Families Divided: Romani and Egyptian Children in Albanian Institutions

21 November 2017

Families Divided: Romani and Egyptian Children in Albanian Institutions

There’s a high percentage of Romani and Egyptian children in children’s homes in Albania – a disproportionate number. These children are often put into institutions because of poverty, and then find it impossible ever to return to their families. Because of centuries of discrimination Roma and Egyptians in Albania are less likely to live in adequate housing, less likely to be employed and more likely to feel the effects of extreme poverty. As a result, authorities may take children into care - some parents even ask for this, as they can’t support their family. But under human rights law, poverty shouldn’t be a reason to deny children their right to family life. States must step in to support families to stay together. We have created this brief report to introduce some of our research and litigation work related to Romani children in State care.

The full report is available here.