The Rageh Omaar Report

The right to roam: Roma in Europe

Unwanted, marginalised and defiant – the Roma people have become the target of governments across Europe.

Unwanted, marginalised, defiant – the Roma people have become the target of governments across Europe.

In France and Italy they have been thrown out in their thousands – accused of illegally overstaying their welcome and blamed for increases in crime.

They say that in their countries of origin they are victims of discrimination – a minority with few opportunities.

They are now taking advantage of European Union laws that allow freedom of travel to all European citizens – looking West to find a better life, yet reluctant to adapt to western ways.

The Roma issue has now been forced on EU policy makers – they have to find a balance between the growing hostility and the rights of the Roma.

This episode of The Rageh Omaar Report aired from Wednesday, November 16, 2010.