Often times, the Romani community is one of the most marginalized nation within Europe. Over 12 million people are mostly living in poverty, often times in overcrowded places. The pandemic devastated their communities, further distancing them from the remainder of society. Although the residents in these settlements are oftentimes cautious when letting in journalists, the BBC reporter Jean Mackenzie was invited to one of the largest Romani settlements in Bulgaria in Sliven. As she reports, the Roma communities throughout Europe were often avoided and often forgotten, and the Covid-19 pandemic in this moment, put them in a situation where they are fighting to survive.
-We usually don’t have running water. We have no electricity. We don’t have roads. What we do have is dirtiness and mud. We don’t even have access to the internet for the children to follow their on-line classes! – As said by the citizens of this settlement.
-Even dogs can’t live like this, in these horrible conditions. The sewage system doesn’t function, people don’t even have toilets. People are throwing their toilet waste outside on the open – says a local from this residence. Some members of this community have fled from poverty, seeking seasonal jobs in the United Kingdom.
The Bulgarian Government claims that there is no discrimination
- There is no discrimination from the authorities or the Government towards the Roma people. Towns were put under quarantine, regardless their ethnic background. As stated by officials.
Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-europe-55928910
