Discrimination against Roma in Croatia and Bulgaria: A comparative report

Download or read book Discrimination against Roma in Croatia and Bulgaria: A comparative report written by Atanas Atanasov and published by Minority Rights Group. This book was released on 2021-10-15 with total page 32 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This comparative report summarizes and analyzes the findings of two studies conducted by two partner organizations: Information Legal Center in Croatia and Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance “Amalipe” in Bulgaria. The aim of the research was to map different areas of discrimination against Roma and to identify the obstacles they face. Drawing on focus group interviews and first-hand testimonies with community members, the findings highlighted that for many Roma in both countries, discrimination is still a daily reality in almost every area of their lives, from work and housing to education and access to services. The COVID-19 pandemic also had a disproportionately negative effect on the Roma community. Underlining these issues is a broader lack of access to justice, enabled in part by fear and a lack of faith among many Roma in the judicial system. This comparative study identifies some of the key findings from the research projects and confirms that the patterns of exclusion against Roma are very similar in both contexts. Access to justice for Roma can only be improved if international organizations, the state, local self-government, civil society and the media work with Roma communities to advocate for an inclusive, tolerant society where Roma have the same life chances as everybody else.