Socio-economic status

The economic and social situation of Roma people in France is not easy.

 

Even if Europe has opened its intern borders for citizens coming from eastern countries (Bulgaria, Romania ...), the situation for the minorities coming from these countries such as the Roma community is still very difficult in the hosting countries.

 

In France, even if many people think that Roma people can have an easy access to the social and health services, in reality it is much more difficult.

 

Their situation, the fact that they live in different locations, and the lack of official registration create many difficulties for the access to such services. Moreover, their situation and the discrimination they face create some economic and employment issues.

 

Regarding their resources during their stay in France, according to the authorities of the network Roma, from La Sauvegarde du Nord Association, Roma people live their every-day life by collecting and sending metals, clothes and electronics that they find in the public bins, but also by begging in the streets.

 

They choose the cities populated by students, who move continually and who leave behind them a lot of electronics or furniture. So, for these reasons, the main destinations are Lyon, Lille, Paris, Marseilles, etc. Roma people are also supported by the French associations who give them gas, wood for heating and clean clothes.

 

http://www.lavie.fr/actualite/economie/un-camp-de-roms-evacue-pres-de-ris-orangis-03-04-2013-38740_6.php

 

The disparities between the Roma and non-Roma are very strong in France. The proportion of Roma families who are at risk of poverty is more than twice higher than among the non-Roma.

 

According to the survey conducted by the FRA, the UNDP and the European Commission, the Roma are faced with many material deprivations. These deprivations are related to the economic pressure, housing, the environment of the house ...

 

People who experience this kind of deprivation face a serious lack of resources. They cannot ensure at least four of the following: to pay the rent or utility bills, to properly heat their homes, to deal with unexpected expenses, to eat meat, fish ...,  to take a week of holiday away from home, to have a car, to have a washing machine, to have a colour TV, to have a phone.

 

References:

Reding, V., Hahn, J., L. Andor, 2012. The situation of Roma in 11 EU Member States results in brief surveys. investigation report, European Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), UNDP, 2012, 36p.