Discrimination of the Roma in European Union Countries

ABSTRACT: Discrimination is a widespread phenomenon throughout the world, representing a constant concern for various authorities in the field in order to combat it, especially starting with the 20th century, particularly after WWII. Sanctioning of discrimination is an effort of state authorities with attributions in the field, but also of non-governmental organizations actively involved in combating discrimination of any kind. Most often, discrimination remains unsanctioned for reasons related to the group or the person subject to discrimination. Ignorance of the law, lack of access to information, the bureaucratic procedure in the courts, lack of knowledge upon competent authorities whom the persons or groups targeted by discrimination should address, but also the ignorance of the forms of discrimination leading to the assimilation of acts of discrimination as a normality of society are some of the most common reasons why the phenomenon of discrimination is widespread, difficult to identify, prove and sanction.

KEYWORDS: discrimination, minorities, the Roma, the European Union