Background

Roma are the largest ethnic minority in Europe and often in the focus of systemic discrimination in schools, at work and in public life. Roma migrated in larger numbers to Belgium only after the dissolution of the Eastern bloc. Roma came also as refugees to our country, particularly in the aftermath of the Kosovo-War (1999). The largest number of Roma migrants came however to Belgium after the EU accession of Slovakia (2004), Bulgaria and Romania (2007). Out of a total of approximately 12 million Roma in Europe, about 30.000 are living in Belgium.   

Unia-files

Unia treats complaints about discrimination of Roma and has attention for the vulnerable position of Roma in our society. Unia has opened 22 cases of possible discrimination of Roma in 2015 en works also on structural issues: here, disadvantages of Roma children in schools are in the focus as well as the problem of stereotyping media coverage of Roma-issues. Additionally, Unia would like to see that the National Strategy for the Integration of Roma  will become a reality rather than a plan.

Emiliya

"I received a graduation as midwife in Bulgaria and I would like to tell you today about the joy of my heart: how fascinated I am to accompany and to support young couples in the hospitals of Belgium and Brussels in their first steps into their life as becoming parents. In my country the father remains far away from the labour ward and sees the child often only after hours of waiting. Here in Belgium, the young couple shares the special moment of joy and comfort each other. They enjoy together the most precious gift of their life: their child. I strongly believe that this is the best way to become parents – together! "

Emiliya (30) is born in Bulgaria, lives since 2008 in Belgium and works in the social sector.

Janetta

"It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that things are difficult. With these words of Seneca in my mind, I face life. I build-up my new life here in Belgium. I studied, caught offering opportunities and was determined to share my knowledge. It is necessary to combat poverty, social segregation, discrimination and racism every day anew. It is the same what I am doing professionally – working as an expert of these issues for different authorities. But also beyond my working hours I give our most disadvantaged a voice though my voluntary work. My life is all about to generate mutual trust and courage to face the unknown."

Janetta (36) is born in Slovakia and lives since 1996 in Belgium. She works for a public authority.

Darius

"What happened in Brussels is terrible. I fear that my children will grew-up in a time that is dominated by dread and impuissance. Who is still offering security and protection? I feel more guarded than secured by all these security forces (police, soldiers, private security…) in our streets. It is therefore that I want to give my children in the first place hope, believe and love. Only in this way they can realise their own dreams in liberty in Brussels - right in the heart of one of the most intercultural cities of this planet. Only in this way they can chase and realise their own dreams without fear."

Darius (34) is born in Romania and lives since 2002 with his wife and his four children in Belgium. Darius works in the social sector.

Elvira

"Thanks to Belgium I believe again in my dreams. One of these dreams was to study film. And this is exactly what I do at the moment. I feel it: here it is possible to get the maximum out of my life. Here, I am not a spectator but an actress on the stage of my life.  My origin, my sex, my skin colour – they do not make any difference. The following quote of Martin Luther King describes my view on life better than anything else:  “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”

Elvira (34) is born in Macedonia. Belgium is her home since 1991. Next to her work in the private sector she studies as of late film.