Romany (Gypsies) and Travellers

Federation of Cale/Kale, Manouches, Romany & Sinti Women février 2011 Definition of Terms

• Endonyme – a name given • Exonyme – a name given by a community for to a community by themselves people outside of the For example, Romanies is a name that historically the community British Romani community For example, Gypsies is a gives for itself name that historically the For example, Manouche is a English majority society name that historically the French Romani community calls the Romani gives for itself community For example, Cale is a name For example, Gitane is a that historically the Spanish name that historically Romani community gives for itself Spanish majority society has called the Romani community in Spain Gypsies - Gypsy / Gypsies is an exonyme. The term Gypsy is believed to be a corruption of the word Egyptian. When the Romani people left India between 1000-1200 , they travelled from India through from Asia and across Europe - Gypsy/Gypsies was first given to the Romani people by the Greeks (around 1500) who thought the Romani people were Egyptians (Aigyptioi) The arrival of the Romani people in Western Europe was seen as arrivals of ‘Egyptians’. They were called by majority society ‘Egyptians’. - This later became ‘Gypsies’. In Spain, the name Gitane/Gitanos, is also derived from the exonyme ‘Egyptian’ The Romani people • There are Romani branches, notably in Western Europe, who do not historically call themselves Roma: for example, the Sinti , the Cale, the Kale, and Kaale, and the Romanies. These names are all endonyms - they are Romani names for the Romani branches. • All of these branches are part of the Romani people who have a common origin (India); a common language (Romani based on the Indian Sanskrit); a common heritage and tradition. The Romani people are the largest minority in Europe, between 12,000 to 15,000 million people. The principal Western European Romani Branches

The migration of the Romani people

Kaale – in Finland Sinti – in Nordic countries

Kale (from Spain Romanies in Britain 1500-1600) to Sinti – in, Dutch and the south Manouches / Sinti German –speaking England / Wales in France, Belgium countries Sinti – in northern Cale in Italy Spain/Portugal • The Romani people are principally divided into 4 main branches in Europe: The Roma (85%); the Sinti and Manouches (4%), the Cale (10%), the Romanies (0,5%) • Around 96% of the Romani people are sedentary. Romani organisations can use: - Exonyme (non-romani) – for example: The Gypsy Council in the United Kingdom The Fundación Secretariado Gitano in Spain - a combination of non-Romani (exonyme) and Romani (endonyme) - for example: Federation of Romany-Gypsy Associations Cali in Spain Romany (Gypsy) organisation in the UK - only Romani names (endonyme) - for example: Roma, Sinti & Kale Women’s organisation f Femmes roms, sinté & kalé (France) Who are the Travellers?

 The Travellers are a socio-economic group -their work is based on a travelling lifestyle. They are often self-employed.

 Travellers do different types of work which requires mobility – in the construction industry, road repairing, selling goods at different market places, fairs, seasonal work, horse dealers, gardening, etc.

 Travellers play an important role in the economic structure of a number of Western European countries – for example, France, UK, Ireland, Belgium Travellers (+ Ethnic Minorities) Some Travellers are also part of an ethnic minority: For example, there are Travellers who are members of the Western European Romani minority: • in France, some Travellers (Voyageurs) are also Manouches – a Romani branch (not all Manouches are Travellers and not all Travellers are Manouches – pas tous les Manouches sont des Voyageurs et pas tous les Voyageurs sont des Manouches) • in the UK, some of the Romany (Gypsies), also called Romanies have a travelling lifestyle, (not all Romanies are Travellers and not all Travellers are Romanies) Travellers + Ethnic minorities (cont’d)

• In Ireland (and in the UK), Irish Travellers are an ethnic minority. They are not related to the Romany (Gypsy) ethnic minority. Irish Travellers are a Celtic people. • Irish Travellers do not have the same origin, or the same language, culture or ethnic traditions as the Romani minority. • In Switzerland and France, the Yenish (Jenish) are a Travelling community. They are another ethnic minority which a separate minority from the Irish Travellers and from the Romani minority. • The countries with a significant Travelling communities are the UK, Ireland, France, Belgium, and Switzerland. Council of Europe - The Council of Europe practice was to use the term ‘Roma/Gypsies’ until 2005 - After 2005, the name ‘Travellers’ began to be used instead of ‘Gypsies’. - The Council of Europe administrative division responsible – the ‘Roma and Gypsies division’ – became the ‘Roma and Travellers division’. - Under the new terms of reference adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 12 July 2006, the Specialist Group on Roma/Gypsies (MG-S-ROM) was renamed the Committee of Experts on Roma and Travellers The European Commission • In the 2010 publication on “Ethnic Minority and Roma Women in Europe: A Case for Gender Equality?”, the European Commission refers to Gypsies and Travellers in their reports and documentation • This is because in the United Kingdom both terms Gypsies and Travellers exist and are used in different ways: • Gypsies (also known as Romany Gypsies) in this report refer to the Romani minority in the UK (who can be sedentary or not sedentary) – there are Scottish Gypsies and Welsh Gypsies who are also part of the Romani minority. • Travellers in this report refer to the non-sedentary communities who are not of Romani origin, such as the Irish Travellers. United Kingdom (UK) – Gypsy Travellers / Romany Traveller / Romany Gypsies

• In the UK, most of the Romany (Gypsy) community is sedentary - around 20% of the Romany (Gypsy) community in the UK is non-sedentary. • The Romany community is referred to in different ways: Romanies, Romany (Gypsies), or as Gypsies . • However, the press, the media, elected officials and many members of majority society confuse the Romany (Gypsy) community with the Irish Traveller and communities – calling both these communities Gypsies. The Situation of the Romany (Gypsy) and Traveller communities in the UK

As established by government and Human Rights organisations: • “Gypsies and Travellers face the most serious disadvantages of all ethnic minority groups with a much shorter life expectancy, low income and poor access to finance.” • “Their children have high mortality rates and the lowest educational attainment.” Communities and Local Government, UK 2011. Gypsy Council Report to the Council of Europe - 2010 “The Gypsy and Traveller communities of the United Kingdom, have (like almost every other Romani and Traveller community in Europe) been excluded from the UK main stream society, although they have been documented as existing in the UK for hundreds of years”. “The Gypsy and Traveller communities (sedentary and non-sedentary) experience hostility and discrimination in housing (accommodation – either sedentary or non- sedentary), employment, access to health, education etc.” 1. Accommodation  Lack of suitable and adequate accommodation for the Romani and Traveller communities

 Local authorities often place Romany (Gypsy) and Traveller sites in England near rubbish dumps, sewage works or noisy industrial facilities.

 Romany (Gypsy) and Traveller individuals and communities refuse to live in polluted and isolated places and try to buy their own land

 Romany (Gypsy) and Traveller are often met with hostility from the local inhabitants and elected politicians in the areas when they try to live on the land that they have bought – and they also face hostility from neighbours when they live in houses (many hide their ethnic identity) Hostility of local inhabitants and elected representatives (schools)  Some of the occurrences with the presence of Gypsies or Travellers in an area:  Sometimes local inhabitants take their children out of the schools and put them in other schools away from the Gypsy or Traveller children who have moved to the area  The schools then close because there are not enough children or the school remains open but the school only has Gypsy and Traveller children because the other children have been taken out of the schools Hostility of local inhabitants towards Romany (Gypsies) and Travellers

• The local people block the area so that the Gypsies and Travellers cannot move in to the land (often land the Gypsies and Travellers have bought legally and is their own land.) • The local inhabitants demonstrate openly against the Romany (Gypsies) and Travellers and demand that the Mayor evicts them, even if the Romany (Gypsies) and Travellers are legally on their own property Discrimination in Housing – Difficult for Romanies (Romany Gypsy) and Irish Travellers to obtain land • Local government and local inhabitants do not want Romanies or Irish Travellers near them • As a result 90% of applications for land (terrain), to put a house or a caravan on, are rejected by the Local Municipality, if the applicants are Romanies or Irish Travellers • When the applications for land (terrain) are from non-Romani or non-Traveller people, then nearly 100% of the applications are accepted by Local Municipalities Even if Romanies and Irish Travellers are legally allowed to stay on the land which is their property • The local inhabitants often block where the Romany (Gypsies) and Traveller have settled • Local inhabitants set up signs in protest of the presence of Romany (Gypsies) and Travellers Destruction of Romany and Traveller Accommodation

• Law enforcement (police or bailiffs) are instructed to destroy Romany (Gypsy) and Traveller sites if they do not have the approval of the local municipalities Romanies and Irish Travellers protest at evictions • Romany (Gypsy) and Traveller mothers and children appealing to government authorities not to evict, and an appeal to improve their conditions so that their Home and Family Life and their children’s education, health and welfare is preserved Destruction of Romany and Irish Traveller Accommodation and Land by Local Population • Local inhabitants also destroy or cause other vandalism to Romany and Traveller areas in order to make the members of these communities leave the area – as in this Romany community. 2. Racism towards the Romany and Irish Traveller communities • “A Human Rights report revealed that around 64% of British are racist against at least one minority group • The highest level of prejudice and racism was against the Romany (Gypsy) and Traveller

communities (MORI report 2004) • Routine use of racist language and vicious stereotypes about Gypsies and Travellers has legitimised public prejudice *…+ the main sources of acknowledged prejudice were newspapers (33%) and

television (34%) against Gypsies and Travellers.” (Reporting Diversity 2010) How the media ignites prejudice and discrimination • Most people who expressed prejudice and racism against Romany (Gypsies) and Irish Travellers thought this was ‘acceptable’ and not ‘racist’ because the press, television, radio routinely expresses hostility and negativity against the Romany (Gypsy) and Irish Traveller communities 3. The Health Status of Romany (Gypsies) and Travellers • “The 2004 Health Status of Gypsies and Travellers in England showed that infant mortality among Gypsy and Traveller communities is three times higher than the national average”. Local Government Improvement and Development UK. Health Needs • “A Romany (Gypsy) or Traveller mother is nearly 20 times more likely to lose her child before their eighteenth birthday, than the rest of the population”. Local Government Improvement and Development UK. Health Needs 3. Health - European Commission report on the health of (Romany) Gypsy and Traveller Women in the UK

“Gypsies and Irish Travellers are more prone to ill-health [due to] poor access of how and where they live.” European Commission, Roma minority women in Europe (2010), p.115 Poor health is associated with poor access to medical services *…+ maternal health among Gypsies and Travellers is much worse than among the UK population and other minority ethnic groups *…+.” European Commission, Roma minority women in Europe (2010), p.115 European Commission report on the health of (Romany) Gypsy and Traveller Women in the UK

“Gypsy and Traveller mothers *…+ experienced more

miscarriages and the death of their children.” European Commission, Roma minority women in Europe (2010), p.115

“In a sample of 150 Gypsy and Traveller women, 29% had experienced one or more miscarriages (compared with 16% for the compared group) and 6.2% had experienced death of a child compared

with non in the comparator group.” European Commission, Roma minority women in Europe (2010), p.115 EDUCATION European Commission report on school enrolment from a gender perspective in relation to Romany (Gypsy) and Traveller girls

•“Gypsy girls’ educational performance is poorer than boys. Few Gypsy and Traveller girls enter secondary education; they will normally leave in the age of 11 to 13. *…+ There is a perceived failure by schools to provide support for girls in the education system. *…+ Gypsy girls are also subject to racist bullying *…+ involving name-calling and

ostracising *…+” European Commission, Roma minority women in Europe (2010), p.108 Training in Health Care to Improve the Poor Health Situation of the Romany (Gypsy), Roma and Traveller communities A significant number of Romany (Gypsy), Roma and Traveller girls’ in their teenage years are often responsible for caring for other members and older family members. European Commission, Roma minority women in Europe (2010), p.108 A programme has been initiated in the UK to train girls and women in the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities as healthcare advocates and health care workers. (Greenfields, “Aim Higher”, pp.3-5) A report on Romany (Gypsy) girls reveals that their experiences of racism and discrimination in schools makes them hesitant to train or work in health and social care jobs where they might experience abuse and hostility from other students, staff or patients. (Greenfields, “Aim Higher”, p.7) This programme has been welcomed in these communities which will allow the girls and women to obtain qualifications as health workers, work within their communities and improve the health care healthcare quality – and the programme is finding increasing support. European Commission, Roma minority women in Europe (2010), p.108 Conclusions – Gypsy Council UK The Gypsy Council of the UK assesses the main problems facing the Romany (Gypsy), Roma and Traveller communities as : - Accommodation which is not adequate or enough for the Romany (Gypsy) and Traveller communities - Insufficient health care and not enough targeted healthcare and health education, in particular in relation to Romany (Gypsy) and Traveller women - Education (which needs to be approached in a culturally specific way) in particular to improve the level of the education of the girls and ensure that they can use their education to contribute within the community – racism in the schools from teachers and other pupils must be eliminated - More training and more accessible employment – Currently up to 90% of the Romany (Gypsy) and Traveller communities in certain areas are unemployed Conclusions (cont’d) – UK Gypsy Council The Romany (Gypsy) and Traveller communities are recognised as the most disadvantaged and discriminated minorities in the United Kingdom: - Discrimination and racism, above all the media and press need to eliminate negative stereotypes of the Romany (Gypsy) and Traveller communities and promote positive images - Despite the extensive discrimination of these communities, there has been extremely little (or no) government funding towards the NGOs of Romany or Traveller communities. They run entirely on their own funds and volunteers. Conclusions (cont’d) – UK Gypsy Council

• The problems faced by the Roma in many European countries are the same type of problems faced by many Romani community in the UK, such as: • difficulties in accommodation (sedentary and non- sedentary) • high unemployment • obstruction to access to health services and education) These problems are the product of racism or xenophobia towards the Romani population encouraged by the press, media and politicians FRANCE Romani community (Manouches/Calé/Roms) Traveller (Voyageur) community European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) •The European Roma Rights Center (ERRC) refers to Roma and Travellers in reference to the condemnation of France by the European Social Committee •“France discriminates against Roma and Travellers in violation of the European Social Charter – May 2010” Travellers (Voyageurs) in this report refers to the French Romani (Manouches) and to the French non-Romani groups who are non-sedentary in their socio-economic lifestyle. (Around 80% of the French Travellers are of the Romani Manouche branch) Roma in this report refers to the “migrant Romani workers from other Council of Europe states” (ERRC) - The Traveller community (called Gens du Voyage or Voyageurs) in France is composed of members of the Romani (Manouches) and non-Romani groups. - In France (as in the UK) the Traveller community is a socio- economic group. - The majority of the members of the Romani branches in France - the Manouches and all the Calé - are sedentary ERRC Report on France 2005 Anti-Gypsyism in France • The European Roma Rights Centre released the Country Report Series publication "Always Somewhere Else: Anti- Gypsyism in France", (“Hors d’ici – Anti- tsiganisme en France”) a comprehensive report on the human rights situation in France of the Romani community (Manouches, Calé, Roms) some of whom are part of the Traveller (Voyageurs) community (click on link) ERRC Report on France 2005 Anti-Gypsyism in France • This publication reveals that hundreds of thousands of members of the Romani community (Manouches / Calé/Roms) are denied the right to equal treatment. • They experience regular denial and interference with almost all fundamental civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights. • The French Romani community are excluded from nearly all elements of French public life and services. The situation of the Roma migrant community in France • The non-sedentary Romani (Traveller) communities in France are given areas for habitation that settlement that is often unhealthy, polluted, in isolated areas, and away from the view of other residents. • Recently a Mayor in France declared that chemically polluted land was declared unfit for any type habitation. • In the same announcement he declared that this will be made into a site for a Manouche (Traveller) community. •Public expressions by members of French majority ‘Acceptable’ society and by elected Racism representatives on local and in France national levels of against the Romani and Traveller communities are a regular and widespread feature of French ‘ public life. •French elected officials, on all levels – local to national - regularly express racist comments to obtain political popularity. Double Standards in France

• In the south of France, 200 caravans of the French Romani Traveller community obtained approval for a caravan site (aire d’acceuil) in Hyères by the French Préfet (who represents the French département « Var ») Hostility of the French politicians and the Inhabitants • The Mayor of the town Hyères and the inhabitants protested against the caravan site Opposition to the presence of the French Romani (Manouches) Travellers The future neighbour of the French Romani (Manouches) – who protested the caravan sites of the Manouches.

He also has a “Caravan site” (mobile homes) – for Tourists which is in the photo.

Therefore he is not against caravan sites. He has one himself. He is against the French Romani Traveller community living next to him. And he is supported by the Mayor sitting next to him The Situation French Romani and Traveller populations in France • Inequalities in the exercise of civil and political rights • Excluding non-sedentary Romani (Traveller) communities from most of French territory – inadequate funding in accommodation • Obstacles to the purchase of private property • Forced evictions on property belonging to members of these communities (due to refusal of local officials to give planning permission for a home or caravan) ERRC report : “Failed Equality” in France and Violation of the Social Charter – Condemnation of France of the EU Social Charter in 2010 and 2011

Violation of basic rights include: • Denial of water, electricity, other basic facilities to the French Romani and Traveller communities who buy land • Discrimination in access of employment, Housing assistance • Obstruction by local officials to school enrolment of French Romani (Manouches / Calé) and Roma children • Substandard living conditions (without government assistance (subventions) to improve the living conditions) • Denial of access to voting rights • Unequal access to health services • (click on link) Gendered aspects on Evictions • In the United Kingdom and in France, evictions of the Romani and Traveller communities have had a very negative impact on the health and welfare of women and children • In France in particular, evictions of the Romani and Traveller communities are often taken without consideration of Article 8 “Right to Home and Family Life” and against the European Social Charter which stipulates that such evictions (especially including women and children) should be followed with an alternative place to stay. • In France, evictions of the Romani and Traveller populations can proceed with 48 hours without the authorities obligation to give an alternative place. Women and children are therefore on the roadside – with their entire daily structures – health care, clinics, education (schools), employment – disrupted or broken • Clinical checks, pre-natal and post-natal care, doctor’s appointments, vaccination programmes, as well as access to other health services is difficult to maintain • Evictions add serious stress to the women which have resulted in a higher miscarriage rate, depression and illness • Evictions disrupt any educational opportunities – family planning, family counselling, or other contacts which promote the health, education and well-being of the women Project “Dosta” •At this point in time, the President of the Federation Esmeralda Romanez is one of the organisers of the Dosta campaign in France •Dosta is a Romani word meaning "enough“, and is an awareness raising campaign which aims at eliminating barriers and discrimination "Dosta" represents the word to eliminate prejudices , racism and stereotypes, against the Romani people and bring all citizens closer

together. Council of Europe – Roma Campaign “Dosta” • In France, the Dosta campaign has been undertaken with a strong leadership from the French Romani community • To eliminate racism and discrimination, of which the Roma, the French Romani and Traveller communities, as well as other groups who are victims – and to bring citizens closer together • The project consists of members of the Romani, communities as well as members of other minority communities and of majority society to participate together on the Dosta project DOSTA! (Enough!) (Ça suffit!)

• The Dosta project focuses on towns and cities that have been responsible for the eviction (expulsion) of the Roma, French Romani and Traveller communities • Photos are taken of different Dosta supporters standing in front of doorways with a sign “DOSTA!” meaning “ENOUGH!” (of racism) • These photos are then enlarged and put on the walls of the towns and cities which have evicted minority communities • It is hoped that this project will change attitudes of inhabitants and elected officials

Communication – breaking stereotypes and eliminating discrimination • An effective tool is Dialogue and Communication – to educate majority society about minority groups • In this context, the UK Gypsy and Traveller organisations as well as the French Romani and Traveller organisations actively participate in Conferences and Colloquiums, dialogue with elected representatives and with majority population, as well as the press - to promote diversity, break down stereotypes based on ignorance and prejudice, and encourage the peaceful co-habitation of all. ------Gloria Buckley – Romany (Gypsy) woman (UK) : “We are one community - Travellers and the sedentary community. We’ve all got something in common: we want our children to be healthy and educated”