Resource Center for Roma Communities Romania – Cluj Napoca The Roma community from Pata Rat

THE ROLE OF THE YOUTH IN DEMOCRACY

Resource Center for Roma Communities

Romania – Cluj Napoca

The Roma community from
Pata Rat

Romania – Cluj Napoca

Community background:

On 17 December 2010, 56 Romani families (270 people, 106 minors) were evicted from Coastei Street in the centre of Cluj-Napoca in north-western Romania

The families were given just two day’s notice of the eviction. They had been living in Coastei Street, localized in the center of Cluj – Napoca, Romania for over 20 years. The families were taken to Pata-Rât, a polluted industrial area which is also the location of the city’s rubbish dump. Municipal authorities provided accommodation for 40 families in 18 metres squared substandard modular shelters. The remaining 16 families were given no accommodation and had to stay with families who had received accommodation, greatly increasing overcrowding

List of problems

1. Housing conditions:

● The average living space is 4.01 squad meters. Each available bathroom is shared between at least 17 people

● 92% of residents report the presence of mold in their accommodation

● 89% of residents report that they do not have adequate cooking facilities

● There is no water connection in any of the modular homes, and no hot water.

● Heating is provided only through wood-burning stoves, and 11 homes are without electricity.

2. Employment and economic well-being:

● After the evacuation the average income has fallen by 30%, while all individuals face extra living and transport expenses in their new location

● 28% of working age adults who were working before the eviction are now out of work

● The overall unemployment rate among adults in the community has increased by over 20% since the eviction and is now 49%

3. Education:

● 25% of children report being subjected to racist remarks at school, an increase from 5.7% before the eviction

● 14 children (19.4 %) were refused admission to their school after the eviction and had to enroll in anther school

● 10% of children have been placed in special education for pupils with mild mental disabilities since the eviction, even though they were not previously in those classes

4. Health:

● 30% of residents report some physical illness since the eviction, an increase of 14%

● When asked to self-assess their health 17% of individuals reported a drop in their level of health

● The average waiting time for an ambulance is estimated at about 92 minutes. It was 11.5 minutes before the eviction

● On several occasions ambulances refused to respond to calls and on others residents had to wait between 2.5 and 3 hours for an ambulance to arrive

Local action

Objective

Developing solidarity and promote tolerance among young people, in particular to encourage social cohesion in the European Union

Activities

1.Creating Photo – Voice materials

2.Preparing a Video Material

3.Organizing a round table discussion

4.Sending an official message to the local authorities