Abandoned Minority: Roma Rights History in Kosovo

18 October 2012

Abandoned Minority: Roma Rights History in Kosovo

Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians are among the most vulnerable of the communities in Kosovo. More than 10 years after the ethnic conflict in Kosovo they remain marginalised and unable to rebuild their lives. In Kosovo, many live in segregated informal settlements offering substandard, overcrowded conditions. Many are displaced, unable to rebuild and return to their original homes. Several IDP camps and social housing complexes housing members of these groups continue to provide unhealthy and even toxic conditions. Unemployment is one of the biggest problems facing Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities. Privatisation, lack of education and professional qualifications and discrimination all represent obstacles to work. Minority quotas in public and private employment are often filled by other groups. Many Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian pupils do not complete primary school and very few access secondary school or tertiary education. Access to education is compromised by serious poverty and school segregation is a problem in some places. The unaffordable cost of medicines, substandard or discriminatory treatment and inadequate service from ambulances contribute to poor health conditions among Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities.Violence and intimidation remain concerns among Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians, as does the lack of justice for past crimes committed against them. A great number of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians remain outside Kosovo, facing forced return to a place unprepared to support their integration. Kosovo’s excellent legal, policy and institutional framework to support Roma inclusion is undermined by inadequate information, funding, implementation and insufficient employment in public and private institutions of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians.

Abandoned Minority: Roma Rights History in Kosovo (PDF)