Poverty and Welfare of Roma in the Slovak Republic

Poverty among Roma is closely linked to four main factors: (i) regional economic conditions; (ii) the size and concentration of the Roma population in a settlement; (iii) the share of Roma in a settlement; and (iv) and the degree of geographic integration or segregation of the settlement and its proximity to a neighboring village or town. The situation of Roma in more economically developed regions is generally more favorable. Within regions, the level of poverty in a Roma settlement seems to be closely connected to the level of ethnic integration and segregation. Conditions in settlements which consist only of Roma are significantly worse off than more integrated communities. The most segregated and geographically isolated settlements are the most economically and socially disadvantaged. In almost all of the completely segregated settlements formal unemployment was close to 100 percent. This report aims to address the gaps in information on Roma in Slovakia by bringing together existing information on the living conditions and welfare of Roma and documenting the conditions of Roma living in settlements. It draws from quantitative data sources, including data on the labor market from the Ministry of Family and Social Affairs. In order to provide a more comprehensive picture of Roma living in settlements, a qualitative study of Roma was commissioned for this report. The report is intended to improve understanding of the situation of Roma in Slovakia and to facilitate the development of policies and programs to address their needs.