Stop Forced Evictions of Roma in Europe Housing is a Human Right

Across the region, Romani communities are often denied equal access to adequate housing, education, health, water and sanitation. This widespread discrimination makes them an easy target for forced evictions. Discrimination in the labour market makes it difficult for them to rent homes. Being effectively excluded from access to social housing schemes leaves them no choice but to find accommodation wherever they can – often in informal settlements. Without security of tenure, they are vulnerable to forced evictions and other human rights violations.

In most cases of forced evictions, the authorities make no attempt to offer Roma residents adequate alternative housing and many continue to live in temporary and makeshift accommodation for years after they have been evicted. Many are also likely to be evicted again and again. With even less chance of finding permanent employment and forming stable support networks, they are at risk of becoming poorer and more marginalized. Case studies are from Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Romania and Serbia.