In the 14th century, as slavery was a common practice among various nations, unfortunately, eastern Europe was no expectation. The Roma population, which immigrated from northern India, predominantly lived in the regions of Moldavia and Wallachia, mostly the modern-day territories of Romania. Their enslavement was carried out for over 500 years of systemic oppression with their liberties being nonexistent. The scars that marked the population were not simply erased after their theoretical liberation, facing the aftermath even to the present day, being a constant fight for their social empowerment.
Up until 1855 and 1856 the Romani people were “owned” by either the state, the church, or wealthy families. Not only were they forced to live in miserable conditions, but the possibility of them owning valuable goods or any land was out of the question as well. Such a system generated the common view that placed them at the absolute bottom of the social hierarchy.
However, when the law finally banned the concept of slavery altogether, neither Moldavia nor Wallachia did anything for their empowerment or had any attempts to pay repercussions. Programmes for integration or rehabilitation were only a dream at those times. “Alone” could be a word to describe them. Left on the face of the earth, with no possessions, no chance to obtain a job, no way of affording to live in cities, and still having to deal with discrimination from everyone around them. Being seen as harmful or intruders by the same communities that made them vulnerable up until that point caused the Roma communities to the outskirts of provinces, forced to escape their own communities and find new ways of life. It was exactly this sort of isolation that created the biggest impediment towards their emancipation.
When different communities do not interact, and feelings of hatred towards each other are mutually present amongst their members, they are bound to grow apart even further. While the original societies of Eastern Europe went on with their lives, with all of the infrastructure and public institutions in their favour, the Roma were forced to start from scratch in a world that did not want them. Thus, the issue of discrimination remained untackled, leaving them almost in the same position as the aforementioned social hierarchy.
One of the most logical and effective means of empowerment is done by education—one of the most powerful tools that a person can have. If the Roma population would have been able to maintain itself at the same educational level as the rest, integration would have been much easier. However, it was not only the people that discriminated against the minority, but social institutions as well. Romani children were not admitted to schools, which naturally meant their only way towards the future was by hard labour, following their parents' footsteps, and propagating the stereotype that claimed they could not live up to modern standards. This way, a vicious cycle was created, generations after generations finding themselves in the same positions as their ancestors, with the scar deepening, and escaping the cycle becoming more difficult.
The Patra Rat Community located in Cluj Napoca, one of the most important cities in the region, is a perfect example of such occurrences. In 2011, Roma people were unlawfully evicted from their homes in central regions, being forced to collectively relocate right near the landfill in the suburbs of the city.
The total number of the modern settlement is of about 1700 people, most of which now work for the landfill operator itself and are unable to find a workplace somewhere else. Not only are they exposed to chemical substances harmful to their well-being and health, but 90% live in spaces with no private bathrooms or appropriate kitchens. This level of poverty, without any intervention from outside forces, is almost impossible to escape.
Although it is governing officials have a responsibility in such matters, the public also plays a massive role as well. It is the collective duty of citizens to fight their taught biases and help the ones who cannot help themselves further grow. Inclusion is a social issue which cannot be found by lawmaking bodies but by the citizens themselves. Simply by speaking about the issue, anyone can play a part in the solution. Even better by financially contributing to non-governmental organisations that fight for such causes, another pragmatic step forward could be made.
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