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b. Economic and social discrimination
151. The introduction of state Medical Aid (AME) was designed to provide access to health cover
for irregular residents not entitled to any social protection who have been living in France
continuously for more than three months. Notwithstanding this cover, for which children qualify
immediately, the Commissioner found that Roma in France have little access to medical care in
practice. According to Médecins du Monde, the situation of women is of particular concern. It
appears that the average age at which they first become pregnant is 17, with only 8.3% of women
monitored during pregnancy. The situation of children is also very disturbing. Very few are up to
date with their vaccinations, and tuberculosis cases continue to be reported. (…)
153. In theory, the situation is different for those Roma who are EU nationals, since the principle
of free movement of workers applies. Nevertheless, nationals of the 12 new member states enjoy
only restricted access to the labour market in the 15 “old” member states of the European
Union(…) Romanian and Bulgarian nationals will still need residence and work permits in order to
secure employment in France, however. Since 2007, a list of 150 occupations in seven economic
sectors has specified the jobs accessible to nationals of the new member states. Employers
taking on a worker from a new member country have to pay a tax of € 893, however. Scope for
working in France consequently remains extremely limited for the new entrants, which is one
reason why some Roma resort to undeclared work.
154. On the whole, Roma families are keen for their children to attend school. Under the 1998 Act,
however, primary school enrolments take place at municipal level and require proof of address or
an accommodation certificate, few of which are issued. It is possible to find a way round this
problem; school heads can enrol a child even if the municipality is opposed. This option is rarely
used, however. In addition, the financial insecurity of Roma families and the regular evictions to
which they are subjected are an impediment to school attendance. (…)
c. Living conditions
157. Most Roma groups in France live in squalid, shanty towns, often without access to water or
electricity, as the Commissioner found during his visits. Rubbish is collected only sporadically.
Hygiene conditions are often deplorable. Some camps do not even have toilets. According to a
survey conducted by Médecins du Monde, about 53% of Roma live in caravans, many of which
are not mobile, 21% in converted squats and 20% in huts. In his 2006 report, the Commissioner
had already voiced alarm about such conditions. The general situation does not appear to have
improved. These appalling living conditions must therefore be brought to an end.
158. Evictions are a particularly problematic issue, plunging families into a climate of fear.
Generally speaking, relations between these groups and the police are not always satisfactory. In
addition, the Internal Security Act of March 2003 allows the police to intervene within 48 hours,
without any need for a ruling by the administrative court or for the landowner’s explicit agreement,
where such intervention is warranted by “interference with law and order, hygiene or public peace
and safety”. Such expulsions often involve brutal methods, tear gas and the destruction of
personal property. Following some evictions, the National Commission for Police Ethics (CNDS)
has found that unjustified and disproportionate acts of violence were committed. Evictions are not
usually subject to any prior negotiation, and Roma do not receive any warning. The Commissioner
wishes to voice his disapproval of such practices. (…)
VII. Conclusions and recommendations (…)
Protection of the fundamental rights of Travellers and Roma (…)
20. The Commissioner recommends calculating the school enrolment rate, developing measures
to facilitate access to education and setting more flexible site time limits for families with children
at school. (…)