RROOMMAA FFAAMMIILLIIEESS IINN SSEERRBBIIAA … · Affordable housing is still unavailable for...

Decade and position of Roma in Serbia October 2008

ARGUMENT [email protected]

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The opinions expressed in this report do not necessarily reflect the views of organizations that launched or supported the project.



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IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn

This report is based on the findings from the empirical survey The Decade and Position of Roma in Serbia, conducted on behalf of Roma Center for Democracy (RCD, Valjevo, Serbia) from August to October 2008 by the research team of ARGUMENT Agency (Belgrade). The Decade and Position of Roma in Serbia survey is a part of the larger project entitled 10 000 Roma Families in Serbia Know about the Decade of Roma, which was implemented in Serbia by the Roma Center for Democracy. The aim of the project was to establish the mechanisms to distribute relevant information about the Decade activities to, at least, 40 000 addresses of Roma families in Serbia. In this respect, the project plan anticipates the creation of database for 10 000 Roma families that would receive information about the activities carried out within the Decade. As part of this project, the empirical survey The Decade and Position of Roma in Serbia was conducted on the representative sample of 1500 representatives of Roma families in three regions (Belgrade, Vojvodina and Central Serbia), i.e. 30 municipalities - in total 5800 household members were covered by the sample. The main goal of the survey was to reveal how much the Roma in Serbia know about the Decade and local activities taken in connection therewith and, most importantly, whether the position of this ethnic group has changed since the Decade began and to what extent. Specific research goals were to: a) establish if and how much Roma know about the activities of the Decade at the local level and how they have benefited from those activities so far; b) if and how much life quality of Roma has improved and c) what Roma particularly expect from the Decade. When had in mind that there is no feedback about the Decade achievements to date, the need to conduct this survey three years after the Decade have been launched does not require particular explanation. The aim of this report is to provide (as complete as possible) picture of the current position and quality of life of Roma in Serbia, three years after the Decade of Roma Inclusion have been launched. Therefore, in addition to the data analysis of the survey, this report included comparative data from available, relevant sources1 such as the data from the Yearly Report of the League for the Decade as well as the data from the latest researches of the UNICEF, World Bank, UNDP, etc. were used as reference framework, where applicable.

1 Unlike English vesrion of the report, Serbian report has included press clipping scans from pilot monitoring of media, which RCD performed within 4 months, from 1 June to 30 Septemeber 2008 - the aim of this pilot was to reveal on how high-circulation print media in Serbia have covered Roma issues since Serbia took over the presidency of the Decade.



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IINNTTRROODDUUCCTTIIOONN ........................................................................................................................................................................................................3 TTAABBLLEESS AANNDD CCHHAARRTTSS ..........................................................................................................................................................................................55 AACCRROONNYYMMSS ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................66 EEXXEECCUUTTIIVVEE SSUUMMMMAARRYY ............................................................................................7 II.. TTHHEE DDEECCAADDEE AANNDD PPOOSSIITTIIOONN OOFF RROOMMAA IINN SSEERRBBIIAA –– FFRRAAMMEEWWOORRKK AANNDD AAPPPPRROOAACCHH ....................1122

1.1 Project framework and objectives........................................................... 12

1.2 Methodology and sampling.................................................................... 14 1.3 Research preparation and realization ...................................................... 15

IIII.. RREESSEEAARRCCHH FFIINNDDIINNGGSS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 1177 11.. DDEEMMOOGGRRAAPPHHIICC SSTTRRUUCCTTUURREE OOFF RREESSPPOONNDDEENNTTSS AANNDD HHOOUUSSEEHHOOLLDD MMEEMMBBEERRSS ....................................1177 22.. LLIIFFEE QQUUAALLIITTYY –– TTHHRREEEE YYEEAARRSS AAFFTTEERR TTHHEE DDEECCAADDEE HHAADD BBEEGGUUNN ....................................................................2200

2.1 Education structure and attitude toward education................................... 20 2.2 Housing.............................................................................................. 22 2.3 Employment status and income sources ................................................. 25 2.4 Total earnings and expenses of households............................................. 27 2.5 Position of Roma children and women .................................................... 30 2.6 Personal documents............................................................................. 32

33.. PPRROOCCEESSSS OOFF RROOMMAA IINNCCLLUUSSIIOONN –– CCUURRRREENNTT SSIITTUUAATTIIOONN AANNDD PPEERRSSPPEECCTTIIVVEESS....................................3344 3.1 Trust in institutions.............................................................................. 34 3.2 Attitudes of local institutions towards Roma ............................................ 35 3.3 Who can improve Roma position............................................................ 36

44.. TTHHEE DDEECCAADDEE OOFF RROOMMAA:: PPEERRCCEEPPTTIIOONN,, BBEENNEEFFIITTSS AANNDD EEXXPPEECCTTAATTIIOONNSS ....................................................3388 4.1 Awareness of the Decade and ways of informing thereof .......................... 38 4.2 Familiarity with Decade activities........................................................... 40 4.3 Benefits from the actions within the Decade............................................ 41 4.4 Who can give the biggest contribution to successful attainment of the Decade

goals.................................................................................................. 43 4.5 Perception and expectations from the Decade ......................................... 43

IIIIII.. CCOONNCCLLUUSSIIOONNSS ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 4466 IIVV.. RREECCOOMMMMEENNDDAATTIIOONNSS ........................................................................................................................................................................5500 AAPPPPEENNDDIICCEESS .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5522



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TTAABBLLEESS AANNDD CCHHAARRTTSS

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Table I.1. Number of planned respondents according to regions and municipalities ........ 15 Table 1.1. Age structure of respondents and members of their households ................... 17 Table 1.2. What is the status of your family? ........................................................... 18 Table 1.3. Where were you born/do you live? .......................................................... 18 Table 1.4. Where were you born/do you live? .......................................................... 19 Table 1.5. Religious community of respondents........................................................ 19 Table 1.6. Age structure of household members....................................................... 19 Table 1.7. What problems are present in your household?.......................................... 19 Table 2.1. Education structure of respondents and household members ....................... 20 Table 2.2. Education structure of respondents according to gender.............................. 21 Table 2.3. Education structure of respondents according to age category ..................... 21 Table 2.4. What would you like your children to become when they grow up? ............... 52 Table 2.5. Additional training/retraining courses....................................................... 22 Table 2.6. What courses would you attend if they were organized in your settlement?.... 52 Table 2.7. What is the type of building you live in? .................................................. 23 Table 2.8. What is your house like – according to municipalities? ............................... 23 Table 2.9. Apartment/house floor area .................................................................. 24 Table 2.10. Do you feel safe to walk around your town during the night? ....................... 24 Table 2.11. Employment status of respondents and their household members ................ 25 Table 2.12. How do you earn for a living?................................................................. 26 Table 2.13. Number of household members with incomes ........................................... 27 Table 2.14. What is your monthly income?................................................................ 28 Table 2.15. What should be your total household incomes? ......................................... 28 Table 2.16. What is the largest expense in your family budget?.................................... 29 Table 2.17. Do you get any of the following types of assistance? .................................. 29 Table 2.18. Jobs done by Roma children................................................................... 30 Table 2.19. Who makes decisions in your household? ................................................. 31 Table 2.20. Possession of personal documents........................................................... 32 Table 2.21. Where is your residence registered? ........................................................ 33 Table 2.22. How do you obtain your health insurance? ............................................... 33 Table 3.1. Trust in institutions............................................................................... 34 Table 3.2. How are you treated in local institutions? ................................................. 35 Table 3.3. Who may have most impact on improvement of Roma position?................... 36 Table 3.4. What is the most important for Roma in order to be equal members of the society?..................................................................................... 37 Table 4.1. Have you heard about the Decade of Roma? ............................................. 39 Table 4.2. Have you heard about the Decade of Roma – according to municipalities?...... 39 Table 4.3. How do you get information about the Decade of Roma?............................. 40 Table 4.4. Have some of the actions within the Decade of Roma been implemented in your environment ............................................................................ 41 Table 4.5. In your opinion, what is the Decade of Roma – how would you describe it? .... 44 Table 4.6. What are your personal expectations from the Decade of Roma?.................. 45 Table 4.7. What family problem would you like to solve? ........................................... 45

CCHHAARRTTSS::

Chart 1.1. Gender structure of respondents and household members ............................ 17 Chart 4.1. Have you heard about the Decade of Roma?............................................... 38 Chart 4.2. Have you heard about the Decade of Roma – according to gender? ................ 38 Chart 4.3. Have you or your family had any benefits from actions within the Decade? ...... 41 Chart 4.4. What kind of benefit have you and/or your family had from the Decade? ......... 42 Chart 4.5. Has Roma position improved since the Decade began and in which areas? ....... 42 Chart 4.6. Which problem should be the priority for solving within the Decade, so that Roma position could be improved more efficiently?............................ 43 Chart 4.7. Who can give the largest contribution to improvement of Roma position? ........ 43 Chart III.1. What problems are present in your household? ......................................... 46 Chart III.2. Has Roma position improved since the Decade began?................................ 47



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AACCRROONNYYMMSS::

DR Decade of Roma

IDP Internally Displaced Persons

LAP Local action plans

MDG Millennium Development Goals

NAP National Action Plan

RCD Roma Center for Democracy

UNDP United Nations Development Program



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EEXXEECCUUTTIIVVEE SSUUMMMMAARRYY

DDEEMMOOGGRRAAPPHHIICC SSTTRRUUCCTTUURREE OOFF RREESSPPOONNDDEENNTTSS AANNDD HHOOUUSSEEHHOOLLDD MMEEMMBBEERRSS

The sample of 1500 respondents also included about 5800 members of their households. The overall age structure confirms that, on average, Roma ethnic group is very young - the households with children aged from 7 to 15 and young people from 16 to 25 years of age are prevailing. The findings have shown that the average Roma households have 4 to 5 members. Large majority of respondents are domicile Roma (71.5%). Every eighth respondent is a displaced person from Kosovo and Metohia (12.5%) - rare among them (0.8%) are refugees from the territories of former Yugoslavia or (0.3%) persons from readmission. Slightly less than one third of Roma (31.5%) are settled in ethnically mixed communities, while only 5.9% of them live in predominantly non-Roma settlements. This speaks of both their self-containment and exclusion.

EEDDUUCCAATTIIOONN

The respondents who completed only primary school (40.1%), those who have not completed primary school (28%) or had no education at all (12.5%) are predominant in the sample. Among those without education or completed primary school, the percentage of Roma women is always higher (87.1%) compared to Roma men (77.2%). Young Roma (up to the age of 35) has the lowest level of education - only 0.6% of respondents have two-year post- secondary school or university degree.

HHOOUUSSIINNGG

Affordable housing is still unavailable for almost one third of Roma (32.3%), who live in the conditions unworthy of a human being. This is particularly noticeable in larger towns, such as Belgrade (72.7%), Nis (10.4%) and Kragujevac (13.6%) – where many Roma people live in unhygienic settlements and slums. Almost one third of Roma families (31.6%), including several generations living together on the space of 21m2 to 40 m2 surface, suffer the lack of living space. Somewhat more than half of the Roma (50.7%) do not feel completely safe when walking around their resident community at night. Some 11.6% of respondents feel extremely unsafe, while almost identical percentage of respondents do not leave their houses at night, majority of them being women.

EEMMPPLLOOYYMMEENNTT SSTTAATTUUSS AANNDD IINNCCOOMMEE SSOOUURRCCEESS

Among the respondents, there are 52.6% of unemployed Roma - 45.7% registered and 6.9% unregistered at the National Employment Agency (NEA) . Apart from retired Roma (3.9%), those working unregistered (1.5%) and entrepreneurs (2.3%), only each eighth Roma receives income from his/her full-time



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job, that is to say, the total of 12.9% respondents, meaning that 20.6% of Roma with some kind of income sources support the remaining 72.5% household members. The number of Roma who start their own businesses is rather modest and has slightly increased – from 2%, as stated in the yearly report of the League for the Decade, to 2.3%, as recorded by this research. Data also show that the number of women entrepreneurs is ten times lower than that of men. Entrepreneurs are mostly men aged 36 to 45 – on average one in each of 30 municipalities included in the sample. The most common sources of income for almost one third of respondents are temporary seasonal jobs (31.7%), then collection of secondary raw materials and sale of second-hand goods (19%), and regular employment salary (16.1%). Stall selling is the source of income for 9.3% of respondents - however, the number of respondents with registered business is almost seven times lower than those with unregistered stores. On the whole, 75.7% of the households have one or two members who work for a living (often just on occasional basis). These jobs are often hard and underpaid and entail poor conditions which do not allow them to achieve benefits under the Labor Law. More often than not, such jobs are hazardous to health. TTOOTTAALL EEAARRNNIINNGGSS AANNDD EEXXPPEENNSSEESS OOFF HHOOUUSSEEHHOOLLDDSS Monthly income of majority Roma (53.5%) ranges between 3.700 and 12.000 dinars (in the equivalent of some 40 and 140Euros) , which is almost ten to three times less than the average net salary in Serbia in the first half of 2008 (32.562 dinars, equivalent of some 380Euros). Percentage of respondents with higher salaries is reversely proportionate to the income level. In other words, only 2.1% of Roma receive the salary close to or higher than the national average. Vast majority of Roma families (83.8%) with 4 to 5 members on average, live off the total household monthly income which is below the current average personal net income in Serbia. Total household earnings are not enough for a living – for the great majority of Roma the largest expense is food (83.1%) and only 13.5% of households manage, by struggling, to set aside the money for their children’s education. Almost one half of respondents (42.5%) receive income support, while more than one third (37.1%) is on social assistance.

PPOOSSIITTIIOONN OOFF RROOMMAA CCHHIILLDDRREENN AANNDD WWOOMMEENN

One fifth of Roma children (20.8%) do various jobs to support their households (collecting secondary raw materials, seasonal jobs, resale, etc.), while less than one fifth (19.5%) attend school on a regular basis. In total, 87.1% of Roma women have no education, being either without any education (18.8%) or functionally illiterate (68.3%), while only 0.4% have two-year post-secondary education or university degree. The relationships between genders, instead of being based on gender equality, are



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dictated by patriarchal and traditional rules in more than one third of Roma households in which all decisions are made almost exclusively by males. In addition to other problems, domestic violence has been reported in 4.3% of the households. Reluctance of Roma women to publicly speak about this problem is quite understandable.

PPEERRSSOONNAALL DDOOCCUUMMEENNTTSS

With all due reservations to the fact that the issue of personal documents of Roma in unhygienic settlements and slums is considerably different, the data collected on the sample at the national level show that most respondents (96.5%) posses birth certificates and identity cards (95.9%), while 81.5% have employment record card, and less than a half (47.7%%) are passport holders. Majority of respondents (90.8%) are registered at the address they live at, while 4.5% of respondents are registered at their relative’s or friend’s address and 3% do not have registered place of residence. Data show that 5.9% of respondents do not have health insurance and somewhat more than a third are insured through the Employment Agency (38.1%) and Center for Social Work (29.4%). Fifteen percent of respondents are insured through their companies, which corresponds to the number of respondents registered as employed. Other forms of insurance, such as pension insurance, insurance obtained through spouse, farmers’ insurance, etc. take approximately 2%.

TTRRUUSSTT IINN IINNSSTTIITTUUTTIIOONNSS

Respondents expressed relatively high distrust in almost all institutions – the highest distrust being felt toward private companies (39.3%) and trade unions (36.1%), then Roma parties (34.6%) and other political parties (31.1%). The church (37.3%), army (25.2%) and the state President enjoy the highest trust, those trusting the President making somewhat more than one fifth of the respondents (21.7%). Only 5.7% of the Roma trust non-governmental organizations, while about one fifth (21.9%) have quite the opposite attitude. A small number of respondents trust the media. However, the percentage is higher when electronic media are concerned (7.7%) in comparison to print media (6.9%). Similarly to other citizens of Serbia who, in the last ten years, have been increasingly loosing trust in one another (9% in total), only 11.7% of Roma trust most people in their community.

AATTTTIITTUUDDEE OOFF LLOOCCAALL IINNSSTTIITTUUTTIIOONNSS TTOOWWAARRDD RROOMMAA

Almost a half of Roma (47.7%) have no communication with local schools, while considerably more than a half (69.7%) is not included in local kindergartens. Positive attitude i.e. the kindest employees are met in local medical centers (68.4%), while slightly less than a half of respondents have good communication with officials in the Employment Agency (48.5%) or municipality (42.3%).



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The respondents are often met with rudeness and insults in the Centers for Social Work (24.3%), in communication with municipality officials (17.9%) and the police (14.6%).

WWHHOO CCAANN IIMMPPRROOVVEE RROOMMAA PPOOSSIITTIIOONN

Majority of interviewed Roma feel that only the Government and its institutions can improve Roma position, while more than one third (37.7%) stated that the improvement of their position falls within the competence of their local municipality. To that extent, 28.3% of the respondents expect solutions from the Government of Serbia, while only 5.8% think that Centers for Social Work can solve their problems. According to the respondents, other actors do not have a significant role in the change of their position – a very small number of Roma have certain expectations from Roma NGOs (8.4%) and Roma political parties (6.2%). Majority of Roma (84%) stated that the most important factor for equal position of Roma in society is a full-time job, followed by equal representation at all levels of authority, both local and national (33.8%). A Roma representative in municipality (29.7%) was perceived as another way to lobby for the measures that could bring positive changes in the life of Roma in Serbia at the local level.

AAWWAARREENNEESSSS OOFF TTHHEE DDEECCAADDEE AANNDD WWAAYYSS OOFF IINNFFOORRMMIINNGG TTHHEERREEOOFF

Almost one half of Roma in Serbia (49.4%) have not heard about the Decade or they do not know anything about it. The majority are females and respondents with no education or those with completed primary school. However, the small number of those with university education is fully familiar with the Decade. The key source of information about the Decade is television (59.7%), primarily National Television RTS (28.5%). About one quarter of respondents heard about the Decade from local, Roma NGOs (26.6%) or on the radio (12%). The percentage of respondents who stated that they had heard about the Decade from Roma political parties is very modest – the Roma Party - Srdjan Sajn (4.5%) and the Roma Union (2.9%). Municipalities in which most Roma have not heard about the Decade are Belgrade, Kragujevac, Pozarevac, Bujanovac, Zrenjanin, Kovin, etc.

FFAAMMIILLIIAARRIITTYY WWIITTHH DDEECCAADDEE AACCTTIIVVIITTIIEESS

Only 3.9% of respondents are familiar with the activities which, within the Decade of Roma, are carried out in local communities. Even after the implementation of such actions, 51.3% of Roma are not aware of them, while 28.7% of respondents think that such actions did not take place at all. The only recognized activity is pre-school education and enrollment of children in the first grade of primary school, as stated by 6.6% of interviewed Roma.

BBEENNEEFFIITTSS FFRROOMM AACCTTIIOONNSS WWIITTHHIINN TTHHEE DDEECCAADDEE

As much as 79.1% of Roma said that so far, neither they nor their families have benefited from the actions within the Decade of Roma Inclusion. An small number of



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respondents stated that they received some benefits, such as assistance in education, humanitarian packages, fuel, scholarships and employment through projects.

HHAASS TTHHEE PPOOSSIITTIIOONN OOFF RROOMMAA IIMMPPRROOVVEEDD SSIINNCCEE TTHHEE DDEECCAADDEE IINNTTRROODDUUCCTTIIOONN

From the introduction of the Decade to date, the position of Roma in all four key areas of employment, housing, health care and education has not changed (60.2%). According to more than one third of Roma, the improvement was achieved in the area of education (39.3%), while almost two thirds thought that their position in the area of employment remained the same (58.4%) or, for almost one third of respondents (31.6%), became even worse. Only 8% of the respondents noticed the improved position of Roma in the areas of housing and employment.

PPRRIIOORRIITTYY IISSSSUUEESS WWIITTHHIINN TTHHEE DDEECCAADDEE

According to almost half of Roma (41.3%), priority area within the Decade of Roma should be education. More than one third of respondents (39.7%) think that priority actions should be focused on addressing employment issues. The housing problem is prioritized by 9.5% of the respondents, while medical treatment and health care is the priority for only 4.7%.

WWHHOO CCAANN GGIIVVEE TTHHEE BBIIGGGGEESSTT CCOONNTTRRIIBBUUTTIIOONN TTOO SSUUCCCCEESSSSFFUULL AATTTTAAIINNMMEENNTT OOFF DDEECCAADDEE GGOOAALLSS

The biggest contribution to improvement of Roma position and successful attainment of Decade goals can be given by the Government of Serbia (55.1%) and the President (14.4%). For 9.3% of the respondents, Roma NGOs are a significant agent of changes, while only 7.1% stated that such changes can be achieved with the help of Roma political parties.

PPEERRCCEEPPTTIIOONN AANNDD EEXXPPEECCTTAATTIIOONNSS FFRROOMM TTHHEE DDEECCAADDEE

Individual perception of the Decade is rather modest. For 18.8% of the respondents, the Decade means an opportunity for Roma to have a better life, 11.8% perceive it as assistance to Roma and their children while 8.2% share the opinion that it will improve the overall Roma position, while for 4% it means the achievement of equity. Slightly more than one quarter of respondents (26.2%) have personal expectations in terms of finding a job. Wishes the respondents have for their family members are quite different – they mostly refer to finding a job (44.6%), while a certain number of respondents (29.9%) look after the assistance that would enable their children to complete education. Housing problem is the priority for 11.2% of the respondents.



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II.. TTHHEE DDEECCAADDEE AANNDD PPOOSSIITTIIOONN OOFF RROOMMAA IINN SSEERRBBIIAA –– FFRRAAMMEEWWOORRKK AANNDD

AAPPPPRROOAACCHH

11..11 PPRROOJJEECCTT FFRRAAMMEEWWOORRKK AANNDD OOBBJJEECCTTIIVVEESS

Empiric research Decade and position of Roma in Serbia was conducted a few months after Serbia had overtaken from Hungary the presidency over the Decade of Roma Inclusion, for the period of one year.2 Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005-2015 is the first significant (international) step towards taking over and establishing responsibility of a respective host country and its institutions and citizens, including Roma. It is an international initiative of Central and Southeastern European countries that brings together governments, intergovernmental bodies and non-governmental organizations, as well as Roma civil organizations, to accelerate progress toward improving the welfare of Roma and review such progress in a transparent and quantifiable way. The Decade focuses on the priority areas of education, employment, health care and housing, and commits the governments to take into account the other core issues of poverty, discrimination and gender mainstreaming. This initiative was based on the need to reduce and eventually close the gap in social, economic and political conditions between Roma and non-Roma populations in all individual countries. In this context, the Government of the Republic of Serbia has adopted National Action Plans (NAP)3 directed toward improvement of Roma position in the areas of education, housing and health care. In addition to these, the Decade addresses other areas such as: antidiscrimination, gender equality and poverty reduction.

If judging by the number and significance of signed international acts4 and adopted national strategies5 that paved the path for addressing the burning issues of Roma and regulated legal and constitutional status of the Decade, eight years since the beginning of transition period in Serbia and three years after the adoption of the Decade of Roma Inclusion, members of this ethnic group have met almost all

2 On 18 November 2005 the Decade of Roma Inclusion was signed by 9 countries of Central and South-East Europe (Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia and Slovakia). As the tenth country, Bosnia and Herzegovina joined in 2008. Upon signing the Decade Declaration by the Prime Minister on 2 February 2005 in Sofia, Serbia undertook to implement the initiative “Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005-2015”. More information about the Decade of Roma Inclusion is available at the Decade official website: http://www.romadecade.org/ (Accessed on 17 June 2007) 3 Action plans in priority areas of Roma Decade – education, employment, housing and health care were adopted by the Government of Serbia at the session held on 27 January 2005. However, budget for implementation of these Action plans has not been adopted. More information about the action plans is available at: http://www.romadecade.org/index.php?content=70 (accessed on 15 September 2008) 4 Here are some of the important documents that present strategic international framework for improving Roma position in Serbia:

1. Declaration on Human Rights – available at: http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html 2. UN Millennium Development Goals – available at: http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/ 3. Strategy for Poverty Reduction – available at:

http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTPOVERTY/0,,menuPK:336998~pagePK:149018~piPK:149093~theSitePK:336992,00.html

4. EU Memorandum on Lifelong Learning – available at: www.paulofreireinstitute.org/Documents/mayo-01.pdf , itd. 5. Lisbon Declaration – available at: www.unesco.org/cpp/uk/declarations/lisbon.pdf

5 Being a signatory to the most significant international documents, Serbia has developed a set of similar documents and strategies at national level, such as Policy and Strategy of Development of Adult Education, Policy and Strategy of Vocational Education, Strategy for Poverty Reduction, National Employment Strategy, Strategy for Roma Inclusion, National Education Strategy, etc. All documents are available at: http://www.prsp.sr.gov.yu/dokumenta.jsp 9 One finding of the Decade of Roma monitoring, published in the yearly report of the League for the Decade, refers to the current review of the Draft Strategy for Roma Integration. More information is available in the Decade of Roma, Minority Rights Center Newsletter, Yearly Report of the League for the Decade 2007, January 2008, page 4. Available at:



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(political) preconditions for effective involvement in social life. However, these strategies are yet to (fully) take hold. Moreover, certain strategies are currently being amended or reviewed.9 Despite particular achievements, the data obtained in the course of national and international monitoring10 show inadequate efficiency in the attainment of Decade goals. The key finding of international monitoring is summarized in the assessment that many countries have not yet developed systematic policies for Roma inclusion, but continue to rely on sporadic measures often financed from donors rather than the countries’ budgets.11 This is also confirmed by the monitoring findings of the Decade in Serbia, conducted by the League for Decade of Roma12 - Considering the fact that at the time when National Action Plans were adopted, the 2005 budget had already been approved and thus, the funds for these purposes were not earmarked. In 2005, the only implemented measures of affirmative actions were those in education, coupled with certain projects funded by international organizations. However, in spite of the aforementioned preconditions relating to the existence of strategic documents particularly dealing with Roma issues and available budget and donor funds, certain projects, programs and measures anticipated in NAPs were implemented in Serbia in the previous three years. However, the stable system has not been established to include:

Regular and transparent allocations from the budget of the Republic of Serbia to the implementation of NAPs;

Allocations from the budgets of local governments to fund local action plans (LAP);

Structures, with clearly defined jurisdiction and mechanisms for implementation of action plans at the national and local levels, including a clearly defined type of interdepartmental cooperation;

Indicators for evaluation of success in NAP implementation; Structures for monitoring and evaluation of NAP implementation; Mechanisms to review the adopted documents according to the indicators of

implementation to date. (League for the Decade, 2008)

Despite indisputable importance of current Decade monitoring, which mainly measures the progress of actions at the national level, the lack of insight into the Decade implementation at the local level, however, presents a serious weakness. The lack of feedback from the direct beneficiaries about efficiency and effectiveness of adopted

http://www.mrc.org.yu/publikacije/pub_s_15.pdf 10 Findings of the international Decade monitoring are available at: http://siteresources.worldbank.org/PGLP/Resources/NadirRedzepiDecadeWatchBackgroundPaper.pdf http://demo.itent.hu/roma/portal/downloads/DecadeWatch/DecadeWatch%202007%20Update%20-%20Final%20(30-07-08).pdf 11 Stated by Gabi Hrabanova, activist of the Decade Watch from the Czech Republic. More details are available at: http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/ECAEXT/EXTROMA/0,,contentMDK:21510405~pagePK:64168445~piPK:64168309~theSitePK:615987,00.html 12 League for the Decade of Roma is a coalition of non-governmental organizations that deal with improvement of Roma position. It was created with the aim to ensure continuous monitoring and efficient implementation of Action plans of the Serbian Government for the Decade of Roma Inclusion (2005–2015). Founders of the League for the Decade are Open Society Institute, Minority Rights Center, Children Roma Center, Civic Initiatives, Yugoslav Association for Roma Culture and Education JA-KER, Roma Student Union, Association for Improvement of Roma Settlements, Yurom Center and the National Council of Roma National Minority. Within the League, there are committees for all Decade areas – education, employment, health care and housing, each committee consisting of representatives of non-governmental organizations that deal with problems in these areas. Committees of the League for the Decade provide consulting support to government institutions and carry out the monitoring of the attainment of objectives anticipated in the action plans for Roma inclusion. More information is available at: http://www.mrc.org.yu/ligazadekadu/



14

measures and undertaken actions at the local level speaks of their exclusion. On the other hand, it is reasonable to assume that identified weaknesses in the implementation of adopted measures at the national level could be significantly greater at the level of local community and Roma households. The main principle, key vision and values of the Decade imply the inclusion of Roma representatives in planning and implementation of all measures and activities at the national and, particularly, local level. Taking this principle as a guideline, the objective of this research was to obtain the feedback and assessment from the representatives of 1500 Roma households about their position and life quality within and after three years of the Decade. Primary research objective was to determine how much Roma in Serbia know about the Decade and its related activities at the local level and, more importantly, if and to what extent the position of this ethnic group has improved since the Decade began. Specific research goals were to: a) establish if and how much Roma know about the activities of the Decade at the local level and how they have benefited from those activities so far; b) if and how much life quality of Roma has improved and c) what Roma particularly expect from the Decade. When had in mind that there is no feedback about the Decade achievements to date, the need to conduct this survey three years after the Decade had been launched does not require particular explanation.

11..22 RREESSEEAARRCCHH MMEETTHHOODDOOLLOOGGYY

The research was conducted by using quantitative methodology - face-to-face interview with Roma over 18, according to a structured and standardized questionnaire. After the pilot testing the final questionnaire comprised the following theme sections: demographic features, education and migration status of respondents, life quality of Roma households, attitudes toward institutions, political attitudes and voter turnout, problems that Roma face in everyday life and perception and importance of the Decade of Roma – benefits and expectations.

11..22..11 SSAAMMPPLLIINNGG

The research was conducted on the territory of Serbia, on a representative sample of 1500 respondents over 18, in 30 municipalities and within three regions – Belgrade, Voyvodina and Central Serbia. Detailed overview of planned and realized samples according to regions and municipalities is laid out in the Table I.1.



15

Table I.1. Number of planned/realized respondents according to regions and municipalities

RREEGGIIOONN:: NNUUMMBBEERR OOFF RREESSPPOONNDDEENNTTSS WWIITTHHIINN

RREEGGIIOONN:: MMUUNNIICCIIPPAALLIITTIIEESS

NNUUMMBBEERR OOFF RREESSPPOONNDDEENNTTSS PPEERR

MMUUNNIICCIIPPAALLIITTIIEESS::

Zvezdara 21

Zemun 83

New Belgrade 40

Obrenovac 18

Palilula 65

BBEELLGGRRAADDEE 260

Čukarica 33

Subotica 49

Zrenjanin 82

Kikinda 52

Vršac 39

Kovin 38

Pančevo 46

Novi Sad 58

VVOOJJVVOODDIINNAA 400

Stara Pazova 36

Šabac 21

Valjevo 28

Smederevo 38

Požarevac 55

Kragujevac 24

Bor 27

Kraljevo 18

Kruševac 37

Niš 110

Aleksinac 30

Prokuplje 38

Pirot 41

Leskovac 148

Bujanovac 82

Vranje 98

CCEENNTTRRAALL SSEERRBBIIAA 840

Surdulica 45

TTOOTTAALL:: 11550000 3300 11550000

11..33 RREESSEEAARRCCHH PPRREEPPAARRAATTIIOONN AANNDD RREEAALLIIZZAATTIIOONN

Fieldwork part of the research began on 2 August 2008 and was completed on 11 September 2008. The questionnaire form was filled in by interviewing one member per each household. Prior to the fieldwork, the interviewers were trained in the offices of ARGUMENT on 2 August 2008. The training was conducted by the ARGUMENT team from Belgrade which, as an implementer of the research, explained to the interviewers the research topics and objectives, selection criteria and work methodology. The network of interviewers consisted of 34 people, mostly Roma. Each interviewer completed 44 questionnaires on average. Interviewers’ experiences show that most



16

respondents were willing to answer the questions asked. On average, 30% refused to answer for the most common reasons such as the lack of time, lack of interest and pressing obligations.

********



17

IIII.. RREESSEEAARRCCHH FFIINNDDIINNGGSS

This section contains the analysis of research results obtained from the answers of 1500 Roma respondents, whereby certain groups of questions included about 5800 members of their households. The research covered 30 municipalities within three regions – Belgrade, Vojvodina and Central Serbia. The analysis of obtained data is structured according to the following theme units:

Demographic structure of respondents and household members, Life quality – three years after the Decade, Process of Roma inclusion: preconditions and perspectives, The Decade of Roma: current situation and expectations.

11.. DDEEMMOOGGRRAAPPHHIICC SSTTRRUUCCTTUURREE OOFF RREESSPPOONNDDEENNTTSS AANNDD HHOOUUSSEEHHOOLLDD MMEEMMBBEERRSS

The sample of 1500 respondents included 62.5% males and almost half as much females (37.5%), despite almost even gender structure per household (See Chart 1.1). It is obvious that for various reasons, women had less opportunity to be interviewed, which can imply patriarchal relations within a Roma family where men (should) dominate the conversation. Chart 1.1. Gender structure of respondents and household members13 (%)

Age structure of respondents and household members shows that young people between 26 and 35 (30.8%) are predominant, while the share of other age groups, from 36 to 46 and up, significantly decreases (24.5%) – which confirms the assumption that Roma population in Serbia is very young as well as the well-known opinion that life expectancy of Roma is very short

due to their disadvantaged position and poor quality of life. This is particularly visible when the category of parents is observed. Their number decreases at 46 years of age. Table 1.1. Age structure of respondents and members of their households (%) RREESSPPOONNDDEENNTT SSPPOOUUSSEE MMOOTTHHEERR FFAATTHHEERR

Up to 25 21.3 15.3 .0 .0

26-35 30.8 29.2 .9 .1

36-45 24.5 21.5 12.7 7.9

46-55 14.5 11.0 21.1 20.1

56-65 6.9 4.5 15.7 16.1

over 66 2.0 .9 9.5 10.9

NA .0 17.7 40.1 45.0

Total: 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

13 In addition to 1500 respondents, the research included over 5800 members of their households.

62.5 48.6

37.551.4

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Respondents Household members

Male Female



18

Majority of respondents in the sample are domicile Roma (71.5%), while each eighth respondent, 187 in total, is a displaced person from Kosovo and Metohia (12.5%). The total of 0.8% are refugees from the territories of former Yugoslavia and only 0.3% are deported persons (See the Table 1.2). Table 1.2. What is the status of your family? (%)

RREESSPPOONNDDEENNTT PPAARREENNTTSS GGRRAANNDDPPAARREENNTTSS I have lived in this settlement since my birth 71.5 61.5 55.7 We moved to this settlement from another town in Serbia

13.2 11.3 8.5

We moved to this settlement as refugees from war territories in former Yugoslavia

.8 .7 .6

We moved to this settlement as displaced persons from Kosovo and Metohia

12.5 6.5 5.2

We moved to this settlement after we had lived abroad 1.1 .3 .1 We were deported from Western Europe and settled here

.3 .1 .0

NA .6 19.5 29.9 Total: 100.0 100.0 100.0

The issue of Roma inclusion is also the issue of eliminating ghettoization. Thus, the fact that slightly less than one third of Roma (31.5%) live in ethnically mixed communities is encouraging. However, what raises concerns is that only 5.9% of them live in predominantly non-Roma settlements, i.e. that more than half of them (61.5%) live in predominantly Roma settlements (See Table 1.3). Table 1.3. Where were you born/do you live (%)

BBOORRNN LLIIVVEE

Predominantly Roma settlement 61.5 66.0

Mixed settlement 31.5 27.4

Predominantly non-Roma settlement 5.9 5.2

NA 1.0 1.4

Total: 100.0 100.0

The data on the so-called ethnic self-containment show that slightly more than one half of Roma (54.3%) were born and live in predominantly Roma settlements, while one in ten Roma born in a mixed or predominantly non-Roma settlement decides to live in predominantly Roma settlement (See Table 1.4). Table 1.4. Where were you born/do you live (%) %

Born and lives in predominantly Roma settlement 54.3

Born and lives in a mixed settlement 20.3

Born and lives in a non-Roma settlement 3.1

Born in predominantly Roma settlement, lives in a mixed one 5.6

Born in predominantly Roma settlement, lives in a non-Roma settlement 1.4

Born in a mixed settlement and lives in predominantly Roma settlement 10.1

Born in a mixed settlement and lives in a non-Roma settlement 0.7

Born in a non-Roma settlement and lives in predominantly Roma settlement 1.5

Born in non-Roma settlement and lives in a mixed one 1.3

NA 1.7

Total: 100.0



19

Respondents belong to different religious communities, most of them being members of Orthodox (44.8%) and Muslim denomination (30.7%). (See Table 1.5). The sample also included more than 5800 household members the age structure of which confirms that Roma ethnic group is very young – most households have children aged 7 to 15 and young people from 16 to 25 (See Table 1.6). Table 1.5. Religious community of respondents % Catholic 1.9 Greek Catholic .5 Protestant 8.3 Orthodox 44.8 Jewish .2 Muslim 30.7 Other 1.7 Atheist 5.3 Does not want to answer

6.7

Total: 100.0

Table 1.6. Age structure of household members N % Up to 1 year

102 1.8

2-6 585 10.4 7-15 964 17.2 16-25 951 17.0 26-35 627 11.2 36-45 681 12.2 46-55 787 14.0 56-65 546 9.7 over 66 359 6.4

Total: 5602 100.0

Data confirm that average Roma families still face serious problems at all levels – from critical poverty to poor health and inability to obtain adequate medical treatment (See Table 1.7).

Table 1.7. What problems are present in your household?

PPRREESSEENNTT NNOOTT

PPRREESSEENNTT

II DDOO

NNOOTT

KKNNOOWW NNAA TTOOTTAALL

Unemployment 75.8 23.1 .4 .7 100.0 Poverty 74.5 23.8 .9 .8 100.0 Inequality in employment 63.7 33.7 1.5 1.1 100.0 Crime 6.0 91.1 1.5 1.4 100.0 Lack of education 46.7 51.5 .7 1.1 100.0 Bad relationships with relatives 13.9 83.8 1.0 1.3 100.0 Disrespect of old people 6.3 91.3 .9 1.5 100.0 Housing problem 24.8 72.9 .7 1.6 100.0 Problem with obtaining citizenship 6.7 91.0 .7 1.6 100.0 We do not have documents 7.3 90.5 .7 1.5 100.0 Children have not been registered 6.3 90.7 1.0 2.0 100.0 Inability to move freely 14.1 83.2 1.0 1.7 100.0 Bad cooperation with centers for social work

32.4 63.7 2.5 1.3 100.0

Poor health, inability to obtain adequate medical treatment

22.3 75.3 1.0 1.3 100.0

Family violence 4.3 93.2 1.0 1.5 100.0



20

22.. LLIIFFEE QQUUAALLIITTYY –– TTHHRREEEE YYEEAARRSS AAFFTTEERR TTHHEE DDEECCAADDEE

This section contains analysis of current life quality of Roma, based on answers obtained within various batteries of questions referring to education, housing, employment status, household income and expenses and personal documents. Particular attention was paid to position of Roma children and women.

22..11 EEDDUUCCAATTIIOONN SSTTRRUUCCTTUURREE AANNDD AATTTTIITTUUDDEE TTOOWWAARRDD EEDDUUCCAATTIIOONN

Findings of this research support the data on low education level of Roma – the biggest share in the sample have the respondents with completed primary school only (40.1%), respondents with incomplete primary school (28%) and those with no education at all (12.5%). The percentage of respondents with incomplete secondary education and completed college or university education is insignificant in comparison to the total number of respondents. On the other hand, when education structure of respondents is compared to education structure of their household members, a tendency of slight increase can be noticed at all levels except the university one. It is obvious that respondents have somewhat higher education than their family members, which can be explained by the higher education level of children in comparison to their parents (See the Table 2.1).

Table 2.1. Education structure of respondents and household members (%) EEDDUUCCAATTIIOONN LLEEVVEELL:: RREESSPPOONNDDEENNTTSS:: HHOOUUSSEEHHOOLLDD MMEEMMBBEERRSS14:: No education 12.5 12.5 21.5 1st grade of primary school .8 2nd grade of primary school 1.3 3rd grade of primary school 2.9 4th grade of primary school 7.1 5th grade of primary school 6.5 6th grade of primary school 6.5 7th grade of primary school 2.9

28.0 35.6

Completed primary school 40.1 40.1 23.7 1st grade of special school .1 2nd grade of special school .1 5th grade of special school .1 7th grade of special school .1

0.4 --

Completed special school 1.3 1.3 -- Incomplete trade course 1.2 1.2 -- Completed trade course 5.7 5.7 3.9 Other incomplete secondary school 1.9 1.9 -- Other completed secondary school 7.5 7.5 4.9 College or faculty .6 .6 .6 Incomplete faculty .5 .5 -- Incomplete course .2 .2 .3 Pre-school education -- -- 9.5 NA .1 .1 --

Total: 100.0

Data collected in this research show that gender is a significant determinant in education of Roma – in comparison to 77.2% of men, 87.1% of Roma women (let us remind here that there were almost twice less women than men in the sample) fall in the category with no education or with only primary school completed. In other words, considering all categories of education, in the sample of women with

14 The sample of 1500 respondents includes also 5803 members of their households.



21

no education, i.e. in categories of incomplete education levels, women are predominant, while men are predominant among respondents that completed some level of education. (Table 2.2).

Table 2.2. Education structure of respondents according to gender (%)

EEDDUUCCAATTIIOONN LLEEVVEELL:: MMAALLEE FFEEMMAALLEE

No education 8.9 18.8

Incomplete primary school 22.5 37.4

Completed primary school 45.8 30.9

Incomplete special school .3 .5

Completed special school 1.7 .5

Incomplete trade course 1.8 .2

Completed trade course 7.4 2.9

Other incomplete secondary school 1.7 2.1

Other completed secondary school 8.3 6.3

College or faculty .7 .4

Incomplete faculty .7 .0

TTOOTTAALL:: 110000..00 110000..00

Analysis according to age categories shows that young Roma (up to the age of 35) have the lowest education level, which partly disputes the assumption that development projects and actions of non-governmental and governmental sectors have made progress in this area since 2000 and onwards. On the other hand, the positive results of reforms, actions and activities of both non-governmental sector and government institutions, aimed at enhancing the inclusion of Roma in education system and improving their education level, are yet expected to become visible in the foreseeable future.

Table 2.3. Education structure of respondents according to age category (%)

EEDDUUCCAATTIIOONN LLEEVVEELL:: up to

25 26-35 36-45 46-55 56-65 66 +

No education 11.0 11.3 9.0 12.4 27.9 41.4 Incomplete primary school 32.9 30.7 22.4 28.1 27.9 6.9

Completed primary school 37.3 39.1 47.0 40.1 30.8 41.4

Incomplete special school .3 .7 .5 .0 .0 .0

Completed special school 1.9 .9 1.4 1.8 .0 .0

Incomplete trade course .9 1.5 1.1 1.4 1.0 .0 Completed trade course 5.6 5.0 6.0 6.9 5.8 3.4 Other incomplete secondary school

1.9 3.0 1.1 1.8 .0 .0

Other completed secondary school

6.0 7.6 10.1 6.9 5.8 3.4

College or faculty .9 .0 1.1 .5 .0 3.4 Incomplete faculty 1.3 .2 .3 .0 1.0 .0

Total: 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

The purpose of questions about what they wish for their children’s future and education and how much they would be interested in additional training courses if they were organized in their settlements was to determine if education is perceived as important, i.e. if improvement of standards and quality of life is seen through obtaining certain level of education.



22

Somewhat less than one third of Roma boys (28.3%) said they did not know, and almost twice the number of Roma girls (59.5%) gave the same answer. This result has a multiple connotation – despite the strong intention to refrain from imposing the future career choice on children, striking dispersal of answers speaks of lack of determination and long-term planning, particularly in case of Roma girls, whose education is still dominated by the patriarchal model. Most wanted careers for boys were a mechanic (6.5%), doctor/dentist (5.9%) and police officer (3.1%), and for girls: a hair stylist (12.1%), nurse (4.7%), doctor (4.3%) and teacher (3.6%) (See the Table 2.4 in the Annex).

When asked about their personal education, majority of respondents (90.7%) feel that Roma could benefit from specialized courses in which they would receive additional education for particular careers. However, the number of those who would personally take such courses was lower by almost one third (65.1%). Table 2.5. Additional training/retraining courses (%)

SSHHOOUULLDD AADDIITTIIOONNAALL TTRRAAIINNIINNGG

CCOOUURRSSEESS BBEE OORRGGAANNIIZZEEDD??

WWOOUULLDD YYOOUU AACCCCEEPPTT TTOO AATTTTEENNDD

SSUUCCHH CCOOUURRSSEE??

Yes 90.7 65.1 No 4.1 27.9 Don’t know 4.5 6.3 NA .7 .7

Total: 100.0 100.0

According to the findings, so far, only 1.2% of Roma has taken the opportunity to obtain additional education and complete a course. In addition to the fact that this figure is very low, these data cannot be strongly connected to actions within the Decade, as there are no sources to confirm this. Although the idea of additional training and retraining courses is widely accepted, less than one third of respondents did not manage to answer what course they would like to attend. In the total number of respondents, the first choice was the car mechanic course (11.3%), computer course (11%) and hair stylist course (10.8%), while 8.8% of respondents wanted to attend reading and writing course. It is interesting to note that entrepreneurship, i.e. starting own business, was one of the most frequent answers, but only as the third choice (See the Table 2.6 in the Appendix).

22..22 HHOOUUSSIINNGG

Obviously, the guidelines for improvement and legalization of Roma settlements15 are yet expected to bring positive changes in the area of Roma housing since,

15 “Working group of the Ministry for Capital Investments for implementing NAP for improvement of Roma housing has formed expert group for creating Guidelines for improvement and legalization of Roma settlements (Guidelines) and created budget draft for 2007, which contained funds for developing plan documents and for improvement of infrastructure. In January 2007, the Ministry for Capital Investments adopted the Guidelines, which presented quite detailed directions for local governments regarding management in Roma settlements. In September 2007, after the Government had been formed, the new ministry was formed and the budget was adopted. The Ministry for Infrastructure and SRNS invited local governments to, by 31 October, apply for funds aimed at creating construction plans for informal Roma settlements. The applicants had to meet some requirements – to have a decision on legalization of Roma settlement and to fill in the form containing basic information about the municipality and settlement. Eighteen municipalities applied and, on 26 November, a meeting was held with municipalities’ representatives. The participants were informed about possible approaches to legalizations and became acquainted with detailed information about situation in the settlements for which municipalities had applied. Decade of Roma, Minority Rights Center Newsletter, Year Report of the League for the Decade 2007, January 2008, pp. 27. Available at: http://www.mrc.org.yu/publikacije/pub_s_15.pdf



23

according to the findings of this research, affordable housing16 is still unavailable to almost one third of Roma (32.3%) whose living conditions are not only unworthy of a human being17, but also hazardous to their lives.

Table 2.7. What is the type of building you live in? (%)

House made of solid material 64.6

Damaged house 25.5

Well-maintained apartment 3.1

Damaged apartment 1.3

House made of waste material (cardboard, nylon, plywood) 5.5

Total: 100.0

Analysis according to municipalities (Table 2.8) shows that actions of international organizations18 do not reach Roma in big towns, such as Belgrade (72.7%), Nis (10.4%) and Kragujevac (13.6%), where many people live in unhygienic settlements and slums. This is due to the fact that life in large cities brings more opportunities to earn money faster, on a daily basis.19

Table 2.8. What is your house like – according to municipalities? (%)

MMUUNNIICCIIPPAALLIITTIIEESS:: WWEELLLL--MMAAIINNTTAAIINNEEDD

HHOOUUSSEE MMAADDEE OOFF

SSOOLLIIDD MMAATTEERRIIAALL::

DDAAMMAAGGEEDD

HHOOUUSSEE::

WWEELLLL--MMAAIINNTTAAIINNEEDD

AAPPAARRTTMMEENNTT::

DDAAMMAAGGEEDD

AAPPAARRTTMMEENNTT::

HHOOUUSSEE MMAADDEE OOFF

WWAASSTTEE MMAATTEERRIIAALL

((CCAARRDDBBOOAARRDD,, NNYYLLOONN,, PPLLYYWWOOOODD))::

Belgrade 18.7 5.2 2.1 10.5 67.5 Kragujevac 1.1 0.3 0.0 0.0 13.3 Kraljevo 0.0 4.2 2.1 5.3 0.0 Bor 0.6 0.8 29.8 21.1 0.0 Kruševac 1.7 2.6 12.8 10.5 3.6 Aleksinac 2.4 1.0 6.4 0.0 0.0 Pirot 2.5 2.6 8.5 15.8 0.0 Smederevo 3.2 1.6 0.0 5.3 0.0 Požarevac 2.9 5.2 2.1 0.0 7.2 Prokuplje 1.6 6.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Niš 7.9 6.8 10.6 0.0 3.6 Zrenjanin 1.7 16.0 4.3 0.0 2.4

16 “Affordable housing is low-cost housing, which can be afforded by poor families, who thus get a decent apartment. Social housing and affordable housing are two additional types of housing.”. Stated according to: Decade of Roma, Minority Rights Center Newsletter, Year Report of the League for the Decade 2007, January 2008, pp. 13. Available at: http://www.mrc.org.yu/publikacije/pub_s_15.pdf 17 According to the research Roma in Serbia – living conditions and opportunities for integration by the Center for Ethnicity Research and the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights of 2002. (2005.). There were 593 Roma settlements in Serbia in 2002, having about 270 000 inhabitants. According to UNICEF research of 2007 To Break the Exclusion Chain – Roma Children in Southeastern Europe, 35% of registered Roma settlements in Serbia do not have water supply system, while about 10% do not have electricity either. Available at: http://www.unicef.org/serbia/part1.pdf (Stated as UNICEF research of 2007 in further text) 18 International organizations, including UNHCR, UNDP and SDC provide individual solutions for housing problems of Roma families. OSCE Mission in Serbia, in cooperation with SRNS, provided small grants for local governments, which were used for improving Roma housing in 8 municipalities: Bela Palanka, Kragujevac, Pirot, Kruševac, Koceljeva, Bujanovac, Barajevo and Šabac. The project was realized through the Program of Assistance to Roma and supported by EAR in 2006 and 2007. In 2007 UNDP and SIDA supported and funded projects in the area of housing in Kraljevo, Čačak, Smederevo and Lebane. UN-HABITAT SIRP Program is realizing the pilot project of improving the Roma settlement Grdićka kosa 2 in Kraljevo by town planning, improving settlement infrastructure and improving housing conditions of some Roma families. Settlement inhabitants and representatives of local government are active participants in the project. Stated according to: Decade of Roma, Minority Rights Center Newsletter, Year Report of the League for the Decade 2007, January 2008, pp. 15. Available at: http://www.mrc.org.yu/publikacije/pub_s_15.pdf 19 The daily Večernje novosti published article titled “They do not want to leave city center” (8 September 2008, pp. 22) that reflects opposite opinions about Roma living under the bridge – “while some people are happy about new apartments, other are sorry about moving from location that is very good for business. 22 Stated according to the pilot media monitoring conducted by RCD Team during four-month period (from 1 June to 30 September 2008).



24

Bujanovac 5.2 7.6 4.3 5.3 0.0 Vranje 7.8 5.5 2.1 5.3 0.0 Subotica 4.1 2.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 Šabac 1.0 2.4 2.1 5.3 0.0 Novi Sad 4.4 3.7 2.1 0.0 0.0 Pančevo 4.2 1.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 Kovin 2.4 3.7 0.0 0.0 1.2 Stara Pazova 2.5 2.9 0.0 0.0 1.2 Vršac 3.4 1.0 0.0 10.5 0.0 Surdulica 3.5 2.4 4.3 0.0 0.0 Valjevo 2.2 1.0 6.4 0.0 0.0 Leskovac 14.7 1.3 0.0 5.3 0.0 Kikinda 0.4 12.6 0.0 0.0 0.0

Total: 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 Current efforts of the City Government in Belgrade to build apartments on other locations for Roma living under the bridge Gazela are met with protests of citizens. Instead of solidarity, support and understanding, Roma face the problem of pronounced social distance. This calls for the definition of the media role, particularly within forthcoming Decade activities, as the key agent of sensibilization to the problems of this ethnic group. It is beyond doubt that continued and joint efforts of media and non-governmental organizations would result in more effective change in the attitudes of citizens (in Ovča) toward Roma.22 Life quality of Roma is also reflected in the floor area of their houses. Research findings show that almost two thirds of Roma families (62.2%), including several generations living together under one roof, live in houses with floor area between 21m2 and 60 m2. This shows constant lack of living space in Roma households,23 particularly if had in mind that average Roma families, especially those living in informal settlements, include several generations living together.

Analysis of housing includes the safety factor of the settlement in which respondents live. Somewhat more than one half of Roma do not feel completely safe when walking around their resident community at night (50.7%). Some 11.6% of respondents feel extremely unsafe, while almost identical percentage of

23 This is also confirmed by data of UNICEF research (To Break the Exclusion Chain – Roma Children in Southeastern Europe of 2007) – which states that house floor area of a Roma household, measured in m2 per family member, is twice smaller than the area used by non-Roma households. Taken on the average, Roma households have twice less floor area per person than non-Roma in their nearest environment. More details are available at: http://www.unicef.org/serbia/part1.pdf

Table 2.9. Apartment/ house floor area

%

up to 10m2 .3

11-20 m2 6.9

21-40 m2 31.6

41-60 m2 30.6

61-80 m2 17.0

81-120 m2 8.9

121 m2 or more 3.1

NA 1.6

Total: 100.0

Table 2.10. Do you feel safe when walking around your settlement at night? %

Safe 48.0

Partially safe 22.1

Unsafe 11.6

Safe only if I have company 5.3

I do not walk around the settlement by night

11.7

NA 1.2

Total: 100.0



25

respondents do not leave their houses at night, majority of them being women.

22..33 EEMMPPLLOOYYMMEENNTT SSTTAATTUUSS AANNDD IINNCCOOMMEE SSOOUURRCCEESS

The research findings confirm that three years after the Decade had begun, economic exclusion of Roma is still highly pronounced, since low education level, particularly among women, is followed by high unemployment rate and large number of financially supported family members. Respondents include 52.6% of unemployed Roma24 - 45.7% being registered at the National Employment Agency, while 6.9% are not registered. When we add 19.9% of housewives to this figure, we get the 72.5% of respondents who are dependant household members, without any income. Apart from retired Roma (3.9%), those working unregistered or in the gray area of economy (1.5%) and entrepreneurs (2.3%), only each eighth Roma receives income from his/her full-time job, that is to say, the total of 12.9% respondents, meaning that 20.6% of Roma support the remaining 72.5% household members (See the Table 2.11).

Table 2.11. Employment rate -respondents and household members (%) RREESSPPOONNDDEENNTT HHUUSSBBAANNDD//WWIIFFEE FFAATTHHEERR MMOOTTHHEERR Student/pupil 1.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 Housewife 19.9 27.9 .6 33.3 Retired 3.9 2.8 15.9 9.7 Unemployed – registered at the labor market

45.7 35.1 23.4 13.2

Unemployed and not registered at the labor market 6.9 5.3 4.9 2.9

Has full-time job 12.9 6.1 6.8 1.2 Works in black market 1.5 .6 .1 .1 Company owner 2.3 1.1 1.7 .1 None of the stated 5.5 3.3 5.3 2.8 NA 0.3 17.9 41.3 36.7

Total: 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

A pronounced presence of Roma in all social categories at high risk of poverty is also confirmed by the data indicating that rate of Roma unemployment does not show a declining trend,25 particularly not the trend of decline in the total unemployment rate in Serbia.26 Despite belonging to priority category for receiving subsidies for self-employment (however, only as a lip service), Roma rarely venture to take such step. The

24 According to the mentioned UNICEF research of 2007 – ”unemployment in Roma population, age 15 to 55, in countries included in the study is between 44% and 71%.” More details are available at http://www.unicef.org/serbia/part1.pdf 25 “Research done by RIC showed that in 2006, 60% of Roma were unemployed , thus being the most vulnerable ethnic community on the labor market. The smallest number of the unemployed was among those over 50, while most of the unemployed have been seeking jobs for more than five years (51%). Additionally, 64% have never been employed.“ Stated according to the Decade of Roma, Minority Rights Center Newsletter, Yearly Report of the League for the Decade 2007, January 2008, pp. 22. Available at: http://www.mrc.org.yu/publikacije/pub_s_15.pdf 26 State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy and Regional Development in the Government of Serbia, Vladimir Ilić, stated (on 28 February 2008) that unemployment rate in Serbia dropped by 15% in 2007 in comparison to that of 2006, and that at the end of last year, it amounted to 18.8%, showing further declining trend. More information is available at: http://www.naslovi.net/2008-02-28/economy/stopa-nezaposlenosti-u-srbiji-smanjena-na-18-8-odsto/588145



26

reasons for this lie in the criteria for granting one-off amount of 130 000 dinars27, which are not adjusted to this target group. Therefore, number of Roma starting their own business is rather modest and slightly increasing – from 2%, as stated in the Yearly Report of the League for the Decade28 to 2.3%, as recorded in this research. Data also show that number of entrepreneurs among women is ten times lower than among men, as well as that entrepreneurs are usually men aged 36 to 45, approximately one in each of 30 municipalities included in the sample. Striking disproportion between income-generating household members and dependents (1:5) raises the question about total household income sources, i.e. the most common ways for Roma to earn for a living. The most common sources of income for almost one third of respondents in our research are temporary seasonal jobs (31.7%), then collecting of secondary raw materials and selling second-hand goods (19%) and salary from regular employment (16.1%). When this percentage is compared with the one in the Table 2.11, it becomes obvious that number of Roma working unregistered is higher, however concealed. Stall selling is the source of income for 9.3% of respondents. However, the number of respondents with registered stores is almost seven times lower than the number of those with unregistered stores (See Table 2.12).

Table 2.12. How do you earn for a living? (%)

RREESSPPOONNDDEENNTT HHUUSSBBAANNDD//WWIIFFEE FFAATTHHEERR MMOOTTHHEERR

Employed in a company/salary 16.1 7.5 7.4 1.7 Collecting secondary raw materials, selling second-hand goods

19.0 12.6 8.6 6.6

Musician, singer and entertainer 4.2 1.9 2.9 .3

Resale of new goods, stall sale – registered store

1.8 1.1 .7 .5

Resale of new goods, stall sale – unregistered store

7.5 5.4 2.9 2.6

Needlework 1.5 1.9 .5 2.4 Temporary, seasonal jobs 31.7 27.1 14.5 19.3

Retirement 4.0 2.2 15.1 10.3

Supported person, pupil/student 8.4 13.3 1.2 8.5

NA 5.7 27.1 46.2 47.9

Total: 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

27 “Roma living in informal settlements cannot be registered at the National Employment Agency and thus have no access to employment programs conducted by the Agency. All unemployed individuals can apply for self-employment subsidies if they: send application for self-employment subsidies and economically justified and sustainable business plan ; complete self-employment training according to training program and curriculum organized by the National Employment Agency or other relevant organization, aimed at improving knowledge and competence for starting business.” Yearly Report of the League for the Decade 2007, January 2008, pp. 23. 28 RIC research states that “only 2% of respondents started their own businesses, while 13% did so with the assistance of the National Employment Agency. Lack of financial resources is the reason for the low percentage of self-employment.” Yearly Report of the League for the Decade 2007, January 2008, pp. 22. (Note: All comparisons with the data given in RIC research cannot be completely relevant since the report made by the League for the Decade does not specify the sample, i.e. the total number of respondents who participated in this research).



27

Quality of Roma life is determined by multiple factors (e.g. low education level, economic exclusion, discrimination, prejudices, etc.)29 and therefore, most of the people belonging to this ethnic group are forced to live from hand to mouth and rely on opportunities to earn money on a day-to-day or seasonal basis. Managing

to survive is an everyday task for most Roma. This can be illustrated by the fact that in 75.7% of households there are only one or two income-generating members (usually just on occasional basis) (see the Table 2.13). According to this research, the average Roma household consists of four to five members. Research findings show that most Roma do odd jobs that nobody else wants to do. These jobs are often underpaid and entail poor

conditions which do not allow them to achieve benefits under the Labor Law. More often than not, such jobs are hazardous to health. Low education, low social status, lack of recognition and protection of civil rights result in their life in a shadow.30

22..44 TTOOTTAALL IINNCCOOMMEE AANNDD EEXXPPEENNSSEESS OOFF HHOOUUSSEEHHOOLLDDSS

Personal monthly income of majority Roma in Serbia ranges between 3 700 and 12 000 dinars (53.5%), which is almost three times lower than the national average in the first half of 2008 (32.562 dinars).31 Data also show that the percentage of respondents with higher earnings is reversely proportionate to income amount, i.e. only 2.1% of Roma receive income that is close to or higher than the average income in the country (see the Table 2.14).

29 Roma are strongly convinced that when looking for a job, they are always discriminated against. The research supported by the European Union and recently conducted in Central and South-Eastern Europe by the European Roma Rights Center concludes that “Roma face discrimination at every step within the labor market, so that serious existing obstacles, which disable many Roma to find a job, become even more obstructive for Roma access to employment due to prejudice and attitudes that most Roma, if not all of them, choose to be unemployed and they have always been satisfied with that position.” The statement is taken from UNICEF report of 2007. 30 UNICEF research of 2007 states the following: It is particularly hard for Roma to find a job in the countries/entities with high unemployment rates and with relatively well-educated labor. The majority of Roma in the region do not have full-time jobs. Transition to market economy has shown that the least skilled workers were the most vulnerable ones, and that Roma were in even less favorable position, due to existing prejudices and discrimination. Unemployment of Roma in Romania is estimated as twice higher than unemployment of Romanians and Hungarians, the second biggest ethnic minority. According to the World Bank, unemployment of Roma in Bosnia and Herzegovina is almost 100%. Other researches show that percentage of unemployed Roma ranges between 44% (Romania) and 71% (FYR Macedonia). However, researchers found that in all countries/entities except Albania (48%), over 70% of adult Roma are unemployed; the highest unemployment rate in the region is in Bosnia and Herzegovina (92%). pp. 23. 31 The average net income in April this year (2008) in Serbia was 32 562 dinars, which, compared to March presents the actual rise of 3.8% gross 5.7 %. In April, the average gross income was 45 355 dinars and it was actually 3.9% higher than in the previous month, stated the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia. Source: B92, 22 May 2008. More details are available at http://www.kamatica.com/vesti/239/prosecna-zarada-1 or at the website of the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia- http://webrzs.stat.gov.rs/axd/index.php (accessed on 20 October 2008).

Table 2.13. Number of household members with incomes

NNUUMMBBEERR OOFF HHOOUUSSEEHHOOLLDD

MMEEMMBBEERRSS TTHHAATT HHAAVVEE

IINNCCOOMMEESS

%%

1 44.7 2 31.0 3 9.5 4 5.1 5 1.1 6 .3 7 .1 13 .1 NA 8.1

Total: 100.0



28

Table 2.14. Personal monthly income/ total household income WWHHAATT IISS YYOOUURR PPEERRSSOONNAALL MMOONNTTHHLLYY

IINNCCOOMMEE:: WWHHAATT IISS TTHHEE TTOOTTAALL HHOOUUSSEEHHOOLLDD MMOONNTTHHLLYY

IINNCCOOMMEE::

Income amount: % Income amount: %

up to 3700 dinars 7.9 up to 3700 dinars 2.0

3701-7600 dinars 22.5 3701-7600 dinars 9.1

7601-12000 dinars 23.1 7601-12000 dinars 23.1

12001-15000 dinars 11.0 12001-15000 dinars 13.9

15001-20000 dinars 9.8 15001-20000 dinars 18.1

20001-25000 dinars 4.7 20001-25000 dinars 9.5

25001-30000 dinars 3.1 25001-30000 dinars 8.1

more than 30000 dinars 2.1 more than 30000 dinars 12.7

NA 15.8 NA 3.6

Total: 100.0 Total: 100.0

Further analysis shows that most Roma families34 (83.8%), having on average 4 to 5 members, live off monthly household income that is lower than the current personal average net monthly income in Serbia. This is confirmed by the amount of average household funds available per month (41.044 dinars) or the amount of personal household expenditures (37.656 dinars) in Serbia.35 When the data on total household income are compared to the amounts which respondents stated as sufficient for a decent standard of living, it can be concluded that Roma expressed considerable modesty, since somewhat more than one third of respondents (36.2%) stated the amount (from 30 000 to 50 000 dinars) which is below or slightly higher than (the above-mentioned) average monthly income per household in Serbia. 26.5% of respondents think that these amounts should range between 50 000 and 80 000 dinars (See the Table 2.15). Table 2.15. What should be your total household income (in dinars) so that you could reach standard/life quality you consider satisfying?

As survey data show, the total household income is not sufficient to get by – for most Roma (83.1%) the major, key expense is food. Electricity is the second largest expenditure for almost one third (30.6%) of respondents. Only 13.5% of households manage, with great efforts, to provide money for their children’s education, which also presents a big expense, in addition to that spent on clothes.

34 Respondents were asked about their total household income, i.e. the total amount of all income types (salaries, pensions, rent, etc.) earned by all household members. Distribution of income amounts is given in the Table 2.15). 35 More details are available at the website of the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia: http://webrzs.stat.gov.rs/axd/index1.php?SifraVesti=286&Link=

%

up to 3700 dinars .1

7601-12000 dinars .3

12001-15000 dinars .4

15001- 20000 dinars 2.4

20001- 25000 dinars 2.5

25001 - 30000 dinars 8.7

30001-50000 dinars 36.2

50001- 80000 dinars 26.5

80001-120000 dinars 9.4

more than 120000 dinars 2.2

NA 11.3

Total: 100.0



29

As survey data show, the total household income is not sufficient to get by – for most Roma (83.1%) the major, key expense is food. Electricity is the second largest expenditure for almost one third (30.6%) of respondents. Only 13.5% of households manage, with great efforts, to provide money for their children’s education, which also presents a big expense, in addition to that spent on clothes.

Table 2.16. What is the biggest monthly expense in your family budget? (%)

II.. LLAARRGGEESSTT EEXXPPEENNSSEE:: IIII.. LLAARRGGEESSTT EEXXPPEENNSSEE::

Food 83.1 8.9

Clothes 1.6 15.5

Apartment furnishing and maintenance .9 6.1

Education of children 1.8 13.5

Rent, garbage disposal, water supply 1.9 13.0

Electricity 7.9 30.6

Medical treatment and medications 2.4 8.6 Culture (cinema, theater, concerts, books) .1 .2

Other .1 .3

NA .3 3.4

Total: 100.0 100.0

Although almost one half of respondents (42.5%) receive financial support through child allowance, and more than one third (37.1%) is on social assistance36, it is obvious that these amounts do not contribute to any significant improvement of Roma living standard, neither does assistance provided in food, school books, medications, fuel or clothes and shoes, received by an extremely small number of respondents (See the Table 2.17). Table 2.17. Do you get any of the following types of assistance (%)

TTYYPPEE OOFF AASSSSIISSTTAANNCCEE YYEESS NNOO NNAA TTOOTTAALL::

Social assistance 37.1 62.3 .7 100.0

Child allowance 42.5 56.7 .8 100.0

Clothes and shoes .7 98.1 1.2 100.0

Medications 1.9 97.1 1.1 100.0

Fuel 1.9 96.9 1.2 100.0 Food 2.6 96.3 1.1 100.0

Hygienic kit packages 1.1 97.6 1.3 100.0

Books for children 2.5 96.3 1.1 100.0

There are still some open questions remaining – has the poverty line for Roma remained the same, despite the accomplishments expressed for the total number of poor people in Serbia37, and how much benefits have Roma received from current national and international initiatives and activities and the fact that in the national Poverty Reduction Strategy they are presented as the most vulnerable

36 Social assistance and child protection coverage of Roma households is high, with over 78 percent of poor Roma households receiving a benefit. MOP and child allowance both exhibit high coverage rates. For more details see: Serbia Social Assistance and Child Protection Policy Note, World Bank, June 20, 2006, pp. 30, Box 2.1: Coverage of Roma, at the website http://www.worldbank.org.yu/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/ECAEXT/SERBIAEXTN/0,,menuPK:300930~pagePK:64026187~piPK:141126~sortDesc:DOCDT~theSitePK:300904,00.html (accessed on 20 October 2008) 37 In 2006, 8.8% of population in Serbia were classified as poor, considering the fact that their average expenses, calculated according to expense unit, were lower than the poverty line. More details are available at: http://blog.b92.net/text/765/Siroma%C5%A1tvo%20kao%20ojkonim/ For the sake of comparison, in 2002, about 10.6% of citizens in Serbia lived below the poverty line (or 250 000 households, i.e. about 800 000 people), and another 30% at the very verge of poverty. For more details see Civil Society of Serbia, Zdenka Milivojević, Belgrade, 2006. Published by ARGUMENT, pp. 90 or at the website: www.argument.co.yu or www.crnps.org.yu



30

category? It is important to note that the data illustrate that even after three years of activities within the Decade, five years after the national Strategy for Poverty Reduction38 was adopted and eight years after the adoption of Millennium Development Goals39, most Roma in Serbia have not experienced any significant improvement in their life quality. This problem is even more visible when it comes to Roma children and women.

22..55 PPOOSSIITTIIOONN OOFF RROOMMAA CCHHIILLDDRREENN AANNDD WWOOMMEENN

Research findings confirm that children and women are the most vulnerable subgroups within Roma population. The number of Roma who have a chance to acquire secondary education is low, in addition to other reasons, due to the fact that Roma children start “earning for a living from their early childhood”. Research findings also show that one fifth of Roma children (20.8%) work to provide income for their household (collecting secondary raw materials, seasonal jobs, resale, etc.), while about less than one fifth attend school (19.5%). Table 2.18. Jobs done by Roma children

Low education level of Roma is particularly pronounced in the group of Roma women42 - research findings show that 87.1% of Roma women have no education – they either did not complete any school (18.8%) or are functionally illiterate (68.3%), while only 0.4% have college or university degree.43

In more than one third of Roma households (36%), decisions are made by all household members, i.e. husband and wife together. Therefore, it is reasonable

38 SPR (Strategy for Poverty Reduction) defines poverty as multidimensional phenomenon which, in addition to insufficient incomes for satisfying life needs, implies inability for employment, inappropriate housing conditions and inadequate access to social care, health services, education and communal service. Other key aspects of poverty include failure to realize the right to healthy environment and natural wealth, primarily clean water and air. More details are available at: http://www.prsp.sr.gov.yu/download/Prvi%20izvestaj%20o%20implementaciji%20SSS.pdf 39 MDG (Millennium Development Goals) is UN strategic global document aimed at eradication of poverty, achievement of universal primary education, gender equality and implementation of women’s human rights, reduction of child mortality and improvement of maternal health, combating HIV/AIDS, ensure environmental sustainability and development of global partnership for development. The goals are to be achieved by 2015. More details are available at: http://www.undp.org/mdg/basics.shtml and http://blog.b92.net/text/765/Siroma%C5%A1tvo%20kao%20ojkonim/ 42 Illiteracy rate among Roma women is consistently lower than among Roma men, which points out to the problem of gender inequality in education. These data are rather concerning, particularly if we have in mind that wellbeing of a family, especially children, is tightly connected with education of their mothers. Stated in UNICEF research, pp. 33 43 More details about education structure are given in Table 2.2. of this report.

%

Collecting secondary raw materials 7.1 Musician, singer and entertainer 3.1 Resale of second-hand goods 2.1 Resale of new goods 1.9 Washing windscreens .3 I do some jobs around the house 4.5 Seasonal jobs (in agriculture, etc.) 6.3 They do not do these jobs 38.5 Children attend school 19.5 NA 16.6

Total: 100.0



31

to believe that NGO activities aimed at empowerment of women have produced results. However, in a significant number of Roma households, the issue of gender equality has remained trapped in patriarchal tradition, where decisions are almost exclusively made by men (See the Table 2.19). Table 2.19. Who makes decisions in your household?

In addition to statements that violence against Roma women is systematic and widely-spread both within and outside Roma community44, the findings also records 4.3% of households which, in addition to other problems, face domestic violence. The fact that Roma women are not willing to publicly come out with this problem is understandable. This specific situation of Roma women is almost ignored – this issue did not receive much attention in the National Action Plans (NAP) which Serbia adopted

within the Decade,45 while NAP draft for Roma women has not been adopted yet.46 It is reasonable to conclude that Roma women in Serbia do not have anyone to turn to (for help) and that, according to patriarchal tradition, plans for the future of Roma girls are limited to the role of a housewife.47 What raises particular concerns is that the mortality rate of Roma women, from 15 to 49 years of age, is twice the figure for general female population in Serbia.48

44 “Violence against women is frequent form of domestic violence in Roma community. According to the research results, 75% of women who answered questions about violence admitted that they were victims of domestic violence in some period of their lives. The most frequent forms of domestic violence are physical and verbal abuse by family members. Roma women, who are victims of domestic violence, seldom seek medical treatment for injuries, as they are ashamed and do not want to tell medical staff that the injuries were inflicted by a family member. The Government has not created adequate environment in which victims of violence can testify, neither has it created an efficient support network to help victims and encourage them to report the cases of violence. Criteria for admission to some Safe Houses, which are financially supported by the Government, indirectly discriminate Roma women and thus lead to their refusal. High rate of violence against Roma women is usually connected with lack of alternative housing, education and employment.” Stated in the document Written comments of the European Roma Rights Center, Bibija, Eureka and Ženski proctor regarding the Republic of Serbia given to consideration of Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women at its 38th session. More details are available at: http://www.soros.org/initiatives/health/focus/roma/articles_publications/publications/cedaw_20070322/serbian_20070530.pdf (accessed on 21 October 2008) 45 “In March 2005, the Secretariat for Roma National Strategy (SRNS) initiated creating of NAP draft for Roma women. SRNS acted within the former Ministry for Human and Minority Rights and in cooperation with Roma women activists, Council for Gender Equality and donor organizations; however, by the end of February 2007, the draft plan has still not been adopted.“ Ibidem. 46 “The research used as a basis for this report confirmed that multiple and/or intersectional discrimination of Roma women is rather high in Serbia. This fact is particularly worrying considering that the Government of Serbia has not yet adopted the overall anti-discrimination legal framework, which Roma women could use to realize their rights and/or to fight against violation of their rights.“ Ibidem. 47 “Obstacles that Roma women usually face are based on high poverty rates and patriarchal traditions, resulting in the fact that Roma girls and young women are rarely expected to finish school. Roma girls have many duties in the family from their early age. Additionally, the tradition of testing virginity is the reason for dropping out of school when girls reach puberty, so that their contacts with boys in the school would be limited. “ Ibidem. 48 More details in Human Development Report Serbia 2008, pp. 127, UNDP, available at http://hdr.undp.org/en/reports/nationalreports/europethecis/serbia/name,13959,en.html

% Respondent 36.1 My husband 12.2 My wife .5 My wife and I together/My husband and I together 22.5

My children .7 My father/stepfather 7.7 My mother/stepmother 1.3 My parents 4.5 My grandfather .2 All together 13.5 I don’t know .2 NA .6

Total: 100.0



32

22..66 PPEERRSSOONNAALL DDOOCCUUMMEENNTTSS

This section deals with the possession (lack) of personal documents, as this issue has been recognized as one of significant problems of Roma population in Serbia in recent years.49 As lack of personal documents is directly connected to in(ability) to realize most of the rights (e.g. realization of right to financial assistance, child allowance, etc.) or problems in communication with institutions, it is the first indicator of the full deprivation of individuals.50 Since the beginning of 2000, when charity programs were replaced by the development projects, all actions directed to this target group have faced the problem of Roma not having some or all personal documents. In other words, to fully achieve objectives of numerous actions carried out in recent years at the local level, it was advisable to first obtain personal documents for beneficiaries who did not possess them. Number of beneficiaries without personal documents has certainly varied from one action to another, i.e. from one municipality to another, which is why this issue has been addressed continuously and, as a rule, and despite being unplanned, has been considered as one of the significant and sustainable results achieved.51 Research findings show that number of Roma without personal documents is small, with reservations that this situation is significantly different in unhygienic settlements and slums.52 Most respondents (96.5%) have birth certificates and 95.9% have identity cards, while 81.5% of respondents have employment record card and less than a half (47.7%) have passports.

Table 2.20. Possession of personal documents (%)

PPOOSSSSEESSSSEESS DDOOEESS NNOOTT PPOOSSSSEESSSS TTOOTTAALL Birth certificate 96.5 3.5 100.0 Identity card 95.9 4.1 100.0 Employment record card 81.5 18.5 100.0 Driving license 25.3 74.7 100.0 Passport 47.7 52.3 100.0

Majority of respondents (90.8%) are registered at the address they live at, while 4.5% of respondents are registered at their relative’s or friend’s address and 3% does not have registered place of residence at all.

49 However, there are no available sources at the level of Serbia about the number of Roma that do not have any of personal documents. Desk analysis showed that certain sources are based on estimations, while sources with data (numbers and percentages) about the exact number of Roma without any of personal documents are rare and most often only refer to particular municipalities. In this context, findings of this research are the first source that provide information taken in field work at the level of Serbia, especially if taken into account that rare available sources were used as reference frame in this report wherever possible. 50 Details about the problem of personal documents in Roma population can be found in the report Roma and Right to Legal Subjectivity in Serbia, Petar Antić, Minority Rights Center, Belgrade, April 2006, available at http://www.mrc.org.yu/publikacije/pub_s_11.pdf . The report includes data for Roma settlements in Belgrade. 51 One of the current examples is the project Functional Primary Education of Adult Roma, which was implemented by the Institute for Pedagogy and Andragogy of the Faculty of Philosophy in Belgrade, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education of Serbia and financially supported by REF in 2006 and 2007. More details are available at the website of the Ministry of Education of Serbia www.mps.sr.gov.yu 52 There are no updated records about the number of Roma households settled in unhygienic settlements and slums. Report by the World Bank (World Bank, 2005) states data given in the report written by Oxfam and ARGUMENT (2001), The Roma Livelihood in Belgrade Settlement. “In a poll done in Roma settlements on the territory of Belgrade in 2001, it was determined that almost 40% of respondents did not have valid identity cared, while almost 55% had neither birth certificates nor certificates on citizenship.“ The statement was quoted in the World Bank Report, 2005. UNICEF research of 2007 refers to the same data (pp. 32).



33

Table 2.21. Where is your residence registered?

%

NA 1.1 Address I live at 90.8 At my relative’s address, at the other address 3.6 At my friend’s address, at the other address .9 Landlord registered my residence .1 At the other address where I have property (house, apartment, land) .6

I do not have my place of residence registered 3.0 Total: 100.0

Data show that 5.9% of respondents do not have health insurance. The biggest number of respondents is insured through the Employment Agency (38.1%) and through the Center for Social Work (29.4%). Fifteen percent of respondents are insured through their companies, which corresponds to the number of registered employees. Other forms of insurance, such as pension insurance, insurance obtained by spouse, insurance of farmers, etc. are present in approximately 2% of cases. Table 2.22. How do you obtain your health insurance? (%)

RREESSPPOONNDDEENNTT HHUUSSBBAANNDD//WWIIFFEE FFAATTHHEERR MMOOTTHHEERR CCHHIILLDDRREENN Through company 15.0 8.7 8.1 2.2 2.8 Through center for social work 29.4 22.0 14.1 16.9 16.3 Through employment agency 38.1 32.9 13.9 15.7 13.3 Through father 2.1 .2 2.1 2.1 19.5 Through mother .3 .0 .0 .1 12.3 Through pension insurance 3.2 1.9 12.3 9.9 .1 Insurance of farmers .5 .4 .6 .7 .1 Refugee insurance 2.1 2.0 .5 1.2 1.3 Through spouse – husband/wife

2.9 8.5 .3 7.5 5.1

No insurance 5.9 5.5 3.9 4.1 3.7 NA .5 17.8 44.1 39.8 25.5

Total: 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

********



34

33.. PPRROOCCEESSSS OOFF RROOMMAA IINNCCLLUUSSIIOONN –– CCUURRRREENNTT SSIITTUUAATTIIOONN AANNDD PPEERRSSPPEECCTTIIVVEESS

This section presents the analysis of current challenges to the more efficient inclusion of Roma at the local level, as seen by members of this ethnic group. The analysis is based on Roma attitudes, i.e. on their trust in institutions, ways of obtaining information, political attitudes and perception of who should address the issues and change social and political position of this ethnic group.

33..11 TTRRUUSSTT IINN IINNSSTTIITTUUTTIIOONNSS

The issue that is of vital importance for efficient implementation of National Action Plans at the local level is the trust Roma have in (local) institutions and attitude of these institutions to Roma. Data obtained in this research show a relatively high distrust in almost all institutions53 - the highest distrust is expressed toward privately-owned companies (39.3%) and trade unions (36.1%), then toward Roma (34.6%) and other political parties (31.1%). Institutions which enjoy the highest trust are the church (37.3%), army (25.2%) and the state president (21.7%).

Table 3.1. Trust in institutions54 (%)

II DDOO NNOOTT

TTRRUUSSTT AATT AALLLL 22 33 44

II HHIIGGHHLLYY

TTRRUUSSTT NNAA TTOOTTAALL::

Roma political parties 34.6 20.0 26.0 9.3 9.5 .5 100.0

Other political parties

31.1 24.5 29.7 10.9 3.3 .5 100.0

Courts 23.3 22.3 31.1 14.4 8.1 .9 100.0 Police 24.1 20.1 28.7 16.2 10.0 .9 100.0 Public services 22.5 21.4 33.3 15.1 6.8 .9 100.0 Government 25.3 15.2 24.6 22.7 11.4 .8 100.0 Army 14.5 11.7 23.2 24.6 25.2 .7 100.0 Parliament 27.5 18.1 22.9 19.8 10.7 1.0 100.0 Churches 14.8 14.1 14.5 18.3 37.3 1.1 100.0 Unions 36.1 23.5 22.1 13.0 3.6 1.7 100.0 Television/radio 19.7 18.3 31.7 21.3 7.7 1.2 100.0 Print media 23.9 20.7 32.3 15.1 6.9 1.1 100.0 Private companies

39.3 23.3 20.5 11.2 4.7 1.0 100.0

State President 23.7 13.0 20.2 20.1 21.7 1.3 100.0 Prime Minister 25.6 15.1 22.3 21.5 14.3 1.1 100.0 Most people you meet 17.2 15.3 27.9 26.9 11.7 1.0 100.0

Roma NGO 21.9 19.4 25.1 26.9 5.7 1.0 100.0

53 Majority population in Serbia has almost the same attitude toward institutions – the fact that total distrust is several times higher than total trust for all institutions and organizations, except the church, reflects negatively on the social capital. For more details see Civil Society of Serbia, Zdenka Milivojević, Belgrade 2006. Published by ARGUMENT, pp. 140 or at the website: www.argument.co.yu or www.crnps.org.yu 54 Respondents were asked to express personal trust in any of these institutions using the scale from 1 to 5, in which 1 means I do not trust at all and 5 means I highly trust.



35

High trust in non-governmental organizations is expressed by very small number of Roma citizens (5.7%), similarly to the majority population which trusts these organizations in only 5.8%. However, distrust of Roma population in these organizations is slightly lower (21.9%) compared to the rest of population in Serbia (26.6%).55 Similarity between Roma and other citizens of Serbia is also visible regarding low trust in media – a small number of respondents trust media. However, this percentage is higher when electronic media are concerned (7.7%) in comparison to print media (6.9%). Number of Roma who trust most people they meet in their community (11.7%) is almost similar to that of other Serbian citizens (only 9%)56. Such a low social capital makes considerably negative impact on Roma inclusion at the local level.

33..22 AATTTTIITTUUDDEE OOFF LLOOCCAALL IINNSSTTIITTUUTTIIOONNSS TTOO RROOMMAA

Opinions about employees in different public local institutions represent a significant indicator of the general attitude to Roma population. In the context of inclusion, there is a striking number of Roma who do not even seek their rights in local institutions (See the Table 3.2). This is best illustrated by the following data: almost half of Roma (47.7%) do not communicate with local schools their children attend while a high percentage of them (69.7%) are not included in local kindergartens at all. These data raise concerns about the current inclusion of Roma children in education system at the local level. Table 3.2. What attitude do you encounter in local institutions? (%)

UUNNKKIINNDD

AANNDD

IINNSSUULLTTIINNGG

II CCAANN’’TT DDOO

WWHHAATT II NNEEEEDD TTHHEEYY AARREE

KKIINNDD

II DDOONN’’TT

AADDDDRREESSSS

TTOO TTHHEEMM

II

DDOONN’’TT

KKNNOOWW NNAA TTOOTTAALL::

Municipality – local government

17.9 19.0 42.3 18.9 1.4 .5 100.0

Center for social work 24.3 14.2 33.2 25.5 2.1 .7 100.0

Medical center 13.3 11.2 68.4 5.6 .7 .8 100.0

Employment agency 12.5 17.3 48.5 18.3 2.5 .9 100.0

School your child attends

2.5 3.9 35.9 47.7 6.0 4.1 100.0

Kindergarten 1.8 2.8 11.9 69.7 8.9 4.9 100.0

Court 8.7 5.8 17.4 58.7 8.0 1.4 100.0

Police 14.6 4.6 16.6 55.3 7.7 1.1 100.0

Positive attitude toward respondents, i.e. the kindest employees can be found in medical centers (68.4%), while slightly less than half of respondents have good experience in communication with officials in the Employment Agency (48.5%) or municipality (42.3%). The respondents are most often met with rudeness and insults in the Centers for Social Work (24.3%), in communication with municipality officials (17.9%) and police (14.6%). 55 For more details see Civil Society of Serbia, Zdenka Milivojević, Belgrade, 2006. Published by pp. 140 or at the websites: www.argument.co.yu and www.crnps.org.yu 56 Ibid. 58 This is in accordance with the estimates that “key non-revenue dimensions of poverty – education, employment, health care and housing – are primarily in municipalities’ scope of work and responsibility. Thus, any clearly made efforts for improving life quality of Roma in these areas imply engagement of municipalities in order to provide co(funding) and implementation.“ (World Bank 2005, pp. 8).



36

33..33 WWHHOO CCAANN IIMMPPRROOVVEE RROOMMAA PPOOSSIITTIIOONN

Most Roma think that Government and its institutions can improve Roma position. More than one third (37.7%) of respondents state that municipality58 they live in can have the biggest impact on improvement of their position. 28.3% of respondents expect solutions from the Government of Serbia, while only 5.8% of respondents think that Centers for Social Work, as government institutions working with Roma at the local level, can solve their problems (See the Table 3.4).

Table 3.3. Who can have the most impact on improvement of Roma position?

% Municipality we live in 37.7 Centers for social work 5.8 Roma non-governmental organizations 8.4 Non-Roma non-governmental organizations .9 Roma political organizations/parties 6.2 Non-Roma political parties 1.5 Government of Serbia 28.3 Informal Roma groups 1.1 Foreign non-governmental organizations 1.1 UN organizations 1.9 International Roma organizations 1.6 Media .5 Media in Romany language .8 I do not know 3.3 NA .8

Total: 110000..00

On the other hand, a small number of Roma have any expectations from Roma non-governmental organizations (8.4%) and Roma political parties (6.2%), which leads to the conclusion that Roma organizations and parties are not considered by Roma as one of the ways in which their position in the society can be improved. Taking into account the data exhibiting high expectations to obtain assistance from the Government, strengthening of activism and civil participation among Roma should be included in the priorities of Roma organizations. The most important factor for equal position of Roma in the society is to have a steady job, as stated by most Roma (84%). The general feeling among respondents is that until they find steady jobs they will not be able to achieve position equal to other citizens. Equal participation of Roma at all levels of authority and the existence of ministry headed by Roma representative are other two equally present opinions about factors influencing the equality of Roma in the society. This is the opinion held by 33.8% of respondents. According to 29.7% of respondents, Roma representative in municipality is another way to lobby for measures that could lead to positive changes in life of Roma in Serbia at the local level.



37

Almost the same number of Roma who voted for Roma parties (one fifth in total or 20.9%) think that the most important step toward improving the position of this ethnic group is participation of Roma parties in the work of Parliament (19.7%). Table 3.4. What is the most important for Roma in order to feel as equal members of the society?

%

NA .5 To have full-time job 84.0 To participate in the work of local administration 18.7 To have minister in the Government 33.8 To have Roma journalists 9.4 To participate in state administration 18.6 To have newspapers in Romany language 9.3 To have local Roma TV channels 11.3 To have Roma television at national level 16.3 To provide participation of Roma Party in the work of Parliament 19.7 To be equally represented at all levels of state administration 33.8 To have Roma representative in municipality 29.2 I do not know 2.4

Total:

Each of the following is considered to be significant for Roma status in the society by one fifth of respondents: participation in the work of local administration, participation in government administration and participation of Roma parties in the work of Parliament. Most data fully correspond to the previous statement that the government is perceived as able to solve the problems of Roma through its different institutions.



38

44.. DDEECCAADDEE OOFF RROOMMAA:: PPEERRCCEEPPTTIIOONN,, BBEENNEEFFIITTSS AANNDD EEXXPPEECCTTAATTIIOONNSS

This section contains analysis of perception, benefits and expectations of Roma people from the Decade of Roma Inclusion, through the following theme units:

Awareness of the Decade and ways of informing thereof Familiarity with the Decade activities Benefits from actions within the Decade Who can give the biggest contribution to successful attainment of Decade goals Perception and expectations from the Decade

44..11 AAWWAARREENNEESSSS OOFF TTHHEE DDEECCAADDEE AANNDD IINNFFOORRMMIINNGG TTHHEERREEOOFF

Even though three years have passed since the beginning of the Decade of Roma Inclusion, and despite the fact that in the beginning of summer Serbia overtook from Hungary one-year Presidency over the Decade, almost half of Roma in Serbia (49.4%) have not heard or do not know anything about this political initiative directed toward improvement of Roma life and their overall position (See the Chart 4.1).

Chart 4.1. Have you heard about the Decade of Roma?

Chart 4.2. Have you heard about the Decade of Roma? (by gender)

Observed by gender, more men (55.4%) than women (42.5%) heard about the Decade. The analysis shows that the number of Roma women who are not aware of the Decade is almost two times higher, since the research included almost twice the number of men (62.5%) compared to women (37.5%). The analysis according to education shows that with lower education, the number of respondents who are not informed about the Decade rises (See the Table 4.1). In other words, all Roma with higher education60, with or without university degree, are informed about the Decade, while among the respondents without education and (in) completed primary school (who makes the majority) there is the highest number of those who have not even heard about the Decade.61

60 The research recorded 16 respondents, i.e. 1.1%, who completed college or faculty (0.6%) or are still studying, i.e. have their studies incomplete (0.5%). 61 The research included 80.6 % of Roma community members that: a) had no education (12.5%), b) did not have completed primary school (28%) and c) completed primary school (40.1%).

55.4 42.5

44.6 57.5

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Male Female

Yes No

Yes, 50.6No, 49.4



39

Table 4.1. Have you heard about the Decade of Roma?

Geographic analysis shows that the Decade of Roma Inclusion has already reached some regions and municipalities in Serbia, while in some regions it is yet expected to come. Unlike Roma in Bor, who all (100%) heard about the Decade, in other municipalities this number significantly varies. Majority of Roma in Niš (88.2%) and Stara Pazova (80.6%) heard about the Decade, while only 10.9% of Roma in Kragujevac and Požarevac respectively are aware of the Decade. In Bujanovac, only 17.1% of Roma know about the Decade of Roma. In six Belgrade municipalities covered by the sample, the number of Roma who do not know anything about the Decade is twice as high as the number of informed Roma. Table 4.2. Have you heard about the Decade of Roma – according to municipalities?

RREEGGIIOONN:: MMUUNNIICCIIPPAALLIITTYY:: YYEESS NNOO

BBEELLGGRRAADDEE 6 municipalities 38.1 61.9

Subotica 57.1 42.9

Zrenjanin 42.7 57.3

Kikinda 40.4 59.6

Vršac 61.5 38.5

Kovin 47.4 52.6

Pančevo 43.5 56.5

Novi Sad 41.4 58.6

VVOOJJVVOODDIINNAA

Stara Pazova 80.6 19.4

Šabac 61.9 38.1

Valjevo 75.0 25.0

Smederevo 47.4 52.6

Požarevac 10.9 89.1

Kragujevac 4.2 95.8

Bor 100 0.0

Kraljevo 66.7 33.3

Kruševac 43.2 56.8

Niš 88.2 11.8

Aleksinac 80.0 20.0

Prokuplje 76.3 23.7

Pirot 82.9 17.1

Leskovac 56.1 43.9

Bujanovac 17.1 82.9

Vranje 38.8 61.2

CCEENNTTRRAALL SSEERRBBIIAA

Surdulica 62.1 37.8

EEDDUUCCAATTIIOONN LLEEVVEELL:: YYEESS NNOO TTOOTTAALL::

No education 13.8 86.2 100.0

Incomplete primary school 42.1 57.9 100.0

Completed primary school 54.3 45.7 100.0

Incomplete special school 50.0 50.0 100.0

Completed special school 57.9 42.1 100.0

Incomplete trade course 61.1 38.9 100.0

Completed trade course 80.0 20.0 100.0

Other incomplete secondary school 82.1 17.9 100.0

Other completed secondary school 83.2 16.8 100.0

College or faculty 100.0 .0 100.0

Incomplete faculty 100.0 .0 100.0



40

Most respondents stated that they heard about the Decade of Roma Inclusion on television (59.7%), from NGOs (26.6%) and on the radio (12%).

Table 4.3. How do you get information about the Decade of Roma? (%) Informed Uninformed Total By radio 12.0 88.0 100.0 By television 59.7 40.3 100.0 By newspapers 8.7 91.3 100.0 By Roma NGO 26.6 73.4 100.0 By non-Roma NGO 0.1 99.9 100.0 By Roma political parties 10.4 89.6 100.0

Among TV channels specified as sources of information about the Decade, Radio Television of Serbia is predominant with 28.5%. The next is Television Pink, on which 21.9% of respondents saw footages concerning the Decade. This is followed by TV Vojvodina watched by 13.9% and Television B92 by 11.3% of respondents. Most respondents who were informed about the Decade of Roma on the radio stated radio station Nišava (20.9%) and Radio Tocak, Valjevo (19.8%). This is followed by Radio Novi Sad and radio station Amaro drom (9.9%), while 7.7% of respondents heard about the Decade of Roma on the radio station Kiss. A number of respondents (36.4%) found information about the Decade of Roma in Roma newspapers. The other respondents who informed themselves about the Decade were those reading the dailies Blic (18.2%) and Večernje novosti (16.7%). Magazines Them and Novine Vranjske - 6.6% of respondents. Roma NGOs, which contributed to the awareness of the Decade, however in small percents, were the following: Roma Initiative Forum (4.1%), NGO Osvit (3.6%), Roma Association Prokuplje (2%), NGO from Bor (2.1%), Association for Roma Education Surdulica (1.9%) and Roma Center for Democracy (1%). Share of other NGOs is very small. According to the respondents, Roma political parties had also no significant contribution to informing Roma about the Decade. To that extent, two parties can be indentified, although the percentages of their contribution are very low: The Roma Party - Srđan Šajn (4.5%) and the Roma Union (2.9%).

44..22 FFAAMMIILLIIAARRIITTYY WWIITTHH DDEECCAADDEE AACCTTIIVVIITTIIEESS

Only 3.9% of respondents are familiar with the activities which, within the Decade of Roma, are carried out in local communities. Even after the implementation of such actions, 51.3% of Roma are not aware of them, while 28.7% of respondents think that such actions did not take place at all. This shows the lack of awareness of the Decade activities among the general public at the local level. This fact gives a clear signal and recommendation, primarily to local NGOs, to promote their activities in the media or in direct contacts with Roma in their local communities. The only recognized activity is pre-school education and enrollment of children in the first grade of primary school, as stated by 6.6% of interviewed Roma.



41

Table 4.4. Have some of the actions within the Decade of Roma been implemented in your community? %

Yes 3.9

No 28.7

I do not know 51.3

Pre-school education and enrolment in the first grade of primary school 6.6

Employment through projects .7

Workshops for women about health and human rights 1.3

Packages of food, medications, burning materials, books 3.3

Public works in Roma settlements 1.9

Scholarships for young people 1.3

Affirmative actions of enrolling children in secondary schools and universities 1.0

Assistance to the deported persons .1

Total: 100.0

These data raise questions about the number of actual actions carried out within the Decade at the local level on the one hand, and how much and in what way Roma, as possible beneficiaries, are familiar with them, on the other. Research data raise considerable concerns, since they exhibit rare activities and even rarer results.

44..33 BBEENNEEFFIITTSS FFRROOMM AACCTTIIOONNSS PPEERRFFOORRMMEEDD WWIITTHHIINN TTHHEE DDEECCAADDEE

Year 2005, when the Decade was adopted, also marked the beginning of activities within the Decade of Roma. Thus, the respondents were asked if they had noticed any improvements in Roma position regarding the key Decade areas: education, health care, housing and employment. This section provides analysis of answers given to the following questions:

What have been personal and family benefits from the actions performed within the Decade at local level, to date?

Has the Roma position improved since the Decade began and in which area? Which problem should be addressed as priority within the Decade to improve

Roma position more efficiently?

44..33..11 PPEERRSSOONNAALL AANNDD//OORR FFAAMMIILLYY BBEENNEEFFIITTSS FFRROOMM AACCTTIIOONNSS WWIITTHHIINN TTHHEE DDEECCAADDEE

As much as 79.1% of Roma said that so far, neither respondents nor their families have benefited from the actions within the Decade of Roma Inclusion. A smaller number of respondents (10.3%, i.e. 155 Roma) stated that they received some personal benefits Chart 4.3. Have you or your family had any benefits from actions within the Decade of Roma?

Respondents who received some benefits stress primarily assistance in education (26.5% of respondents) and humanitarian packages of food, medications or fuel (20.6%). Others recognized personal benefits from these activities through achievement of their right to scholarships (12.3%) or employment through projects (7.1%).

No, 79.10%

DK, 10.50%

Yes, 10.30%



42

Chart 4.4. What kind of benefit have you and/or your family had from the Decade of Roma?62

44..33..22 HHAASS RROOMMAA PPOOSSIITTIIOONN IIMMPPRROOVVEEDD SSIINNCCEE TTHHEE DDEECCAADDEE BBEEGGAANN

More than one third of Roma sees the biggest improvement in the area of education (39.3%), while almost two thirds think that their position in the area of employment has remained the same (58.4%) or, for almost one third of respondents, has become worse (31.6%). Chart 4.5. Has Roma position improved since the Decade began and in which areas?

Only rare (8%) respondents have noticed improvement of Roma position in the areas of housing and employment. As these problems are rather complex and demand complex solutions at systemic level, more significant

progress can be expected in the forthcoming years.

44..33..33 WWHHIICCHH PPRRIIOORRIITTIIEESS SSHHOOUULLDD BBEE AADDDDRREESSSSEEDD WWIITTHHIINN TTHHEE DDEECCAADDEE

For almost half of Roma (41.3%), education is the issue which should be addressed

62 Percentages in the chart were calculated on 155 respondents (out of 1500) who stated that they have had benefits from actions within the Decade.

13.9

15.5

15.5

31.6

46.1

64.2

72.3

58.4

39.3

18.7

8.3

8.6

0.8

1.6

4

1.4

0 20 40 60 80 100 120

Education

Health care

Housing

Employment

It has become worse It is the same It has improved NA

12.3

26.5

8.4

2.6

7.1

6.5

20.6

6.5

2.6

1.9

5.2

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Scholarships

Assistance in education

Roma kindergartens

Renting facilities for w orking w ith Roma children

Employment through projects

Medical examinations in settlements, health careeducation

Humanitarian aid - food, medications, burning materials,books

Public w orks in Roma settlements

Raising Roma aw areness about human rights

Assistance in obtaining documents and realizing right tow elfare

NA



43

within the Decade as a priority. More than one third of respondents (39.7%) think that priority actions should be directed to employment issues. The housing problem is considered as priority by 9.5% of respondents, while only 4.7% identified the problem of medical treatment and health care as priority. Chart 4.6. Which problem should be addressed as priority within the Decade to improve Roma position more efficiently?

44..44 WWHHOO CCAANN GGIIVVEE TTHHEE BBIIGGGGEESSTT CCOONNTTRRIIBBUUTTIIOONN TTOO SSUUCCCCEESSSSFFUULL AATTTTAAIINNMMEENNTT OOFF TTHHEE

DDEECCAADDEE GGOOAALLSS

The biggest contribution to improvement of Roma position and successful attainment of Decade goals is expected from the Government of Serbia. This was stated by 55.1% of interviewed Roma.

Chart 4.7. Who can give the biggest contribution to improvement of Roma position and successful attainment Decade goals?

Next by importance, but with smaller share (14.4%) in answers, is the position of the President of Serbia, who is considered to be able to influence the addressing of identified problems. Roma NGOs are regarded as a significant agent of changes by 9.3% of respondents, while 7.1%

think that this impact could be made by Roma political parties.

44..55 PPEERRCCEEPPTTIIOONN AANNDD EEXXPPEECCTTAATTIIOONNSS FFRROOMM TTHHEE DDEECCAADDEE

This section analyses perception and personal expectations from the Decade. The analysis is based on the answers provided to the following questions:

What does the Decade of Roma represent – how would you describe it?

4.7

41.3

4.7

9.5

39.7

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45

NA

Problem of education

Problem of medical treatment and health care

Problem of housing

Problem of employment

4.3

55.1

9.3

7.1

1.7

1.1

4.5

1.9

0.7

14.4

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

NA

Government of Serbia

Roma NGO

Roma political parties

Non-Roma political parties

Non-Roma NGOs

Ministry of Labor and Social Policy

International NGOs

Ministry of Health

President of Serbia



44

What are personal expectations from the Decade and which problem of their families would you like to see solved within the Decade?

Individual perception of the Decade is rather modest – almost one third of respondents (31.9%) do not know what the Decade of Roma Inclusion stands for, while 12.6% did not answer this question, which indicates to the lack of information about the Decade. For most respondents, the Decade represents an opportunity for better life of Roma. These general, but positive attitudes were expressed by 18.8% of respondents in the sample. For a significant group of respondents (11.8%), the Decade of Roma represents assistance to Roma and their children. Only 8.2% of respondents think that the Decade objective is improvement of the overall Roma position, while 4% connect it with Roma being equal to the other society members. Other answers appear in insignificantly small numbers (See the Table 4.6). Table 4.5. In your opinion, what is the Decade of Roma – how would you describe it?63

%

DK 31.9

Better future, better life for Roma 18.8 Assistance to Roma and their children 11.8

Improvement of Roma position 8.2

Equality of Roma in society 4.8

Assistance provided by the state 4.7

Employment for Roma, assistance in employment process 3.8

Ten-year period in which problems of Roma are to be solved 3.8

False promises 3.0

Assistance in education of Roma 2.5

Reducing poverty of Roma population 1.7 Better future for children and young people 1.3

Something that we have been waiting for a long time, important for Roma 1.2

Something that is useful for non-Roma too 0.9

Slow solving of Roma problems 0.9

Raising awareness of Roma population 0.5

Problem that is hard to solve 0.4

To have money 0.4

Financial assistance 0.3 Passing laws that would enable better position of Roma 0.3

Solving housing problems of Roma 0.3

To stop being humiliated 0.2

Assistance in health care 0.1

Preserving Roma culture and tradition 0.1

Recognition of Roma problems and defining priorities for solving 0.1

Street paving, solving infrastructure problems 0.1

NA 12.6

More than one third of respondents do not expect anything from the Decade of Roma or do not have an answer to this question, while 26.2% expect jobs. One fifth (20.1%) think that the Decade should contribute to general welfare of Roma, while 10% express expectations that refer to education of their children, i.e. to assistance aimed at successful completion of their education. About 4% of respondents expect to be able to solve their housing problems, and another 4% expect assistance to their children. Equity, financial support and better living conditions are expectations of

63 Multiple answers – percentage is calculated for number of respondents N=1500



45

considerably lower number of respondents (see the Table 4.7). Table 4.6. What are your personal expectations from the Decade of Roma?64

% Job 26.2

I don’t expect anything 25.7

Better life for Roma 20.1

For children to finish school 10.7

Apartment, solving housing problems 4.2

Assistance to children 4.0

For Roma to be equal in the society 3.3

Financial support 2.9

More assistance to Roma 2.3 Documents 1.1

Better living conditions, less poverty 0.8

Actual recognition of Roma and their integration 0.7

Assistance in medical treatment, regulation of health care for Roma 0.7

Solving infrastructure problems (water, electricity, sewage) 0.7

Security and protection 0.7

Social assistance 0.6

Assistance to sick people, particularly sick and disabled children 0.5

Progress 0.4 Reduction of Roma discrimination 0.3

Not to pull down our homes 0.2

Respect of human and minority rights 0.2

To be what I am 0.1

I expect much for Roma 0.1

Raising awareness in Roma of their rights 0.2

Assistance for IDPs 0.1

NA 10.1

Family problems that Roma would like to see solved within the Decade mostly refer to finding a job (44.6%), while certain number of respondents (29.9%) would like to receive assistance which would enable their children to complete education. Housing problem is the priority for 11.2% of respondents. Other answers are not of statistical importance. Table 4.7. What family problem would you like to solve within the Decade?

% NA 5.8 I would like my children to finish some school 29.9 To find a job 44.6 To regulate housing issue 11.2 To provide health care for all family members 6.1 Assistance in obtaining documents .3 Better life for children .3 Nice life .9 Money for medications, fuel and food .3 Higher wages .4 Access to EU .1 Allowing black market sale .1 Better social assistance .1

Total: 100.0

64 Multiple answers - percentage is calculated for number of respondents N=1500



46

CCOONNCCLLUUSSIIOONNSS

The key finding of this survey is that majority of Roma in Serbia (79.1%) have not experienced any kind of personal or family benefits or progress, even three years after the Decade had been adopted. This further speaks of the fact that even five years after the adoption of the Strategy for Poverty Reduction (SPR), and eight years after the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals, majority of Roma have not yet experienced a significant improvement in their quality of life. Furthermore, despite regulated constitutional and legal status of Roma, adopted international and national documents and strategies, and efforts to date,65 the majority of Roma in Serbia have not experienced any significant changes. Data confirm that an average Roma family is still faced with problems at all levels – the circle starts with low education and closes with high unemployment rate. This is still perpetuated by the same factors: economic and social exclusion, discrimination and, growingly obvious inefficiency of the Government and insufficient effectiveness of the measures adopted so far (See the Chart III.1). Chart III.1. What problems are present in your household?

65 Shift from humanitarian aid (provided in 1990s to alleviate the difficult position of this most vulnerable group) toward development projects aimed at continuous improvement of Roma position in Serbia was made in the beginning of 2000. Social and political position of Roma, in particular their economic position, have become the subject of numerous and various actions, researches, projects and programs since the Decade of Roma Inclusion had begun. All these projects, whether implemented at local or national level, have the same general objective – to achieve positive changes for Roma people. In contrast to the private sector, which is not sensitive or legally stimulated to get involved in any activities of local

4.3

6

6.3

6.3

6.7

7.3

13.9

14.1

22.3

24.8

32.4

46.7

63.7

74.5

75.8

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

Family violence

Crime

Disrespect of old people

Children are not registered

Unregulated citizenship status

Lack of documents

Bad relationships w ith relatives

Inability to move freely

Poor health, lack of possibilities to get medical treatment

Unregulated housing issue

Bad cooperation w ith centers for social w ork

Lack of education

Inequality in employment process

Poverty

Unemployment



47

Half of Roma (49.4%), most of them being from the most vulnerable categories, have not heard and do not know anything about the Decade of Roma Inclusion. With lower education, the number of Roma unaware of the Decade is higher. Unfamiliar with the Decade are more than a half of Roma women (57.5%), majority of Roma with no education (86.2%), those with incomplete primary school (57.9%) or with completed primary school only (45.7%). Only 3.9% of respondents are informed about the activities carried out in local communities within the Decade of Roma. A rare, but significantly recognized activity within the Decade of Roma, is pre-school education and enrollment in the first grade of primary school. However, only 6.6% of respondents in the sample have heard about these activities. Only 10.3% of Roma have had some benefits at the local level within the Decade, consisting mostly of assistance in education (26.5%), packages of food, medications or fuel (20.6%), achievement of right to scholarships (12.3%) or employment through projects (7.1%). According to 60.2% of respondents, position of Roma in Serbia has remained the same in all Decade areas, particularly in the area of employment (58.4%), while almost one third (31.6%) think that it has even become worse. Chart III.2. Has Roma position improved since the Decade began?

Among those who think that the position of Roma has improved, more than one third stresses the education as the biggest area of improvement (39.3%), particularly when it comes to pre-school programs and higher number of children included in primary education. Only 8% perceives improvement of Roma position in the areas of housing and employment.

Almost one half of Roma (41.3%) share the opinion that priority to be addressed within the Decade is education, while for slightly more than one third (39.7%) employment should be the top priority of the Decade. Housing issue is the priority for only 9.5% of respondents, while as little as 4.7% pointed out to health care. According to majority of respondents, successful implementation and positive Decade results largely depend on the Government of Serbia (55.1%) and it’s President (14.4%). community, rights, needs and problems of Roma national group in Serbia are dealt with by civil society organizations, Roma civil sector and government institutions at national level.

NA, 2.0It has became worse

19.1

It has improved 18.7It has remained the same

60.2



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Roma NGOs are regarded as a significant agent of change by 9.3% of respondents, while for 7.1% these changes can be initiated by Roma political parties. The Democratic Party is perceived as able to give the biggest contribution to the improvement of Roma position. For most Roma, employment, participation at all levels of authority and ministries headed by Roma are the factors which can provide them with equal position in the society. Roma connect improvement of their position with the government and its institutions – over one third of respondents (37.7%) think that municipality in which they live can make impact on their position, while 28.3% of respondents expect solutions from the Government of Serbia. For 5.8% of respondents Centers for Social Work represent institutions that can solve numerous problems. At local level, most Roma still live in poverty and multiple deprivations and thus, to say that the inclusion process takes time and implies continuous and multiple investments would be an understatement. Syndrome of critical poverty in which they live implies that none of their problems can be solved individually or separately. This very approach is the key feature of actions taken to date aimed at Roma as direct beneficiaries. Lack of inter-departmental cooperation at national and local levels continues to take its tall. Approach based on single addressing of individual problems (e.g. housing or education, etc.) is bound to fail in achieving the planned results. This is one of the reasons why most programs and projects to date (particularly those implemented within the Decade) have not achieved long-term sustainable progress in improving the life quality of Roma. The other, much more important reasons, are slow and uneven decentralization, unequal financial capacities of municipalities and often transparent lack of political will, particularly on the part of (some) local governments. Proportions and determinants of poverty and social exclusion of Roma in Serbia, including income-generating and non-income-generating dimensions, show the multilevel and multidimensional nature of Roma poverty. There is also an intergenerational dimension of Roma social exclusion: significant obstacles to the accessibility to education, their social exclusion and poverty which still cause poor achievements of Roma children in education indicate that this will continue in the future. (World Bank, 2005) Speaking about the latest, still unpublished data66 adopted by the International Working Group, Head of the World Bank Office in Serbia, Simon Gray, stated in Nis that this meant that Roma issue had still not been incorporated in the official government policy.67 Therefore “the overall grade” Serbia received for the last year

66 In the middle of this year and during last few months the report was submitted to the World Bank, Council of Europe and other international organizations. It was also forwarded to the governments of nine countries that participate in the Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005-2015. The report states that: most Roma families live in illegal settlements (there are about 600 such settlements in Serbia), without electricity, water, heating and bathroom. One fifth of the families have no income. Only 18.6% of adult family members are employed, while 70% are employed and 8% have temporary jobs. Only 0.04 % of Roma are employed in public services. One third of Roma are illiterate, while one in three Roma people has completed primary school. Until recently, 40% of Roma children enrolled primary school. However, this number grew to 73% last year. One in ten Roma finishes secondary school, while only 0.3% complete college or faculty. Only 4.1% of Roma people live to the age of sixty. (Source: daily Danas, 21 October 2008, author Zorica Miladinović). More details are available at: http://www.danas.rs/vesti.23.html?type=search&column=0&keyword=Sajmon&author=&author_id=undefined&date1=2008-10-21&date2=&submit=Pretra%C5%BEi 67 He adds that this evaluation of Serbia is laid out in the Report on Roma Decade for 2007, adopted by the International



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was 1.45. Nevertheless, Serbia has made some progress in the area of employment (graded 2) and in the area of Roma health care (1.38), which places Serbia among three countries with best results in these areas.68 However, in the Decade realization, Serbia still falls behind other regional countries. One of the biggest problems is that the adequate funds have not been allocated from the budget of Serbia to Roma initiatives and projects. The role of the World Bank is to act decisively in order to keep the Decade of Roma in focus instead on the margins of Serbian and other governments. (Danas, 21 October 2008).

Working Group, headed by World Bank representative. The report was completed in the middle of this year and was sent to the World Bank, Council of Europe and other international organizations during last couple of months. It was also sent to the governments of nine European countries that participate in the “Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005-2015“. The report evaluates the improvement made in 2007 in the areas of education, employment, health care and anti-discrimination of Roma. The grades are given on the scale from 0 to 5. The most frequent grade is 2 and the highest 4. Progress in the Decade implementation is assessed with grades between 1 and 2.5, which suggests that achievements vary from occasional measures to more systematic programs. Hungary has made the most visible progress in most priorities. The Czech Republic and Macedonia fall behind to a certain extent, while Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Slovakia had similar results. Serbia and Montenegro keep falling behind, although both countries made some progress in closing the gap toward others. (These estimations are stated in the Report mentioned by Danas daily). 68 Among countries participating in the Decade, only Montenegro received a lower grade (1.19) . Better overall grades are given to Macedonia (2.8), Hungary (2.42), Czech Republic (2.16), Bulgaria (1.96), Slovakia (1.87), Romania (1.84) and Croatia (1.83). Ibid.



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IIIIII.. RREECCOOMMMMEENNDDAATTIIOONNSS

Having in mind the obligations Serbia has undertaken to meet within the official course of joining the European Union, it is reasonable to believe that significant progress in the position of Roma in Serbia will be made and become more visible in the years to come. The Decade monitoring (performed by the League for the Decade) at national level records gradual progress in all key areas. Therefore, it would be reasonable to assume that all adopted measures so far would have been more effective, had they been supported by adequate funds allocated from the national budget and, particularly, the budgets of local communities. However, the strategic national documents with sections particularly dealing with Roma issues are still just promising papers since in the field i.e. local communities, problems often appear in places not stipulated by national documents. These problems are reflected in the following:

uneven and slow decentralization, misbalance in development and financial capacities of municipalities, inefficiency and occasional implementation of local action plans, lack of interdepartmental and inter-sectoral cooperation and often inadequate human resources in local institutions.

One of the conditions for access to the European Union is effective struggle against social exclusion of Roma and enhancement of their social integration. Accordingly, research findings show that it is necessary to:

lower criteria for election of political parties – at national level, the number of required signatures should be set to 3 000, and at local level, it should be stipulated that parties of national minorities must have candidates for at least one tenth of the total number of seats in the local government (CeSID, 2008).

introduce measures of affirmative actions as subsidized obligation of entrepreneurs in order to reduce the unemployment rate of Roma.

create adequate systemic solution for functional primary education of adult Roma as vitally important for solving series of problems. In local branches of the National Employment Agency, opportunities should be provided for short-term additional trainings by organizing courses, in cooperation with local educational institutions, for professions in demand on the local labor market.

adjust requirements, particularly for Roma, for granting subsidies to start private businesses, including trainings for all levels of self-employment – from preparation of necessary documents to creation of a business plan.

introduce Roma assistants to all primary and secondary schools in order to increase the number of enrolled children and decrease the drop-out rate.

encourage social partnership at all three levels – through joint planning of results and activities, joint funding and joint actions at the local level. Economic strengthening, i.e. education and specialized programs for job seeking or development of entrepreneurship could help a particular number of



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Roma to find the way out of their unemployment and poverty. include the media in activities within the Decade as a must - not only to

raise awareness of both Roma and non-Roma public, but also to inform Roma and enable them to use the opportunities presented through such actions. It should be worked on informing Roma about goals, mechanisms and activities implemented within the Decade. Informative and educational contents should be developed in Roma and non-Roma media. Since a significant number of respondents watch television and listen to the radio, it is necessary to create programs of informative and educational nature.

Programs for empowerment and education of women in various areas are perceived as necessary, since the data point out to women’s much more adverse status than that of men in all segments of life.

Establish adequate social security systems, including the lowest income schemes to enable anyone to earn enough to live with dignity, and efficient subsidies for all people able to work.69

Eliminate poverty and social exclusion of children as the key step in the struggle against intergenerational heritage of poverty, focusing on early intervention and early educational initiatives for identifying children and poor families in need of support.70

Encourage employment and employment opportunities through taking active measures in the labor market in order to help individuals who find it most difficult to access the labor market and enhance social security system, permanent education and economic policy on the labor market.71

69 At the meeting of the Council of Europe, held in Lisbon in 2000, member states of the European Union and the European Commission agreed on the steps to be taken in order to “have more determined impact on elimination of poverty by 2010” and adopted a new approach of improving social cohesion across EU. (World Bank, 2005). This is one of the six key goals that were underlined at the meeting and it is stated here because it is still the current issue. 70 Ibidem. 71 Ibidem.



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AAPPPPEENNDDIICCEESS

Appendix 1. Table 2.4. What would you like your children to become when they grow up?

MMAALLEE:: %% FFEEMMAALLEE:: %% Pilot .5 Beauty/beauty queen/model 1.3 Mechanic 6.5 Nurse 4.7 Driver 1.9 Beautician 1.3 To obtain education/to finish school and find a job

5.0 Hair stylist

12.1

Painter .1 Cook .6 Construction worker .6 Tailor 1.7 Bank officer .6 Doctor 4.3 Police officer 3.1 Teacher 3.6 Computer programmer .9 Singer 1.1 Physical worker .6 Journalist .7 Romany minister .2 Secretary 1.7 They are grown up 4.5 Good housewife 2.6 Hair stylist 1.1 Police officer .4 Doctor/dentist 5.9 Judge 1.1 Fitter/craftsman 4.6 Engineer .2 Musician 2.5 Bank officer .3 Businessman

1.4 To obtain university degree, intellectual

1.7

Electrician 1.6 Computer programmer .2 Waiter .6 Tradesman .7 Journalist .5 Waitress .1 High official/politician .7 Tennis player .2 Mining engineer .6 I do not know 59.5 Teacher 1.5 Baker .2 Army officer .7 Economist 2.2 Lawyer 2.6 To obtain university degree .5 Football player 1.7 Priest .3 Cook 1.0 Cleaner .1 I do not know 28.3 I don’t have children 16.9

Total: 100.0 Total: 100.0



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Appendix 2. Table 2.6. What courses would you attend if they were organized in your settlement? (%)

11SSTT

CCHHOOIICCEE 22NNDD

CCHHOOIICCEE 33RRDD

CCHHOOIICCEE

Reading and writing 8.8 .6 .7 Car mechanic 11.3 2.7 1.7 Car-body mechanic 1.3 3.4 1.1 Car electrician 3.6 2.3 2.6 Fitter 2.1 3.0 1.7 Hair stylist 10.8 5.5 2.7 Computers 11.0 9.1 3.5 Sewing, cutting out 5.9 7.9 4.1 Collecting medicinal herbs and edible mushrooms

.6 1.2 .7

Beautician, physical therapist 1.8 4.7 3.8 Opportunity for launching one’s own business 3.5 5.3 6.2 Cook 1.9 3.2 5.7 TV mechanic 1.3 2.9 2.1 Language courses 2.2 4.1 5.6 Welder .9 2.3 3.9 Photography .5 .6 1.1 Tin-smith .3 1.5 1.5 Bricklayer 1.5 1.7 1.9 Shoe-maker .3 .7 .8 Electrician .7 2.1 3.5 Waiter .3 .8 2.2 Journalist .5 1.0 2.7 Driver 1.7 2.2 5.1 Butcher .1 .1 .1 Auditor .1 .0 .0 Economist .1 .1 .1 Manager .0 .0 .1 Painting .0 .1 .2 Police course .0 .1 .0 Plumber .0 .1 .0 Carpenter .1 .0 .1 Musician .1 .0 .0 Braille alphabet .1 .0 .0 NA 26.8 26.8 26.8

Total: 100.0 100.0 100.0



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