A report by the European Observatory of racist and xenophobic phenomena, headed by the Council of Europe, has denounced serious forms of discrimination against communities of the Rom (or Romany) ethnic group. The accusations are particularly levelled against Romania and Slovakia. According to the Observatory, the difficulties and sometimes the impediments to access to public healthcare are at the origin of “malnutrition and anaemia” among Romany children, whose mortality rate is three times that of national averages. The life expectancy of Rom women is over fifteen years lower if compared with European statistics. The Council of Europe invites the European States to “reinforce legislation against anti-Rom discrimination” and fund social and healthcare campaigns on their behalf.
