Focus ROMI.HR

The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), a body of the Council of Europe, monitors and evaluates racism, discrimination, and intolerance across European countries. In its Fifth Report on Turkey, published in 2016, ECRI assesses the country’s progress in addressing these issues while also highlighting persistent challenges. One of the key areas of concern is the situation of Roma communities, who continue to face discrimination in various aspects of life, including education, housing, and employment. Despite Turkey’s legal and institutional efforts to promote equality, the report emphasizes that Roma people remain among the most vulnerable groups, often subjected to social exclusion and prejudice. This article will explore the findings related to Roma communities, shedding light on the existing challenges and recommendations for improving their rights and living conditions.

1. Context of Discrimination in Turkey

While the report acknowledges some positive steps taken by Turkey, such as the adoption of the Law on the Turkish Human Rights and Equality Institution in 2016, which introduced comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, it also highlights significant gaps in implementation. Discrimination remains a widespread issue, affecting various marginalized communities across the country.

One of the major concerns ECRI raises is the persistence of hate speech, particularly against ethnic and religious minorities. In some cases, public officials have contributed to this hostile environment, further deepening societal divisions. Alongside Roma communities, groups such as Kurds, Alevis, and LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face barriers to equal rights and opportunities, reinforcing patterns of exclusion and discrimination.

Against this backdrop of broader social inequalities, Roma communities stand out as one of the most disadvantaged groups. Systemic barriers in education, housing, and employment prevent their full participation in society, making them particularly vulnerable to economic and social marginalization. ECRI stresses the urgent need for targeted policies and stronger implementation measures to address these ongoing challenges and ensure that Roma individuals are not left behind in Turkey’s efforts toward greater equality.

2. Roma-Specific Challenges

Despite Turkey’s legal efforts to combat discrimination, Roma communities continue to face deep-rooted challenges that limit their access to fundamental rights. The Fifth ECRI Report highlights several key areas where Roma people experience systemic barriers, making social integration difficult and reinforcing cycles of marginalization.

Education: Limited Access and Systemic Barriers

Education remains one of the most pressing challenges for Roma children in Turkey, as highlighted in both the Fourth and Fifth ECRI Reports. Roma students continue to face barriers such as low school enrollment rates, absenteeism, early dropout, and school segregation. These issues are primarily driven by economic hardship, discrimination, and low expectations within the education system.

A significant concern raised in the reports is the misplacement of healthy Roma children into programs designed for students with disabilities. This practice not only isolates Roma students from mainstream education but also limits their opportunities for academic and social development. The reports emphasize that financial difficulties, social exclusion, and prejudice further contribute to these disadvantages, reinforcing a cycle of marginalization.

The Turkish government has made efforts to address these issues through initiatives such as the National Strategy Document for Social Integration of Roma Citizens (2016-2021). This strategy aims to improve education, employment, health, and housing conditions for Roma individuals. However, ECRI stresses the need for proper budgeting, strong monitoring mechanisms, and active Roma participation in implementing these policies to ensure meaningful impact. The importance of political will is also underscored, with ECRI calling on leaders to take decisive action to combat discrimination and promote Roma inclusion in education and beyond.

Housing: Insecurity and Urban Displacement

The housing conditions of Roma communities in Turkey remain a significant concern, as highlighted in both the Fourth and Fifth ECRI Reports. Roma families predominantly live in shanty-towns and informal settlements, many of which lack basic infrastructure and legal protection. These precarious living conditions make Roma communities vulnerable to health issues, including undernourishment and limited access to sanitation and clean water.

A major issue emphasized in the reports is the threat of forced evictions, often carried out under urban renewal and development projects. Many Roma families are displaced without being offered alternative housing solutions, deepening their cycle of poverty and social exclusion. The lack of official identification documents among some Roma individuals further complicates their ability to secure stable housing, as it restricts their access to social assistance programs and rental agreements.

In response to these challenges, Turkey introduced the National Strategy Document for Social Integration of Roma Citizens (2016-2021), which includes measures to improve housing conditions. While this initiative marks a step forward, ECRI underscores that proper budgeting, transparent monitoring, and active Roma participation are essential for its successful implementation. Without concrete policies that protect Roma communities from displacement and discrimination, housing insecurity will continue to be a major obstacle to their social and economic inclusion.

Employment: Barriers to Economic Stability

Roma communities in Turkey face systemic barriers in accessing stable and formal employment, as highlighted in both the Fourth and Fifth ECRI Reports. The reports emphasize that low levels of education, deep-seated prejudices, and structural discrimination severely limit Roma individuals' opportunities in the job market. As a result, many Roma are confined to low-paying, informal, and unstable jobs, often without social security, health insurance, or legal protections.

ECRI reports that formal employment rates among Roma remain critically low, with a significant proportion working in insecure, temporary, or seasonal jobs, such as street vending, waste collection, or daily labor in agriculture and construction. Discriminatory hiring practices further exclude Roma individuals from better-paying and stable professions, reinforcing their economic marginalization. Additionally, the lack of vocational training opportunities tailored to Roma needs exacerbates their limited access to professional development and upward mobility.

Although Turkey has introduced anti-discrimination laws and strategies, the absence of systematic integration policies and employment indicators makes it difficult to assess their impact on Roma employment rates. The National Strategy Document for Social Integration of Roma Citizens (2016-2021) includes employment-related initiatives, but ECRI stresses that proper budgeting, enforcement, and long-term commitment are necessary to create real change. Without targeted policies, employment support programs, and active measures against workplace discrimination, Roma communities will continue to face economic hardship and exclusion from the formal workforce.

3. The Need for Targeted Policies

To effectively address the challenges faced by vulnerable groups, including Roma, Kurds, refugees, religious minorities, and LGBT+ individuals, the Turkish authorities must adopt and implement targeted policies with a clear focus on inclusion and equality. These policies should aim to protect and uplift marginalized communities by tackling systemic barriers and ensuring that their voices are heard in all aspects of public life.

Combat Hate Speech & Discrimination

Political leaders must stop using discriminatory rhetoric and take action to enforce anti-hate speech laws. This includes promoting inclusive representation of minority groups in decision-making processes and public institutions. Authorities should also provide adequate complaints mechanisms to ensure that hate speech, racism, and homophobia are addressed swiftly and transparently.

Secure Housing & Basic Services

The state must ensure that marginalized communities, especially Roma and refugees, are not subjected to forced evictions and are given access to safe, adequate housing. There must be improvements in infrastructure and services in neighborhoods inhabited by these groups, including access to healthcare, social services, and public utilities. Roma families should be able to live in secure environments free from discrimination and marginalization.

Improve Education & Employment

Education is critical in breaking the cycle of poverty, and the state must ensure that Roma children, as well as children from other marginalized backgrounds, have sufficient mastery of the language of instruction. Financial aid, language support, and anti-segregation measures are essential to reduce dropout rates and improve school attendance. In terms of employment, targeted programs are needed to combat discrimination in the labor market, provide skills training, and create pathways for decent work for marginalized groups.

Strengthen Legal Protections & Oversight

Law enforcement must be held accountable for addressing hate crimes, with a particular focus on Roma, Kurds, and other minorities. The authorities should record and investigate incidents of hate and discrimination, ensuring that the motives behind these offenses are properly documented. To ensure fair treatment, an independent body should be tasked with investigating cases of police misconduct, especially involving vulnerable groups, and implementing binding guidelines for law enforcement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, addressing the needs of marginalized groups in Turkey requires a comprehensive, inclusive approach that focuses on combating discrimination, ensuring access to basic services, and promoting equal opportunities. Political leaders, law enforcement, and authorities must implement targeted policies that recognize the unique challenges faced by communities such as Roma, Kurds, refugees, religious minorities, and LGBT+ individuals. By ensuring the protection of their rights, providing education and employment opportunities, and combating hate speech and violence, Turkey can pave the way for a more inclusive and just society for all its citizens. The swift and effective implementation of these policies is essential to foster integration, equality, and social cohesion.