(Washington) – Estimated at 8-12 million, Roma are Europe’s
largest ethnic minority – and also one of its most marginalized.
Throughout the region, Roma face disproportionate levels of
poverty, illiteracy, and unemployment. In a classic downward
spiral, each of these conditions exacerbates the others in a
self-perpetuating cycle. Efforts to improve the situation of
Roma are often stunted by pervasive discrimination,
opportunistic political anti-Romism, and government neglect. In
spite of this, Roma are taking control of their political
destiny as never before – winning seats in the European
Parliament and winning cases before the European Court on Human
Rights. In order to address the challenges the Roma community
continues to confront, the Helsinki Commission will hold a
briefing to examine the current situation of Roma in Central
Europe, with a focus on human rights. In particular, the
briefing will address: - The causes and implications of the
housing crisis facing Roma; - The progress of efforts to end se