Roma asylum seekers in Europe

Over the last few years, acts of violence giving rise to death, injury and a climate of fear have forced many Roma to leave their countries, in particular the Czech Republic and Hungary, in order to apply for asylum in other countries, some of which are member states of the European Union (EU).2 In Italy Roma have seen their settlements being fire-bombed. EU legislation provides that it is safe to return asylum seekers to EU member states. They are considered “safe countries of origin”. A citizen of one EU member state may thus not be granted refugee protection in another EU member state, save in exceptional cases. Since the requirements for long term residence in another EU member are often so stringent that many Roma asylum seekers are unable to fulfil them, they find themselves in a state of limbo and in an irregular situation.

A further issue of importance is that around 100,000 Roma who fled violence in Kosovo are now facing return, after having spent up to ten years in Western European or neighbouring countries. If they are returned they face great social difficulties, discrimination and threats to their personal security. They have little chance to successfully reintegrate. Many children of these potential Roma returnees are born in or have lived all their lives in the host countries. 70-75% of Roma returnees have left Kosovo again following their return.

In order to deal with these different issues, the rapporteur underlines the importance of providing asylum seekers with an individual, specific, fair asylum assessment and the opportunity to rebut the resumption of safety which exists in cases of flight within the EU. The rapporteur also insists on the prompt re-evaluation of the return policy aimed at Roma from Kosovo and urges member states to consider suspending returns and examining the option of providing for local integration in the host countries. Should however returns be enforced, they should be accompanied by genuine assistance.