Today marks the International Romani Day, established at the First World Romani Congress in 1971 to promote the inclusion of Romani community members in society and raise awareness of their culture and history.
Bruno Gonçalves, speaking to the Lusa news agency, shared that in his 49 years, he has never experienced as much racism as he does today, citing what he describes as “authentic provocation.”
“I feel it daily when I visit a supermarket and sense that the security guard only stops short of carrying my basket and helping me with my shopping,” he lamented, indicating a “climate of distrust, a daily scrutiny.”
“They do not see Bruno as a person, a citizen with a degree, who once was a council member. First and foremost, they see me as a gypsy, with all associated stereotypes,” he added, affirming his determination to continue fighting despite being tired.
Susana Silveira, founder of the Association Costume Colossal, which advocates for the integration of Romani communities, recounted her dismissal from a job after it was discovered she was Roma.
“Something must be wrong, and it’s not that I do not want to integrate. Isn’t it rather that this society does not want to accept me?” she questioned, emphasizing that “there are good and bad people everywhere,” whether among Spanish gypsies or non-gypsies.
Susana Silveira pointed out that the main problems affecting the Romani community are housing and employment difficulties. Although these issues are widespread in society, she noted that they are exacerbated by discrimination and racism for Romani people.
This sentiment was echoed by Bruno Oliveira, founder of the Intercultural Romani Association (Incig), who also highlighted housing and employment access and hate speech as pressing issues.
“Even those who can afford to rent or buy a home face discrimination associated with the Romani community’s socioeconomic condition,” he said.
Regarding employment, Bruno Oliveira noted that “many [Romani] people have to hide their cultural identity to avoid being fired.”
He also explained that challenges in securing employment and housing lead to exclusion, compounded by health issues, which partly explains why Romani individuals have a lower life expectancy than the majority population.
According to the vice-president of the Association Letras Nómadas and based on studies by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), “a Romani Portuguese woman lives, on average, 12 years less than a woman from the majority society.”
Bruno Oliveira also referred to studies stating that “33% of Romani communities live in tents and shacks” in Portugal concerning the housing problem.
“Another challenge is proving in court that someone was a victim of racism, as it often cannot be demonstrated,” Susana Silveira highlighted.
Bruno Oliveira noted that Spain is commemorating 600 years since the first Romani individuals arrived on its territory while pointing out the stark difference in Portugal, where anti-Romani sentiment has become normalized.
He remarked that such feelings were often “dormant” but are now part of daily life, fueled by political parties targeting Romani communities.
“There is no longer any social shame in generalizing or grouping all into one category, as anti-Romani sentiment becomes normalized in our country,” he commented.
He advocated for measures to include anti-Romani sentiment in the legal framework since it is “a crime” and “a form of racism spreading strongly” that “must be punished.”
“We will not give up,” he declared.
