Who are the Roma of Greece?
The Roma are an ethnic minority in Greece with centuries of history—but today, they remain one of the most marginalized communities in the country. Often living in settlements that lack access to basic services, the Roma in Greece face significant challenges in healthcare, education, housing, and legal recognition.
​Life on the Margins
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According to The Borgen Project, over 80% of Roma in Greece live below the poverty line. Many settlements lack clean water, electricity, and access to sanitation. Some communities remain unregistered, excluding them from national infrastructure and social protections (Greek Reporter, 2022).
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Roma children often drop out of school early. Enrollment rates for Roma youth are drastically lower than the national average, and discrimination from peers and institutions contributes to high dropout rates (Unicorn Riot, 2022).
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A 2021 medical study found that Roma in Greece experience significantly reduced access to healthcare, particularly women. Many avoid medical treatment due to cost, lack of transportation, or fear of discrimination by hospital staff (Living in Roma Settlements in Greece, 2021).
Systemic Discrimination
Unemployment in Roma communities is extremely high. Unicorn Riot notes that government discrimination in hiring and lack of ID documents—often because many Roma births go unregistered—keep people from stable employment.
Police violence and harassment are also persistent issues. Several high-profile cases of police abuse and even killings of Roma youth have received national media attention, prompting protests and international concern (Greek Reporter, 2022).
Resilience and Culture
Despite these obstacles, Roma communities are culturally rich, multilingual, and strong in kinship. Family structures and mutual support systems are often key to survival. Many Roma maintain traditions in music, craftsmanship, and oral storytelling that reflect a deep and enduring heritage.