Introduction
The Romani community was a community that originated from India (Matras 2015) in which they migrated throughout Europe over a thousand years ago to flee from conflict in their land.
Overtime, there has been persistent normalised discrimination against Romani people, where it prohibits them from gaining full assistance from human trafficking and other forms of exploitation. Romani people are harshly stereotyped for ‘panhandling’ (street begging) and stealing by the media and government with no question to the exploitation behind committing these acts which involved poverty, trafficking, exploitation and so on.
The purpose of this essay is to explore the discrimination of Romani people in many aspects, and explore how this has led to human trafficking of the Romani people that easily goes unnoticed. This essay will also give a possible solution to help raise awareness about these issues so government organisations and legal aid will be able to assist Romani people upon seeking help from trafficking.
History of Romani people and prejudiced treatment
The Romani community traces back to South Asia (Matras 2015), with studies indicating that approximately1 millennia ago they started their journey due to political turmoil in their land (Hancock 2002). They travelled through Persia and the Byzantine Empire before reaching Europe around the century.
The Romani people reached Europe at the time of religious turmoil when centralised states were rising. This environment led to increased distrust towards non-conforming groups which practiced their own traditions that did not align with Christian norms which contributed to the marginalisation of the Romani community (Crowe 2007). Romani people were mistakenly believed to be "Egyptians" due to their skin tone, with them frequently being viewed as outsiders facing prejudice stereotypes (Acton & Mundy 1997).
Throughout the ages, the Romani people have endured prejudice and mistreatment including being enslaved and pressured to conform to cultures and subjected to harsh persecution. In parts of Eastern Europe such as Romania (formally known as Wallachia and Moldavia), Romani individuals were held in bondage for several centuries from the 14th to the 19th centuries. They were compelled to work in fields to help or practice crafts, often remaining under the authority of their owners, for multiple generations (Achim 2004). During this time in other countries such as England and Spain, the Romani people were forced to give up their traditions or face the possibility of death (referenced from Hancock's work in 2002).
In the course of World War II the Nazis singled out the Romani population as victims of their extermination measures. Numerous Roma individuals lost their lives in death camps. Were subjected to large-scale executions (Crowe, 2007).
Persistent Discrimination
The Romani community continues to face systematic marginalization within this modern-day era. Many live in poverty, experience barriers to education and healthcare, and are subjected to prejudiced portrayals in the media (European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, 2014). These systemic inequalities contribute to their vulnerability, including increased risks of exploitation through human trafficking and modern day slavery.
Current-day issues and trafficking
Research conducted by the ERRC and PiN highlights a troubling pattern of trafficking within Romani communities in predominantly Eastern European countries such as Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia. The data suggests that the percentage of Roma among trafficked persons significantly exceeds their representation in the general population, indicating that Romani individuals are uniquely affected by this exploitative practice.
Women and children within these communities are particularly vulnerable, often falling prey to trafficking networks that transport them both across international borders and within their own countries. Romani people are trafficked for various exploitative purposes, including but not limited to sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude, organ trafficking, illegal adoption, and forced begging. Forced begging seems to be the highest method of servitude, with lack of awareness of this widespread issue. This has been recognised by Europol with no further investigation into the matter (Europal, Philip Clayes 2010).
The study identifies numerous vulnerability factors that amplify this crisis, many of which overlap with those faced by non-Romani trafficked individuals. These factors include systemic ethnic and gender discrimination, poverty, and pervasive social exclusion. These factors therefore result in low educational attainment, high unemployment rates, predatory lending practices, domestic violence, and substance abuse.
Significant gaps in anti-trafficking legislation and enforcement create barriers to combat and prevent trafficking in Romani communities. For example, police rarely identify Roma as trafficked persons, and victims are often hesitant to report their experiences due to fears of retaliation from traffickers or prosecution for crimes committed under coercion. This hesitancy will therefore cause barriers to accessing victim support and protection services which then further isolates them from any type of assistance.
Broader social protection systems fail to address the root causes of vulnerability, leaving many Roma in unpredictable circumstances. The lack of adequate support not only delays the reintegration of Romani trafficked persons but also increases their risk of re-trafficking, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and marginalization. (ERRP 2014)
Normalization of Roma discrimination
The normalization of hate against Romani people (anti-Roma discrimination) manifests from deep historical, cultural, and institutional biases that have perpetuated stereotypes and systemic marginalization internationally. The Romani population has faced centuries of ostracization since they migrated from northern India to Europe over a thousand years ago.
Anti-Roma views were further implemented during the 20th century under Nazi Germany, where approximately 500,000 Roma were murdered during the Holocaust (known to Romani people as Porrajmos). Despite this genocide, public acknowledgement and memorialization of Roma suffering have been negligent compared to other persecuted groups (Barany, 2002). This erasure contributes to the perpetuation of stereotypes that depict Romani people as criminal, dishonest and untrustworthy, which are common myths that are supported by media portrayals and discriminatory rhetoric from political figures.
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| Anti Roma Pogroms Ukraine |
Contemporary discrimination manifests in various forms, including segregation in education, inadequate housing, and limited access to healthcare and employment. In countries like Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, Romani children are disproportionately placed in special schools for children with disabilities, which denies them equal educational opportunities (ERRC, 2017). This systemic exclusion reinforces cycles of poverty and social isolation, which in turn perpetuate the stereotypes that fuel discrimination.
The normalization of hate also stems from the absence of robust legal frameworks and political will to address anti-Roma prejudice. For example, the European Union has condemned discrimination but struggles to enforce meaningful change at the national level due to deeply ingrained societal biases (FRA, 2018). Public discourse often tolerates or excuses anti-Roma hate speech, further embedding prejudice in mainstream culture.
An example of the most recent documented case of discrimination and abuse of Romani people comes from the tragic case of Marica Mihajlović’s. On January 11, 2024, Marica, a young Romani mother, was admitted to Sremska Mitrovica General Hospital for being overdue in her pregnancy. Dr. Marko Maksimović, subjected her to brutal mistreatment, including verbal abuse targeting her ethnicity, physical violence, and outdated medical practices. He jumped on her stomach in an attempt to force the baby out, causing her to lose consciousness and resulting in a broken rib and the tragic loss of her baby. (EMMA 2010)
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| Marica Mihajlović |
To combat this normalization, it is crucial to challenge stereotypes through education, media reform, and active inclusion policies. Acknowledging the historical roots of anti-Roma discrimination and amplifying Romani voices in policy-making and public discourse are essential steps toward dismantling centuries of prejudice and fostering social equity.
Preventing Romani people from being trafficked
A diverse approach is needed when preventing the exploitation of Romani people, where systemic poverty, education gaps, social discrimination and lack of legal protection is discussed. Romani communities are disproportionately affected by trafficking due to their socio-economic vulnerabilities, such as poverty, unemployment, and limited access to education and healthcare. (FRA, 2014).
Empowering Romani communities begins with addressing these root causes through targeted social and economic programs. Governments must implement policies that provide equal access to education, as education has been shown to decrease vulnerability to trafficking by expanding opportunities and raising awareness about exploitation risks (UNODC, 2020). Programs such as literacy campaigns or vocational training which are tailored to Romani needs can build pathways out of poverty and reduce their susceptibility to traffickers' false promises.
Legal protection is another critical component, as In many European countries, anti-trafficking laws do exist, however, they are inadequately enforced, particularly for marginalized groups like the Romani. Increasing the capacity of law enforcement to recognize trafficking cases involving Roma individuals is essential. Authorities should also adopt culturally sensitive training to avoid biases that lead to underreporting or mishandling of cases (OSCE, 2013).
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can play a key role by creating community-based awareness programs that educate Romani individuals about the dangers of trafficking and their legal rights. Grassroots initiatives, such as those by La Strada International, have demonstrated the effectiveness of outreach programs in providing Romani communities with practical tools to recognize and resist trafficking attempts (La Strada, 2021).
International collaboration is also essential, given that trafficking networks often operate across borders. Cross-border cooperation between law enforcement agencies, supported by agencies such as Europol, can disrupt trafficking networks that prey on vulnerable Romani individuals. Furthermore, social integration policies that combat anti-Roma discrimination can help reduce the stigma and isolation that traffickers exploit. Public campaigns challenging stereotypes about Roma can foster greater societal inclusion, ensuring they are treated as equal citizens deserving of protection.
To conclude, a combination of socio-economic empowerment, legal safeguards, education, and cultural inclusion is essential to protect Romani individuals from human trafficking. Tackling this issue requires a combined effort from governments, NGOs (non-governmental organisations), and international organizations to address both immediate risks and the structural inequities that support exploitation.
References:
- European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights. (2014). Roma survey – Data in focus: Poverty and employment: The situation of Roma in 11 EU Member States.
- Matras, Y. (2015). The Romani Gypsies. Harvard University Press.
- Surdu, M., & Kovats, M. (2015). Roma identity, exclusion, and migration: Notes towards an Foucaultian history of the present. Social Identities, 21(5), 487-500.
- Achim, V. (2004). The Roma in Romanian History. Central European University Press.
- Acton, T., & Mundy, G. (1997). Romani Culture and Gypsy Identity. University of Hertfordshire Press.
- Hancock, I. (2002). We Are the Romani People. University of Hertfordshire Press.
- European Roma Rights Center ERRP (2014). Breaking the Silence: Trafficking in Romani Communities
- Barany, Z. (2002). The East European Gypsies: Regime Change, Marginality, and Ethnopolitics. Cambridge University Press.
- Crowe, D. M. (2007). A History of the Gypsies of Eastern Europe and Russia. Palgrave Macmillan.
- European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). (2014). Guardianship systems for children deprived of parental care in the European Union.
- OSCE (2013). Trafficking in Human Beings: Identification of Potential and Presumed Victims.
- United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). (2020). Global Report on Trafficking in Persons.
- La Strada International. (2021). Annual Report on Anti-Trafficking Initiatives.
- European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC). (2017). A Lost Generation? Roma Education in Europe.
- Republika (2024). Coverage of Marica Mihajlović’s case.
- EMMA Association. (n.d.). Obstetric violence against Romani women in Europe.
- Europol, Philip Claeys (2010) Organised begging and mutilation of children by Romanian gypsies
