At Risk: Roma and the Displaced in Southeast Europe

- Andrey Ivanov, lead author, June 2006

This brief historical review shows the deep roots of Roma vulnerability, which is linked to non–acceptance and lack of respect from society for their cultural specifics, as well as to displacement, and weak education and skill backgrounds that leave them uncompetitive on many labour markets. 

Refugees and internally displaced persons are among the most tragic victims of the violent dissolution of former Yugoslavia. This chapter provides the necessary context to understand the issue of displaced and the challenges they currently face.

In this chapter the incidence and depth of poverty and the extent of inequality among Roma is assessed and contrasted with that of the majority, and the major determinants of this poverty are highlighted.
Roma are more likely to be cripped by debt than the majority population, and while the majority population living in urban areas is generally better off than those living in rural areas, Roma suffer higher levels of poverty in both locations (fig. 1-4, 1-5).

This chapter outlines the levels of risks displaced individuals and households are facing, and describes the determinants of their vulnerability to poverty. It undescores the importance of resolving the legal status of displaced persons and of its links to poverty and exclusion.

This chapter describes the status of Roma education, contrasts it with that of majority communities, and highlights the major determinants of this lower education status.
The data reveal a strong relationship between poverty and poor educational attainment; some 51 per cent of Roma surveyed cited cost as the major reason for dropping out of school (fig. 1-17, 1-19)

This chapter looks at both the frequency and the quality of employment of displaced persons in the region, with a particular focus on the educational determinants of employment.  
The gap in education attainment is larger in the case of displaced women than displaced men and increases with the level of education. (fig. 2-15 )

This chapter examines the links between employment and unemployment on the one hand and Roma vulnerability on the other.
In most countries employment rates for Roma women are below 20 per cent, and Roma women are far more likely than Roma men to be unemployed (fig. 1.30, 1.32).

This chapter analyses housing conditions, threat perceptions, and health and nutrition conditions for displaced as opposed to majority households.
There is a marked difference in housing quality between displaced and majority populations surveyed; health is also an issue, with almost one fifth of displaced households facing nutrition risk, compared with 4 per cent of majority households (fig. 2-29, 2-35).

This chapter analyses the health and nutrition conditions, different threat perceptions and housing situation of Roma and majority communities.
Only 73 per cent of poor Roma children received basic vaccinations, compared to 80 per cent of non-poor Roma children. Inadequate information or appropriate medical identification is often responsible for incomplete vaccination coverage (fig. 1-42).