Central_and_Eastern_Europe Environmental_racism_in_Europe




1 central , eastern europe

1.1 underlying issues
1.2 latvia
1.3 lithuania
1.4 poland

1.4.1 access water , electricity
1.4.2 wrocław
1.4.3 małopolska


1.5 czech republic
1.6 slovakia

1.6.1 evictions
1.6.2 rudňany
1.6.3 krompachy
1.6.4 trebišov
1.6.5 svinka river watershed


1.7 hungary
1.8 ukraine

1.8.1 access water
1.8.2 kiev
1.8.3 zakarpats ka oblast
1.8.4 donetsk , luhansk oblast
1.8.5 crimea
1.8.6 kharkiv


1.9 moldova
1.10 romania

1.10.1 pata rât dump , chemical waste site
1.10.2 miercurea ciuc
1.10.3 baia mare chemical plant
1.10.4 other resettlements


1.11 bulgaria

1.11.1 fakulteta
1.11.2 stolipinovo


1.12 slovenia
1.13 croatia
1.14 bosnia , herzegovina
1.15 serbia

1.15.1 gazela settlement
1.15.2 clean serbia campaign
1.15.3 deponija


1.16 montenegro

1.16.1 nikšič-trebejsa & Železova
1.16.2 konik 2


1.17 macedonia

1.17.1 prilep , tetovo
1.17.2 skopje
1.17.3 veles


1.18 albania

1.18.1 tirana, lake area


1.19 kosovo

1.19.1 mitrovica lead poisoning disaster







central , eastern europe
underlying issues

in central , eastern europe, socialist governments have prioritized industrial development on environmental protection, in spite of growing public , governmental environmental awareness in 1960s , 1970s. though public concern on environmental effects of industrial expansion such mine , dam construction grew in late 1980s , 1990s, policy makers continued focus on privatization , economic development. following market transition, environmental issues have persisted, despite improvements during stages of transition. throughout time, significant social restructuring took place alongside environmental changes.



romani workers @ yambol landfill, bulgaria. throughout central , eastern europe, issues of romani environmental inequality have become increasingly visible since transition socialism.


according k. harper et al, in case of roma in cee [central , eastern europe], spaces inhabited low-income roma have come racialized during post-socialist era, intensifying patterns of environmental exclusion along ethnic lines . romani peoples have inhabited central , eastern europe 6 hundred years , have traditionally worked or been employed agricultural day laborers, musicians, tinsmiths (tinkers), , blacksmiths. in words of k. harper et al,



the interwar period , post-socialist period, in schema, marked downward mobility , increased spatial segregation of roma communities in hungary, romania , bulgaria. in context of these cycles patterns of environmental exclusion have come being. more 50 years after social dislocations of world war ii , communist regime change, poor roma settlements throughout region located on outskirts of villages, separated majority population roads, railways or other barriers, , disconnected water pipelines , sewage treatment.



in analyzing environmental marginalization of romani communities in romania, anthropologist enikő vincze writes environmental racism functions @ intersection of polluting natural milieu, , of marginalizing social categories inferiorized racial identification. throughout central , eastern europe, romani people treated environmentally problematic subjects. slovak authorities have been criticized romani rights activists on alleged practice of targeting romani communities forced evictions under pretext of environmental law defining them waste dumps .


in central europe, there have been documented cases within popular culture whereupon romani populations characterized ecologically irresponsible. in slovakia, region near transportation corridor between prešov , poprad important foraging area romani communities collect mushrooms , berries during summer trade , direct consumption. activity particularly significant due poor living conditions of many romani in area, take part in illegal harvesting of state , private agricultural lands. in 2006, popular magazine published article titled grasshoppers: while roma tatra region make money on forests, bears getting hungry . in article, alleged due romani foraging, slovak bears not find sufficient food survive winter. similarly, k. harper et al write romani people in hungary viewed majority culture group lacks environmental awareness while simultaneously being dissociated timeless connections land :



contemporary environmental discourses tend portray marginalized , indigenous people in either of 2 ways: noble savages or environmental profligates (krech, 1999). unlike indigenous people, however, roma in hungary not associated timeless, revered environmental ethic —perhaps because excluded owning land (csalog, 1994). in fact, destitute roma have been chided short-sighted use of environmental resources: heating house forest wood , parts of house (ladányi , szelényi, 2006 ...), engaging in extremely hazardous scrap metal processing , allegedly overharvesting snowdrop flowers sell in city. while many observers acknowledge structural inequalities , histories underlying roma communities rural , post-industrial indigence, fact remains non-roma see roma group profoundly lacks environmental awareness.



latvia

according interviews of latvian romani individuals conducted racism , xenophobia network (raxen), division of european fundamental rights agency, latvia considered 1 of least segregated european union countries romani persons. however, access water remains concern. in words of report raxen,



a large part of [the group of romani persons interviewed] live in run-down apartments without amenities or running water inside; many of these apartments not have central heating , heated wood, while in instances nearest water source 2 kilometres away.



lithuania

according report raxen, overall housing quality romani persons in lithuania of poor quality , located in disadvantaged places in terms of infrastructure. @ romani settlement of kirtimai in vilnius, raxen has documented concerns regarding quality of access utilities such water , heating, stating:



romani settlement of kirtimai. located in environmentally marginalized location, community affected ongoing issues of reliable access clean water , utilities.



the issue of roma housing quality evident in kirtimai settlement, dwellings not meet standards in terms of heating, outdoor toilets, water pumps , limited access public transportation. kirtimai settlement equipped basic amenities such water, electricity , waste collection in 2001, , further – perhaps final – developments carried out in 2004.



the settlement located on outskirts of vilnius, spatially isolated within industrial area in close proximity vilnius international airport. estimated 500 persons inhabit settlement, has been described raxen arguably ghettoised , discriminated against regard housing opportunities . regards nationwide status of utilities access lithuanian romani persons, raxen has concluded in general, significant portion of roma lives in sub-standard dwellings, , there roma families throughout country have no access public utilities (mainly sanitary facilities, water, , electricity).


poland
access water , electricity

while romani settlements in poland distributed throughout country , less segregated many areas of central , eastern europe, geographical isolation remains concern regards access of environmental means of sustenance. according report raxen,



the majority of roma settlements [in poland], e.g. in region of małopolska outside other settlements , deprived of potable water, sewage , roads allow ambulance access. problem concerns roadblocks obtaining settlement permits, in city centres, results in them moving outskirts, away infrastructure allows decent living conditions.



according study, romani persons throughout poland, bergitka subgroup, face ongoing issues regards accessing water , utilities has been attributed detrimental health conditions , persistently high rates of tuberculosis.


wrocław

in 2013, estimated 80–120 persons of romanian romani origin living in 2 shantytowns in wrocław.


the settlements, had no heated homes, running water, electricity, or sewerage, constructed using materials salvaged dumps. these settlements had historical ties settlement existed between 1993 , 1997, when first romanian romani came wrocław city of făgăraş in search of employment. residents @ settlement employed in scrap metal collection. @ former kamieńskiego street shantytown, there documentation of waste disposal concerns, raw sewage dumping, , burning of plastic causing pollution.


after receiving municipal order evacuate kamieńskiego street shantytown in april 2013, residents wrote letter mayor of wrocław, rafał dutkiewicz. letter reads:



we feel residents of city [sic]. have move to. count on support , advice on else settle down? realize might cumbersome neighbors inhabitants of kamieńskiego st., because there many of here , ask them … if there jobs us, gladly take them , dedicate ourselves development of , work city of wrocław. ask is, please give chance. want stay in wrocław , integrate city s society. (Żuchowicz, 2013, p. 2)



citing begging, trespassing, complaints neighbors, disturbance area, , littering, alongside health , sanitation initiatives delivered city, social affairs department rejected residents requests, concluding clearing of site required. in words of jupowiecka, response letter stated roma presence produced actual epidemiological hazard, , no longer tolerated . according kostka in 2014, in poland unprecedented case, without jurisprudence, , can potentially have huge impact on polish legal system , image of poland across europe (nomada 2013). on july 22, 2015, kamieńskiego street settlement demolished.


małopolska

in region of małopolska, there have been documented cases of communities lacking clean drinking water, electricity, , sanitation. these issues have been noted osce observers in villages of maszkowice, jazowsko, koszary, krosnica, , czarna góra. in maszkowice , jazowsko, there have been documented allegations local residents of theft of garden vegetables , unauthorized wood harvesting romani residents.


czech republic

in ostrava, romani communities have been residing in living accommodations situated on top of abandoned mine methane gas exposure , subsidence serious concerns. ostrava has 1 of largest romani communities in czech republic.


the neighbourhood of slezska ostrava of hrusov, in ostrava, formerly middle class neighbourhood residents left between 1950 , 1970 live in better apartments. in 1980, highway overpass built nearby. in 1997, severe flooding took place, following area declared uninhabitable due dangers of flooding. since then, new housing project, coexistence village has been facilitated, in grassroots movement saw ethnic czech , romani communities collaboratively build new houses create desegregated housing.


slovakia

roma settlement luník ix in košice, eastern slovakia


in slovakia, many romani settled fourteenth century. in 1927, new act on nomadic roma came place, statutes dictated nomadic romani not settle in locations of choosing, selected mayors of villages. during second world war, thousands of slovak romani transported extermination camps in nazi germany.


following war, romani largely left out of postwar land redistribution schemes. 1 of first laws created postwar government directive on governing conditions of gypsies, states in villages [roma] have dwellings in proximity public, state-owned , other roads, dwellings removed, placed separately village on distant places selected village. implications of law romani communities, liquidated nazi holocaust , without resources purchase land, subject settlement plans of non-romani decision-makers.


after treating romani non-workers existing outside class system , socialist governments created policies led rapid integration of romani communities industrial labour force. in spite of official socialist policies of equality, social divisions , social stratification remained. romani communities experienced poverty emerging market transition, significant vulnerability environmental issues , harms associated industrialization.



romani settlement @ richnava. note deforested hillside @ left, , smoke wood-heated homes


during mid-1950s, research conducted slovak government determining there 1,305 segregated romani shantytowns throughout slovakia. in 1965, after failed attempts @ economic , social integration, slovak government began attempt more drastic policies aimed @ assimilation of romani body politic. directed @ romani settlements in eastern slovakia, these policies sought create employment able-bodied romani, particularly roma males; termination of romani shantytowns , resettlement modern housing; , programs support romani students accessing formal education. in spite of these policies, shantytowns decreased in number slowly; after resettlement program terminated result of post-socialist funding shortages, shantytowns began grow again, largely due economic conditions. 2004, there estimated 320,000 romani individuals living in slovakia in 1,575 integrated , segregated settlements.



alternative view of deforestation above romani houses, richnava. access energy resources romani in europe cited environmental justice concern


as these settlements have grown, impoverished romani communities became more visible, land has become scarce, , tensions non-romani communities have risen. environmental implications of scenario have been these communities have been marginalized onto environmentally problematic parcels of land, patterns of environmental issues entail exposure hazardous waste , chemicals, vulnerability floods, limited access potable water, , discriminatory waste management practices. rapid growth of these settlements in context freedom of settlement , movement restricted due discrimination majority population has complicated property rights , entitlements , hence legal ability participate in land-based decision-making.


evictions

on october 30, 2012, 150 people evicted homes in district of nižné kapustníky (kosice). further evictions planned 200 people pod hrádkom neighbourhood of prešov under similar legal circumstances. according european roma rights centre (errc), these evictions part of growing trend in slovak republic in authorities justifying evictions designating romani settlements communal waste . on 400 mayors of towns , villages in slovakia have joined movement name of zobudme sa! (let s wake up!) which, according errc, aspires coordinate targeted programme of demolition aimed @ roma settlements defining them waste dumps .


rudňany

the region of slovenské rudohorie has long industrial history, includes gold, silver, copper, , other metal mining , processing, , has been listed being 1 of ten polluted regions in slovakia.the region , mine tailings contaminated mercury, acidic water sulfide, , lead.


in village of rudňany, there has been romani settlement situated on top of abandoned factory site of zabíjanec since 1970s; after site s closure in 1965 settled silent approval of socialist authorities. of 2011, 640 persons lived there, in conditions severely contaminated heavy metals. children @ zabíjanec @ particularly high risk of health effects, such neurological damage.


by 2003, number of industrial workers in mines , processing plants had decreased 2,500 @ start of 1990s 150. in 2010, 1,700 out of rudňany s 3,775 inhabitants romani, highly segregated majority population. many live in pätoracké shantytown; according filčák, approximately 570 romani living there in 2011. these romani communities largely settled in area during 1950s work miners.


in 1970s, subsidence of structures above mine shafts, along encroaching contaminated mine waste compelled authorities relocate residents pätoracké new homes in spišská nová ves , smižany. however, romani shantytowns not relocated, nor new romani migrants prevented settling in area. in 2007, in response sinkhole incident in 2001, 257 residents relocated new apartments, while outside landslide , subsidence danger zones, still surrounded dumps of mine waste, while continuing ethnically segregated. of 2009, on 300 people remained in danger zone, living in shantytown without sewers, sewage treatment, running water, or garbage collection. meanwhile, residents main village of rudňany municipality regularly dispose of household waste in unauthorized dump 300 meters below pätoracké settlement.


krompachy

krompachy smelter


the romani settlement in krompachy has 400 residents, largely former employees of nearby copper smelter. separated town of krompachy road , stream, settlement located @ foot of hill next smelter. several apartments in settlement occupied non-romani families, of whom left area on time. krompachy smelter has been producing electrolytic copper in slovakia since 1937, , facility of kind in country. according measurements taken slovak academy of sciences, area highly contaminated arsenic, lead, zinc, , copper, , there unsubstantiated evidence suggest contamination may more severe in romani settlement in town proper.


trebišov

in romani neighbourhood in town of trebišov, there slaughterhouse , meat-processing plant. these facilities source of odours , waste stored in open containers in unfenced location frequented romani people in search of food. due rapid rate of decay of unrefrigerated waste, during summer, poses significant health risk consume it, while attracting insects , rats.


svinka river watershed

romani settlement near chminianske jakubovany, prešov


the romani shantytowns of hermanovce, jarovnice, , svinia located within several kilometres of each other within upper svinka river watershed; 3 have histories of being subject flooding. jarovnice, has unofficial population of 5,000, 1 of largest shantytowns in slovakia. residents not have access safe, potable water. water quality in 3 settlements has been problematic, particularly regards increasing nitrates contamination industrial fertilizers used agricultural activity in region. in 1998, 47 people died in floods in region; 45 of victims romani, , 42 of them jarovnice. 1 person svinia died, , 500 people shantytown had evacuated. in hermanovce, there romani shantytown of 300 persons located on low-lying land high water table in between forks of svinka river; meanwhile, village dump located in close proximity above shantytown, , not lined prevent leachate contamination, causing seepage community. according filčák, construction of landfill in close proximity roma settlements, without involvement of affected people classical example of environmental injustice in both distributional , procedural aspects .


in words of anna husarova, romani woman jarovnice, location of these settlements in relation flood vulnerability has historical context:



[after war] survivors had settle next forests, in middle of fields or on riverbanks. these places allowed settle down , start over. built huts , began call them flats. no attention paid them, , given no help.



other romani settlements in chminianske jakubovany, petrova, , markovce have experienced vulnerability flooding.


hungary

in hungary, proximity of romani settlements garbage dumps along lack of access potable water , sanitation infrastructure has been ongoing concern. in romani shantytown in heves, recycling of car batteries unauthorized dump income caused death of 1 child , serious disabilities among number of residents. in hungary, believed environmental health conditions contribute low life expectancy of romani people, life expectancy on average 10–15 years lower non-romani.



sajó river near sajószentpéter. access green space, housing, sewerage, , water distribution have been issues romani settlement situated in nearby wetland


according european roma rights centre, in Ózd-bánszállás, hungary, situation exists hundreds of romani persons living in segregated neighbourhood not have reliable clean water access , must use 3 contaminant-risk pumps. according errc report,



the town won swiss development grant 3 years ago improve water infrastructure roma neighbourhoods seem have been omitted development plan. young mayor member of far-right jobbik party.



according 2010 data hungary s national development agency, 4.7% of predominantly romani settlements did not have access public water supply (relying instead on makeshift wells , open water sources such streams), , further 11.1% had access public wells, no access tap water or sewerage. according united nations development program s 2011 regional roma survey, 30% of romani households in hungary did not have access piped, public water supply , remained dependent on water quality not tested competent public authorities .


another region facing environmental issues sajószentpéter. town of 14,000 near miskolc in northeastern hungary, minor industrial center majority of 20th century, namely in production of coal , glass. during market transition socialism, both factory , mine closed down, causing entire population of town lose employment within span of several months, without new economic development since.


a romani settlement in sajószentpéter located separately town in nearby wetland, , connected bridge. several issues of environmental injustice have been identified, such illegal dumping in romani settlement non-romani residents, unequal access green space, water distribution, sewerage, , housing quality.


following formation of grassroots community organization in romani settlement called sajó river association environment , community development (sakkf), romani , youth-led initiatives in partnership outside activists have seen development of ongoing environmental-justice oriented projects. 1 project resulted these initiatives romani youth-led photography exhibit, sajószentpéter ( ez sajószentpéter ), held @ central european university in june 2007.


ukraine
access water

according unece pilot country reports on equitable access water (2013), 32% of romani households in ukraine have indoor water access, while 18% derive water open-air sources such streams.


kiev

according 2014 report romani women s rights organization chiricli, 2 large romani settlements in kiev identified having severely substandard living conditions. 1 of settlements, situated in holosiivo, situated on top of former dump. site reportedly known have formerly interned radioactive substances dangerous human health . in addition potential hazards regarding radioactive history of site, settlement approximately forty minutes away nearest source of water, residents had use water nearby sewage-contaminated stream.


zakarpats ka oblast

serious issues regarding access clean water , sanitation romani communities (tabors) in zakarpats ka oblast have been documented.


near village of myrcha, 35 kilometres northeast of uzhorod, there isolated romani settlement of 150 persons located next forest. community not have access clean drinking water. residents derive drinking water rainfall collection; during drier months, residents have no choice collect water stream allegedly smells chemicals , according residents interviewed european roma rights center. authorities main village of myrcha have cited legal , logistical challenges barriers providing water infrastructure settlement. in words of mayor, when interviewed szilvasi , novrotskyy improving water access romani tabor:



we want them, problem ukrainian law, tabor beyond village, first need include them in cadaster (…) [building well] need geological investigation , involve bureaucracy. paper work greater work itself, , precludes starting such project.



outside berehove, estimated 5 6 thousand romani persons live in settlement limited no access clean drinking water, , no access sewerage. there 3 public taps available, either turned off or non-functional. according szilvasi , novrotskyy, major part of problem alleged corruption of baron system, whereby unelected individuals romani community designated municipal authorities steward water , sanitation infrastructure. barons granted significant sums of money role, no system of oversight in place ensure services delivered. payouts not tied quantitative water consumption residents of romani community, resulting in system barons paid neglect water , sanitation infrastructure.


in uzhorod, several thousand romani persons live @ 5 separate settlements throughout city. water , sanitation access varies, houses , neighborhoods having better services others. between 2013 , 2016, 3 of tabors received new access formal water utilities, although access not reach houses due limited infrastructure , low water pressure. issues of water affordability residents persist, , lack of reliable access has been documented ongoing fire hazard.


near muchaceve, romani settlement of 5 thousand persons serviced high-risk water supply contaminated , subject major leakage. following hepatitis epidemic in community in 2013, tests ordered track origin of outbreak. water supply confirmed source of pathogens , promptly shut off. no replacement water source provided municipality. 2016, new above-ground pipe constructed support of international donors supply settlement. in contrast nearby muchaceve, receives water services 24 hours day, romani settlement receives water 4 hours day.


in chop, both romani majority-culture communities face issues regarding water resource sustainability. city of chop, of 2016, experiencing dispute involving ukrainian national railway company, ukrainian railways. state-owned corporation owns entire water distribution infrastructure of chop, , responsible maintenance. persistent issues of water contamination, leakage, , corrosion have reportedly been neglected, prompting municipality attempt take on ownership of waterworks system. romani settlement on outskirts of city has particularly limited access water; houses connected utility receive such low-pressure in pipes residents rely on carrying water hand nearby wells.


donetsk , luhansk oblast

according 2014 report chiricli, situation romani persons within ukraine s anti-terrorist operation (ato) zone (donetsk , luhansk oblast) dire. romani residents did not have reliable access water, electricity, or food. according 1 woman makiivka, romani residents not able access water long 5 days.


crimea

according chiricli, romani homes in crimea, including city of simferopol, did not, of 2014, have access water or electricity.


kharkiv

in 2015, romani refugees in kharkiv sloviansk reportedly directed live in severely damaged, abandoned housing no water or electricity.


moldova

according united nations development program s 2011 regional roma survey, 66% of romani households in moldova did not have access piped, public water supply , remained dependent on water quality not tested competent public authorities .


romania

persistent patterns of environmental racism exist throughout romania, affecting romani minority (not confused majority ethnic romanian population). these issues exist within context of severe poverty. according scholar florin botonogu, despite clear provisions of romanian law forbidding human settlements close garbage pits or other pollution sources, there many communities in romania situated in such environment. romanian scholar catalin berescu has in 2010 written estimated 2,000 shanty towns exist throughout romania, inhabited approximately 1 million individuals, 90 percent of whom ethnic romani. according berescu, development of shantytowns has been relatively recent phenomenon, becoming visible since fall of communism.


in opinion of botonogu,



maybe labeling situation racism, nobody forces them stay there, not obvious, fact in whole country roma communities live in these conditions , tolerance of cities huge health risks, child labour , general misery represents, sure, different treatment local authorities towards these groups. truth have no other option; have been denied other job or place settle.



according united nations development program s 2011 regional roma survey, 72% of romani households in romania did not have access piped, public water supply , remained dependent on water quality not tested competent public authorities.


pata rât dump , chemical waste site

cluj landfill, pata rât. note presence of romani settlement. 2014.


in pata rât, cluj county, romani persons scavenge dump primary source of income. of 2013, estimated 1,500 people living @ site in extreme poverty; in 1960s, 4 families documented living there. today, there total of 4 separate settlements @ pata rât dump; 42% of residents moved site local authorities. overwhelming majority of residents romani minority, many of whom work @ site in slave-like conditions of indentured or bonded labour while romanian government , private contractors maintain ownership of waste. journalists unwelcome @ site, filming strictly prohibited.


according enikő vincze, formation of cluj landfill space of precarious , stigmatized housing , labour, site of environmental racism . predominantly romani neighbourhoods throughout city of cluj have been evicted , relocated dump since 2002. many different romani subgroups, further divided family lines, have been settled area near dump on cantonului street, causing inter-community tensions , violence. in 2010, 300 residents of coastei street evicted , resettled @ dump near chemical waste site. newly vacated neighbourhood subsequently transferred, free, archbishop of feleac , cluj purpose of constructing campus students of orthodox theology @ babes-bolyai university of cluj.


in spite of traumatic nature of relocation, romani community of coastei street, integrated in city , closely connected urban services, engaged in organized efforts maintain social connections cluj (such sending children old schools in city, , organizing ensure access public transit). support ngo s such european roma rights centre (errc), working group of civil organizations (gloc), , amnesty international, these efforts, included protests in cluj, culminated in formal acquisition of land @ pata rât. on january 7, 2014, cluj-napoca county court (tribunal) ruled eviction , relocation coastei street illegal, ordering city authorities compensate romani community damages, , provide compensation inadequate housing situation caused relocation.


miercurea ciuc

in 2004, authorities in city of miercurea ciuc relocated 100 romani persons site 12 shacks next sewage treatment plant, despite sanctions romanian national council combating discrimination , european court human rights. relocated persons @ settlement granted access 4 public toilets in settlement, , 1 source potable water. insufficient barriers allowed children access industrial equipment near site, posing safety hazards. plant emits toxic gases, warning signs posted surrounding site explicitly state attention! toxic gas. medically unconfirmed reports residents claim 2 infants have died result of gases.


the settlement accessible dirt road, no public transportation. 2010, 150 persons living @ site. settlement mandated temporary in nature, yet 2010 had been there 5 years. @ settlement near miercurea ciuc, 25 people documented in 2010 living @ or near garbage pit near stray dog facility, outside city limits. inhabitants of unnamed settlement did not have access public transportation sending children school; sole source of employment scavenging through garbage; , many of inhabitants documented not having identity cards, making impossible access social insurance , subsidized health care.


baia mare chemical plant

on june 1, 2012, hundreds of romani craica ghetto of baia mare forcibly relocated local authorities former chemical laboratory @ decommissioned chemical factory. many observers viewed relocation effort mayor cătălin cherecheș gain popularity among racist elements of electorate leading elections 9 days later. incident followed 2011 construction of 6 foot high wall, instigated cherecheş, encircle romani neighbourhood in baia mare. cherecheş has stated living conditions favourable romani @ chemical plant compared craica, despite former factory having reputation among romanians plant of death due status second-most polluting chemical facility in country.


within several hours of arriving on site, 22 romani children , 2 adults began exhibit symptoms of chemical poisoning, resulting in major response emergency personnel , evacuation of sick hospital. believed poisoning caused containers of chemical substances had been abandoned @ property. shortly afterwards, on june 3, mayor s mother, viorica cherecheş, physician , director of local hospital, arrived on scene police presence, , ordered relocated romani collect, without safety equipment, of remaining chemical containers.


according marian mandache, executive director of romani rights organization romani criss, suspected action remove evidence of wrongdoing. on june 7, 36 romani , non-romani ngo s signed letter romanian prime minister victor pona regarding relocation, , held protest outside romanian parliament.


other resettlements

in 2007, city of dorohui-centrul vechi displaced 14–15 romani families following demolishment of housing complex. these individuals planned relocated social housing facility located close wastewater treatment plant , industrial estate. in 2007, funding european commission (which has financing policy prohibits exclusionary forms of segregation) plans developed construct 20 houses romani within industrial zone in constanța, no access nearby schools, limited transportation, , no community facilities. similar resettlements of romani residents environmentally problematic locations have taken place in piatra neamt, episcopia bihor, bucharest, , salaj silmeul silvaniei, of former 2 cases had residents located near , on top of garbage dumps, respectively.


bulgaria

romani district in sofia. large numbers of romani people in sofia lack access safe drinking water, sewerage, , electricity.


according babourkova, romani communities in bulgaria have, in post-socialist times, been subject environmental injustices such unequal access infrastructure, housing, , utilities. bulgarian electricity distribution privatized between 2000 , 2005. prior collapse of socialism, access electricity near-universal; inequalities in distribution began emerge following privatization. number of romani settlements throughout bulgaria not have electrical services. meanwhile, 89% of romani persons in bulgaria not have access clean water.


fakulteta

in fakulteta district of sofia, romani ghetto estimated @ 60,000 residents (the official figure 15,000), housing predominantly substandard, public transit minimal, water supply , sewerage limited, , electrical network inadequate , subject frequent failures. in poorest section of fakulteta, glavova mahala, 1 water outlet exists 200 families. until june 2003, medical services in community non-existent . because city of sofia not provide garbage collection services, residents regularly burn garbage , children have been documented burning old tires, causing them exposed toxic gases may contain carcinogens such dioxins. concern illegal dumping of solid , hazardous waste. construction firms regularly dump potentially toxic waste in fakulteta skirt disposal regulations; former green space in settlement has been converted illegal disposal site.


stolipinovo

in romani settlement of stolipinovo in plovdiv, residents had electricity shut off private austrian utility company evn group in february 2002, due community s cumulative failure pay utility bills since 1990s. following shutdown, protests , confrontations police ensued, , entire settlement had electrical access reduced hours of 7pm 7am, causing significant challenges food storage , preparation. babourkova argues incident clear-cut case of distributional injustice towards roma population of stolipinovo leading disproportionate health burden local residents .


slovenia

according amnesty international, slovenia highly developed country , enjoys gdp per capita above average in european union , 100% access clean water. however, according amnesty international, estimated 20 30 percent of southeastern slovenian romani settlements not have access clean water. due lack of precise, comprehensive information, believed statistic under-represents prevalence of water access issues slovenian romani. in romani settlement of dobruška vas in Škocjan, residents have reported having drink water stream contaminated sewage , waste slaughterhouse, , local pediatrician novo mesto has testified children settlement experience extremely high rates of illnesses such diarrhea , rotavirus.


in words of un expert on human rights – water , sanitation catarina de albuquerque, speaking on june 1, 2010 regarding situation slovenian romani:



the consequences of lack of access water , sanitation devastating these communities. ... in 1 community no access water, people drink polluted stream, or have walk 2 hours obtain safe water. collect water in jerry cans haul homes. ... situation reminiscent of situations have witnessed in poorer countries , astonishing observe in country has been achieved vast majority of population.



croatia

according united nations development program s 2011 regional roma survey, 35% of romani households in croatia did not have access piped, public water supply , remained dependent on water quality not tested competent public authorities .


bosnia , herzegovina

in bosnia , herzegovina, 17% of romani persons lack access electricity , 25.8% not have household access drinking water. scrap metal collection dominant economic activity, despite known health hazards. in lukavac, northern bosnia, romani settlement subject severe flooding in 2014, , residents did not receive government funding rebuild. 1 severe example of environmental inequality in lukavac, romani persons lack adequate access energy resources, practice of coal theft. young romani men climb onto moving freight trains departing lukavac coal mine in attempt push coal off tops of roofless cars hand. after coal falls ground, men collect coal 50 kilogram bags sold in town 2 euros apiece. according nearby residents, several individuals collecting coal have died in accidents involving trains result of practice.


serbia

gazela settlement (karton city), belgrade


gazela settlement

fire near romani settlement in belgrade


an unplanned romani settlement called gazela (karton city) located in belgrade, serbia near railway underneath gazela bridge, 1 of main highway access points city. dismantled in 2010.


the clean serbia campaign

between 2009 , 2013, national government-supported environmental campaign took place under name clean serbia . campaign identified so-called wild dumps (open-air landfills poor environmental controls) significant pollution source in belgrade, , sought address ecological issues surrounding these dumps.


as part of clean serbia campaign, city government of belgrade displaced 17 romani slums on or near dumps, formally classified unhygienic settlements . these informal settlements, residents worked waste pickers, largely direct result of yugoslav wars—especially kosovo war—as of residents came inhabit these settlements internally displaced persons (idp s), refugees, or repatriated refugees. estimated 75% of recycled materials in serbia gathered informal waste pickers; however, activity illegal.


over 2,800 slum residents displaced, half of whom settled temporary shipping containers on outskirts of belgrade; other half evicted belgrade altogether. container settlements have been criticized economic anthropologist eva schwab, has argued social services provided residents tied problematic contracts of use require residents not store scavenged materials near containers, , employed public utility service own recycling programmes. under system, romani not comply denied social services (such education children) , face removal dwelling. municipal governments in belgrade have complained of poor infrastructure in container settlements , have documented failure of low-quality water pipes, has resulted in flooding has caused significant disruption neighbouring communities.


deponija

as of 2007, close 1,000 persons in belgrade inhabiting romani settlement of deponija (which means dumping site in serbian). settlement had been established in 1970s situated on top of former dump, officially shut down, gradually, in 1980s. polluting factories surround settlement. primary livelihood of residents recycling garbage trucks hired dump in community, activity led unintended accumulation of non-recyclable waste in settlement. community lacked clean water, sewage treatment, , utility connections.


montenegro
nikšič-trebejsa & Železova

situated near city of nikčić 1 of populous romani settlements in montenegro. settlement isolated city, yet located between steel production facility emits hazardous pollutants , iron ore mine. according 2017 european roma rights centre report, air , land in settlements permanently contaminated iron ore dust passing trucks.


konik 2

konik 2 camp internally displaced persons kosovo of romani origin, situated on outskirts of montenegrin capital, podgorica. in spite of oversight unhcr , italian red cross, of 2014 camp lacked basic access safe, clean drinking water , sanitation, , has been serviced 1 water tap.


macedonia
prilep , tetovo

in romani settlement of prilep in macedonia, there no working sewage system. similar situation exists in romani settlement in tetovo, there no clean water, electricity or sewerage, , high rates of disease.


skopje

as of 2016, along vardar river in central skopje, macedonia, there romani settlement of approximately 2 hundred persons not have safe access clean drinking water. sewerage , sanitation services not exist, , garbage accumulation concern. pump used provide water vardar river had been used agricultural purposes, , has repeatedly tested positive contaminants.


veles

veles, macedonia. smelter @ distant right.


for thirty years until 2003, 700 romani families in town of veles, macedonia, exposed annually 62,000 tons of zinc, 47,300 tons of lead, , 120,000 tons of sulphur dioxide nearby smelting plant. despite opposition experts advising project, smelter built 300 meters houses of 60,000 people. frequently, newborns in town diagnosed cancer, respiratory or blood issues, lung disease, , heart disease. in 2005, veles pediatrician rozeta bosilkova stated patients not respond treatment, common cold. because defence mechanisms have been badly eroded. according association protection of future generations of veles, children of 2 families tested lead levels between 5 , 7 times normal concentrations.


due concerns on food contamination, in 2001 mayor of veles requested agricultural , cattle farming operations shut down. in 2005, 1 doctor working in town described situation resembling horror film , stating babies being born entire organs missing. deformities frightening.


following proposals re-open smelter in 2006 metrudhem dooel skopje, series of protests , court battles took place. in 2014, city of veles deleted plant detailed urban plan, shutting down operation permanently, legally possible due plant having been closed 3 years prior. severe pollution 1.7 million tons of slag remain; of 2016, macedonian firm ekocentar has won contract mine slag zinc, lead, , cadmium.


albania
tirana, lake area

according european roma rights centre, 2015 there large romani settlement built above waste landfill on outskirts of tirana in municipality 11 situated next poisonous tirana city lake . in absence of reliable water system, residents obtained water private seller. during frequent absences of service, residents obtain water lake, in spite of health concerns regarding toxicity. following alleged robbery of german tourist romani individual area, settlement evicted in 2015.


according united nations development program s 2011 regional roma survey, 30% of romani households in albania did not have access piped, public water supply , remained dependent on water quality not tested competent public authorities .


kosovo
mitrovica lead poisoning disaster

during 1999 war in kosovo, romani communities did not align militarily serbian or albanian forces during ethnic-based conflict. result, four-fifths of romani people in kosovo violently expelled homes. nato did not intervene. in total, 100,000 romani kosovars displaced. 50,000 fled european union; however, due legal status internally displaced persons, not legally allowed freely leave territories of former yugoslavia.


the unhcr relocated 5 hundred displaced romani mitrovica camp in northern kosovo located on top of abandoned lead tailings site @ former trepča mining complex in kosovska. in 2005, world health organization stated worst environmental disaster children in whole of europe happening, declaring camps unfit human habitation , in need of immediate evacuation. prior war, romani community in mitrovica economically active. according skender gushani of association protection of roma rights mitrovica



trepča metallurgy facility



we [the romani of mitrovica] had shops, market, restaurants, our own local government council representatives, , maintained our culture , traditions. didn t have go town because here had needed. in our neighbourhood had technical equipments [sic], car repair shops , masons ... 6000 of had jobs @ trepca, battery factory of zvecan, smelted lead. there among us, 20 of us, well-educated , worked in local government council.



according avdula mustafa, activist roma , ashkalia documentation center, unhcr promised refugee camps in kosovska temporary, , closed within 45 days. however, unhcr added second , third camp, indicating no intention of relocating site. names of 3 camps cesmin lug, kablare, , osterode. these camps located on or near 500 tonnes of toxic waste. across river ibar, there further 100 million tonnes of toxic slag, legacy of mining , smelting activities @ trepča complex operations spanned 1927 2000.


at these new settlements, living conditions severely substandard. constructed unhcr in collaboration action churches together, houses on toxic sites built lead-painted boards, no working sewerage system, , no reliable sources of running water. residents lived in fear of violence neighboring non-romani communities, restricting freedom of movement , ability leave camps.


in 2000, world health organization conducted first round of blood tests of residents in camps. blood lead levels high recommended immediate evacuation of camps, fencing off sites prevent future exposure. in 2005, conducted further tests determined levels of lead in blood of children camps highest ever recorded among humans.


tests lead poisoning among 60 children administered dr. miljana stojanovich, doctor working institute of public health in mitrovica, later stated haven t heard of results anywhere else in world...such high lead-levels in blood such small area. tests determined children had blood lead levels higher 65 micrograms per deciliter, highest dr. stojanovich s instruments measure. test samples sent lab in belgium re-taken in order verify if such levels possible; results confirmed children tested held highest concentrations of blood lead in medical literature. 10 micrograms per deciliter threshold @ brain damage begins, including iq loss, according dorit nitzan, director of serbia, has stated camps constitute 1 of serious public health disasters in modern europe .



trepça s factory ruins


in spite of concerns on lead exposure, unhcr decided keep camps open. shortly after receiving 2000 test results, un built jogging track , basketball court between 2 of settlements, naming area alley of health . signs in poorly translated english posted @ site unhcr read



alley of health – length of alley – 1500 meters – inhale odour of health – there challenges awaiting – win – spirit healthy in healthy body



in opinion of ilija elezovich kosovo health authority during 2005 interview, danger great threatens destroy 1 full generation of roma children ... [unhcr] made catastrophic mistake building these camps. nobody cared danger of location. tragic everybody, roma inhabitants.


according 2008 , subsequent 2009 interview avdula mustafa, unhcr responded intense international attention toward case publicly promoting plan move residents former french military barracks. however, proposed site 50 meters away 1 of original settlements, , of minimal improvement in terms of environmental health effects. romani activists such mustafa have speculated unhcr attempting pressure residents returning former homes, despite grave fears on personal safety. concern related these allegations grew following withdrawals of international assistance including emergency medications used mitigate lead poisoning among children , pregnant women. 2005, 29 deaths had been recorded in camps. 2012, number had risen approximately 100, of them children. in 2012, 100 families moved off contaminated site, 40 families remained.


the un mission in kosovo (unmik) has granted diplomatic immunity claiming cannot held legally accountable actions. however, lawsuit initiated european roma rights centre in 2006 european court of human rights. children conceived in camps have irreversible brain damage.








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