendation on Roma Equality, Inclusion and Participation features a comprehensive section on “Access to adequate desegregated housing and essential services”, calling on Member States to “ensure equal treatment of Roma people in access to adequate desegregated housing and essential services.” Ensuring access to housing and adequate services and providing support to the homeless are also extensively covered by the European Pillar of Social Rights (Social Pillar), the compass for Europe’s recovery, while it is also supported by Goals 6, 7, 11, 13 and 15 of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

During 2023, ERGO Network conducted in-depth national case studies in six countries (Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain), looking at the realities of Roma housing and living conditions, as well as at the key barriers the Roma face when trying to access quality and affordable housing in these countries. Additional benchmarking evidence was provided by our members in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ireland, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Türkiye. The main findings and recommendations were brought together in an EU synthesis report, launched in the framework of the above-mentioned event.

Key messages of the report:

Roma living conditions are significantly worse than those of the majority, while most Roma experience de facto homelessness.

Urgent and significant investment is needed to improve the structural condition of the dwellings that most Roma inhabit, including their connection to utilities, in order to render them compliant with the United Nations definition of adequate housing.

Most Roma live in segregated communities and / or informal settlements, many exposed to environmental hazards.

Countries need to develop comprehensive desegregation plans with clear targets and indicators, which should also tackle the legalisation of irregular housing situations and the environmental consequences stemming from the use of unsuitable locations.

High costs of housing and overcomplex administrative procedures further reduce Roma access to housing.

Roma housing and energy poverty must be addressed through improving access to income and better regulation of the housing and utilities market; bureaucratic procedures should be simplified, including decoupling access to services from ID papers and a fixed address.

The Roma continue to face antigypsyism and forced evictions.

Anti-bias training must be compulsory for all housing actors, including local authorities, coupled with strong anti-discrimination legislation and mechanisms; evictions should be a last resort and must entail due notice and the provision of decent alternative housing.

Social housing holds great potential for Roma housing, but is currently under-utilised.

The social housing stock needs to be expanded and improved, while its allocation should follow a rights-based, housing-first approach, reducing conditionality and unaffordability and ensuring that vulnerable groups such as the Roma are prioritised.

Roma communities and their civil society organisations must be involved, in order to co-create sustainable ways forward.

Policymakers and all housing actors must cooperate closely with Roma stakeholders and their civil society representatives to ensure evidence-based solutions, support disaggregated data collection, foster common understanding, and bridge cultural gaps.

With this research, we aim to kick-start a debate with policymakers on improving the availability, accessibility, affordability, quality, and inclusiveness of housing for Europe’s Roma.

Read the EU synthesis report here!
Read the national case studies: Bulgaria – Czech Republic – Hungary – Romania – Slovakia – Spain.
Read the additional benchmarking evidence: Albania – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Ireland (here and here) – Kosovo – North Macedonia – Turkiye.

For more information about ERGO Network’s work on Roma access to quality and affordable housing, please contact Senior Policy Adviser Amana Ferro.