The integration of Roma people into society is a topic that has been repeatedly discussed by both NGOs as well as local and central authorities. After the Hungarian community, this is the second minority in Romania, according to the 2012 census. Although the situation of these communities has been repeatedly signaled, concrete solutions and plans for intervention are being delayed, despite the increasingly worrying statistics. According to the Poverty and Employment survey: the situation of Roma in 11 EU Member States, conducted by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (2016), 80% of Roma in Romania are susceptible to poverty, and 70% of them do not have a workplace.
MEP Daniel Buda believes that Romania needs to learn to manage this situation, which is why it can benefit from financial support from the European Union. On the other hand, sociologist Gelu Duminică points out that the vulnerability of this community is sometimes deliberately maintained and clarifies the difference between ethnic and social communities. Also, Geza Ötvös, a member of the Roma Party and founder of the Wassdas Foundation for Socio-Educational Support for Roma, believes that the change begins with each and every one of them, which is why it undertakes a series of actions that emphasize multiculturalism, help and awareness. Each of them draws attention to an essential aspect: education.
Radio Feature – The Roma People
Alexandra Ormenișan, Duță Ovidiu Ionel
