France: The obstacle is institutional

February 27, 2010

In a series of articles dating from February 27th 2010, the French newspaper « L’humanité » describes the situation of Roma children in France and the institutional hindrances they face in their access to education.

The present article highlights the high degree of vulnerability of Roma children and their families who are living in shanty towns or squats in precarious situations sometimes without heating or electricity. Most of them, originating from Romania or ex-Yugoslavia, are often unable to afford clothes, healthcare or basic school supplies reports the author.

The high level of discrimination they face is also highlighted as a reason for departure from their country of origin and as an obstacle to their schooling. The fear of being expelled while their children are at school is also described as a reason why parents are reluctant to send their children to school.

The solutions are multi-levelled according to the author, an NGO member defending Roma rights: municipalities should foster the recognition of a registered address of Roma families, departments should enhance child protection systems as well as their financial aid, and the national education (éducation nationale) should open up classrooms dedicated to foreign children to foster their education and integration.

Also see:03.02.2010 France discriminates against Roma and Travellers