Back Ending Roma segregation in Italy

La Repubblica, 8 April 2015

Few topics attract more emotional reaction than debates about the Roma. Stereotypes, sensationalism and myths often take the precedence on facts. Many people seem to believe that Roma choose to live at the margin of society, in shanty camps in abject conditions; that it is their culture to rear their children in the mud, pull them out of school and send them begging.

Yet, those holding these prejudices against the Roma and proffering this discourse have in most cases never talked to them.

I visited Roma camps in Italy and many other European countries, and the people I talked to did not want to be there. They do not want to live in depressing places where they are segregated against their will.

One should not forget that many Roma living in segregated camps have been forcibly evicted from their previous accommodation, and none of the inhabitants I met during my visit in 2012 claimed that it was their own choice to move into the camps. On the contrary, they gave me many examples of how living in the camps limited their and their children’s contact with the general population compared to their previous situation, thus contributing to their marginalisation.

Already in my 2012 report on Italy and in a letter sent to the Mayor of Rome in 2013, I recommended measures to facilitate integration of Roma in mainstream society and a stop on policies of segregated camps and forced evictions, . Yet, little progress has been made: these practices have continued, and so have obstacles deliberately preventing Roma living in formal camps from accessing social housing. In some municipalities, including Rome, Turin and Milan, segregated camps have been built or renovated.

This is clearly a wrong path. Segregated camps result in serious human rights violations. They violate both international and domestic standards and contravene the Italian authorities’ own policy: the 2012 National Roma Inclusion Strategy leaves no room for segregated camps. Alternative housing solutions must be found.

To facilitate Roma inclusion in society, a policy shift is needed. Forced evictions and segregated camps must become history and efforts should focus on meeting the housing needs of Roma. This is important because access to decent housing is a precondition for the enjoyment of many other human rights, in particular education. How can children living in shacks in remote localities, surrounded by mud and with poor or no access to water, sewage, electricity and public transportation attend school on a regular basis and learn on an equal footing with other children?

Italy does not need to look far away to find better alternatives. Encouraging experiences carried out at local level could be used as a driver for change. In Messina, some abandoned municipal buildings have been restored directly by the Roma of San Ranieri camp, who later have moved in. In Alghero, the camp of Arenosu has been closed in January and 51 Roma have received a 4-year support by the Sardinia Region, Municipality and local associations to rent apartments.

These initiatives show that with political commitment, well designed projects that enjoy the support of the communities concerned can help improve Roma integration and mutual understanding with the majority population. Such examples should feed public policies. In this context, it is crucial to adequately fund and implement the National Roma Inclusion Strategy and Sinti which provides a wide range of useful measures in the field of housing, as well as education, employment and health. Resources, including from EU funds, could be mobilized to promote adequate housing and integration initiatives.

It is high time to stop treating Roma as second-class citizens. Segregating them can only lead to further alienation, exclusion and prejudices. The cycle of centuries-long marginalisation and exclusion must be broken. As a start, Italy must show more determination in solving the housing problems the Roma face, including by easing their access to social housing. Existing anti-discrimination laws would make it possible -- they must be applied. It is the precondition to ensure that the human rights of the Roma, whether Italian or from other European countries, are fully respected.

Nils Muiznieks