Antigypsyism – both institutional and interpersonal, past and present – is the foundation of the persistent structural exclusion of Roma and Sinti in Italy. Persistent non-recognition of Roma and Sinti as a minority reflects a long-standing institutional pattern of exclusion from citizenship. This ‘ban and delegitimize’ approach was further reinforced and exacerbated under the fascist regime through confinement, deportation, property confiscation and differential treatment. The absence of legal recognition of cultural identity and citizenship rights has historically relegated Roma and affairs to police and local law-enforcement. The institutionalised system of housing segregation in camps, along with the so-called ‘nomads’ emergency’ in the early 2000s, mirrored this same pattern.
Recent efforts have begun to uncover the historical truth of fascist-era racial persecution against Roma and Sinti, a critical step toward transitional justice. The next step is to acknowledge that fascism did not create the Roma as victims. Rather, antigypsyism enabled fascism to carry out unpunished violence with ease. Democracy and the protection of universal human rights are therefore essential to (1) prevent and sanction antigypsyist violence and rights violations, and (2) promote a culture that values diversity.
The research brief ‘Institutional Weaknesses and Relational Voids: Historically Rooted Structural Barriers in Countering Antigypsyism in Italy‘, authored by Ksenija Fonović, Sorina Rita Sein, and Saška Jovanović, outlines a series of concrete recommendations, which may also be pursued as stand-alone advocacy and educational initiatives, given the current pivotal moment. While Italy’s political climate trends toward exclusion and securitisation, EU strategies and local Roma partnerships continue to promote rights-based inclusion. The main obstacle to truth and reconciliation remains the institutional fragility of the actors involved.
About the authors:
Ksenija Fonović is a political scientist, researcher, consultant and post-doctoral research fellow at Charles University in Prague.
Sorina Rita Sein is a long-time contributor of the Italian NGO RomniAPSand an expert researcher working on topics related to the integration, rights and citizenship of Roma and Sinti minorities.
Saška Jovanović is a researcher, intercultural mediator and the President and founder of the non-profit organisations RomniAPS and ROWNIonlus-Romawomen network Italy, which seek to advance the integration and rights of Roma and Sinti populations in Italy.
The research brief has been coordinated by the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) and Romni APS.
