Governments must ensure equal protection and care for Roma and Travellers during the COVID-19 crisis

Every year, on the occasion of International Roma Day, governments are reminded of the need to improve the living conditions of the many impoverished and marginalized Roma in Europe and step up measures to combat the discrimination they face.  


This call should resonate even more loudly this year, as Roma people living in substandard housing and in segregated settlements across Europe are among the groups most vulnerable to the current COVID-19 pandemic.In many places in Europe, Roma still lack access to clean water and sanitation. This makes it very difficult to apply crucial hygiene measures such as regular hand washing. It is also unlikely that social distancing and isolation measures can be effectively implemented in overcrowded