Roma and health inequities

On November 24th 2020, we hosted a discussion event with Anna Daróczi of Phiren Amenca and Young European of the Year Maria Atanasova, focusing on Roma youth health inequities.

We tackled the wider conversation about social determinants of health, and how health issues are often a manifestation of societal and structural disadvantages that affect individuals’ and population quality of life. We explored the link between discrimination and the barriers to health faced by Roma populations and specific strategies to ensure equitable access for Roma, and reflected on how youth activism can play a part in reducing stigmatisation and discrimination and achieving greater inclusion of young Roma.

You will be able to watch the recording of the event here once available.

In preparation for the event, our panellists and moderators gathered some resources that may be relevant for those wanting to familiarise themselves with the topic. We hope you will find these useful!

Roma Water Access/Housing Rights:

https://eeb.org/library/pushed-to-the-wastelands-environmental-racism-against-roma-communities-in-central-and-eastern-europe/

http://www.errc.org/news/everyday-racism-roma-denied-access-to-clean-water-right-across-europe#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Fundamental%20Rights,Roma%20in%20the%20EU%20%E2%80%93%20enjoy

https://strasbourgobservers.com/2020/04/09/the-courts-first-ruling-on-romas-access-to-safe-water-and-sanitation-in-hudorovic-et-al-v-slovenia-reasons-for-hope-and-worry/

Maternity Wards discrimination, forced sterilization: Impacts the emotional and physical health of Young Roma:

http://www.errc.org/reports–submissions/cause-of-action-reproductive-rights-of-romani-women-in-hungary

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312104270_Discrimination_against_childbearing_Romani_women_in_maternity_care_in_Europe_a_mixed-methods_systematic_review

http://www.errc.org/press-releases/errc-ends-discriminatory-hospital-charges-affecting-romani-mothers

https://romediafoundation.wordpress.com/2013/02/07/forced-sterilization-of-romani-women-a-persisting-human-rights-violation/amp/

http://www.aedh.eu/en/forced-sterilization-of-roma-women-in-czechoslovakia-a-eugenic-crime-passed-under-silence/

Mental Health/Suicide:

https://www.gypsy-traveller.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/researching-young-travellers-mental-health.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiF1ujj9JrtAhVKpIsKHeRsCRcQFjACegQIExAC&usg=AOvVaw2uS614n0HfOkJg5vtXqS1W

https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/20428301111165717/full/html

Drugs and Mental Health amongst Roma communities in Spain:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5858404/

Mental Health Disparities between Roma and Gadje children in Bulgaria:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4240804/

Sexual Health Gap:

Access of Roma to sexual and reproductive health services: Qualitative findings from Albania, Bulgaria and Macedonia (December 2011)

COVID-19 weaponisation towards Roma, sectioning off communities:

COVID-19 impact on Roma in Moldova: https://www2.unwomen.org/-/media/field%20office%20moldova/attachments/publications/2020/roma%20population.pdf?la=ro&vs=1436

COVID-19 impact on Roma in Spain: https://eapn.es/covid19/ARCHIVO/documentos/noticias/1587475880_1587475196_encuesta-participantes-fsg.pdf
Bulgaria: http://www.errc.org/news/more-toxic-than-covid-the-politics-of-anti-roma-racism-in-bulgaria

MEP calls for Roma communities to be “closed off” during pandemic:http://www.errc.org/news/anti-roma-hate-speech-by-mep-angel-dzhambazki

Obesity Crisis amongst young people

Roma Health Report by European Commission: https://ec.europa.eu/health/sites/health/files/social_determinants/docs/2014_roma_health_report_es_en.pdf

Obesity Amongst Roma in Romania: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6516591/

Page 4: Prevalence of Obesity Amongst Roma in Europe compared to gadje: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.hauora.co.nz/assets/files/Global/WHO%2520policy%2520brief%2520-%2520obesity-150414.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiuldij-ZrtAhXQwosKHQeEAVkQFjAKegQIBRAB&usg=AOvVaw0DSIAIAEq2bUkNxwpYzEi6

Phiren Amenca’s resources

https://phirenamenca.eu/best-european-roma-youth-projects-2020/ is a publication coming out after December 10 with 18 inspiring Roma youth empowerment projects

Volunteering: Citizens’ Tool for Roma Participation: https://issuu.com/phirenamenca/docs/volunteering_booklet_cropped_opt

Disclaimer: as of November 24th, these resources were shared by Anna Darózci. Other participants may expand the list with their contributions. This list does not constitute an endorsement from the European Youth Parliament and only reflects the views of those who have contributed.