The problems of Moldovans of Roma ethnicity have intensified during the last few years because the state and the Roma community didn’t intervene promptly, Marin Alla, representative of the Coalition “Vocea Romilor” (“Voice of the Roma”) stated for IPN in connecting with the International Roma Day that is celebrated on April 8.

“There is a plan, but not many activities were carried out. This is the most painful,” stated Marin Alla. According to him, both the state and the Roma community should assume responsibility. The pressing problems are related to school attendance, limited access to health services and employment. All these further influence migration.

“There are 2,300 Roma ethnics who left their homes and went abroad together with the family. This shows that the country does not develop. As regards the schooling of Roma children, the situation hasn’t changed practically at all during the last few years. We wanted in 2013 at least 25 mediators to be hired for Roma communities, but we now have only 12. The government and the local authorities never find money for the Roma. Therefore, the Roma children do not attend school,” stated Marin Alla.

He made reference to unofficial data that show there are more than 200,000 Romani people in Moldova. According to the latest census, the Roma ethnics represent 0.3% of the country’s population.