About Roma

The Roma population is Europe's largest ethnic minority, with an estimated 10-12 million people across most European countries. The largest share live in Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania.  The numbers are estimated, as exact numbers are not known, mainly because many Roma people are reluctant to take part in the census or other official data collections, often due to fear of discrimination or other negative consequences.  Roma continue to be one of the most misunderstood and marginalised communities in Europe. Click here to see the 

In Scotland there are around 20,000 people who identify as Gypsy, Roma and Travellers but these numbers do not include the Roma who have migrated to Scotland from Europe.  Click to hear more about Traveller history in Scotland.   In Glasgow there is a community of Roma people who moved here from other European countries (Slovakia, Czech Republic, Romania, Bulgaria) and many of them now live in Govanhill..  The only mapping of the Roma in Scotland carried out about Roma from Europe in Scotland was in 2013.  The report is a bit out of date but it still offers good insight into the situation at that time. 

Our ancestors began with westward travels from northern India over a thousand years ago. Modern research using language and genetic evidence confirms this long journey, with Roma arriving in Europe in the 14th century which is shown here; A Study Reveals that gypsies arrived in Europe 1,500 Years Ago

Language is a core of Roma cultural connections. The Romani language is divided into more than 60 dialects that are spoken by Roma communities worldwide. It is part of the Indo-Aryan language family and has roots in Sanskrit and Hindi. Click below and learn some phrases;  the many voices of Romani, a rich tapestry of language and dialects

Roma history is also highlighted by centuries of exclusion and violence. Five Centuries of Roma Slavery in Romania, A Forgotten History of Struggle. The persecution of the Holocaust, in which at least 500,000 Roma were murdered in what we remember as the Porajmos, our people have frequently been erased from official histories. This is discussed here and it also talks about the continued discrimination Roma faced even after World War 2. Forgotten Victims, the Roma Genocide During the Holocaust

But we still live, we still talk, we still celebrate. International Roma Day, is our  worldwide day of pride, remembrance, and solidarity and is celebrated  on April 8th by  Roma together with non-Roma people in communities across the world. Opre Roma, Honouring Roma Heritage and Promoting Equality. We fly the Roma flag which was first adopted at the World Romani Congress in London in 1971. It has a red 16-spoke chakra that symbolises movement and freedom, as well as blue and green for the sky and land. "Gelem, Gelem," our anthem, tells a story of our challenges and strengths. Picture of the Roma Flag

The EU is encouraging members states to deliver actions to imorve the lives of Roma in their countries.  The Roma Strategic Framework for 2021–2030 aims to promote equality, improve inclusion in areas like education, employment, housing, and healthcare, and strengthen Roma participation in public life. Member States are expected to implement national strategies with clear targets.  Click here to see an example of the strategy from Spain  EU Roma Strategic Plan – Ensuring Equality, Inclusion & Participation by 2030 

Implemention of the strategic framework is generally slow, and concerns persist about ongoing segregation, limited Roma involvement, and the misuse of EU funds. Today, activists, artists, educators, and organisations led by Roma are advancing opportunity and justice. A large financial commitment  is in place to assist Roma communities through employment, education, and inclusion programs. Open Society Foundations Commit €100 Million to Empower Europe's Roma Communities.