Europe's Roma community's life under Covid - BBC News

Roma communities are some of the most marginalised in Europe.
More than 10 million people live largely in poverty, often in overcrowded settlements.
The pandemic has ravaged many of their communities, further cutting them off from society.
Inhabitants of Roma settlements are often wary of letting journalists in, but BBC Europe correspondent Jean Mackenzie was invited into one of Bulgaria’s largest.
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[@vinceguerenski]

BBC loves showing ghettos in Eastern Europe but never shows the ghettos in the UK.

[@thugmonk9837]

So what areas in the UK look like this? What you call a UK ghetto would be luxury apartments to these people.

[@jackoff4052]

@Kate Johnson Birmingham

[@habib6499]

@Maccy Coleman you just called someone a Karen then a socialist go and educate yourself my man

[@mcr2356]

@Christina Look the uk has its poor areas. I'm from one of them. But stop talking shit. None of those places has nothing on this.

[@YG-zx6tv]

"vote brexit" - i mean the UK is the india of europe, look at their history - it's not a country we want to be in a union anyway

[@pissvortex9044]

This literally looks like the middle ages

[@arandomcowjustchilling4237]

Or like some zombie apocalypse camp

[@skym399]

They made it this way themselves

[@petraskvarc317]

their way of life is middle ages

[@mr.p215]

@@skym399 how exactly?

[@skym399]

@@mr.p215 no matter how many times i try to explain it my comments get deleted

[@dantetabaku2878]

Let me tell you a personal story regarding a Roma community in a town in the north of Greece. The municipality created facilities for the Roma community to use for showering, washing their clothes, and also a number of WCs. Additionally the municipality created special programs, with the help of experts, to educate and better integrate the new generation to the society. Also, to incentives the participation of all the families, in both upkeeping the facilities and encourage them to send their kids to school, the municipality rewarded the families buy paying them to participate. Once the program ended and the money was over, the families stopped sending the kids to school and, not long after that, the facilities created by the municipality, were literally annihilated by the Roma community. First the solar panels that heated the water, then the washing machines and finally whatever else of metal composition. In the end they tared down the side walls and you could see through from the other side. The Roma community integration is a process that requires both parties to be willing to work towards this goal. Unfortunately the opinion of the society towards Roma people is not totally the community's fault. It's is never black and white in these kind of situations. I hope we have a better outcome next time the government allocates, much needed, funds towards similar programs.

[@martymitch8375]

Wise words. The same thing happens in Italy too. The local government tries to involve Roma people in some projects like council housing but they DECIDE to live like this, not to integrate. It's pointless if both the parts are not willing, it's not just a matter of "bwaaa, all Europeans are racist".

[@towhitby1]

They literally don’t even pick up their own rubbish....

[@axellacaze9115]

Yes it's the same in France. School is free, but they won't send their children to schools. Plenty of initiatives exist but most of these communities do not want to be part of the global society. They have been there for hundreds of years, every ethnic group present for this long of a period have succeeded in integrating...

[@looneyirish007]

the bleeding hearts won't like this.

[@resilience4lyfe331]

@@axellacaze9115 wonder why not? Would you automatically hand your children over to people you know hate you and them? It’s a very stressful and hard thing. Have some empathy..

[@veskovarbanov]

I have lived in the UK for many years now but by origin I am Bulgarian. It saddens me to see such reports as they are inaccurate at best! There are two sub-devisions within the roma population in Bulgaria- those who choose to integrate, get some level of education and contribute to society and those who choose to live like this. The latter prefer to live in these ghettos because it suits them better- they do not pay taxes, electricity, water or anything at all really because they do not allow the authorities to enter their communities. I lived on a street in a predominantly white neighbourhood, with many roma neighbours around and they simply did not have this lifestyle. So before you report, do your reseach BBC or stop being upset when someone calls you racist!!! Some of the roma population in bulgaria choose to live like this and the country really does a lot to integrate them- for example when they had an HIV prevention programme which most roma members living in exactly these communities refused to take part in.

[@GeorgiGeorgiev-sm3lx]

@Tony. O'Brien Tony comunism was forced into Bulgaria by Russia and it was long time ago. Nowdays Roma people are free to live how and where they want and no one forces them into the ghettos. It is their own choice. (Roma people don't like bulgarians) Following your logic England had colonised many countries (some are still colonised), had slavery, married brothers to sisters or cousings to keep the royal bloodline pure, was discriminating black people but nowdays they point the finger to other countries and scream "You are racist".

[@user-fn3fe4iw3u]

As a Bulgarian, I’ve lived my whole life in Bulgaria and yes we have a HUGE problem with Roma people and their integration into the society! Unfortunately, during the communism those people were not allowed to live within the towns/villages. They were forced to live in the outskirts in one or tho neighbourhood, separated from the ordinary people. After the fell of the regime they were and still are discriminated not because of their skin colour but because of their culture and the way they think! They don’t think what will happen tomorrow but now, being well educated is seen as bad thing etc. EU funds Bulgaria and the neighbouring countries to integrate them but out politicians just steal the money and the funds don’t reach the people, because Roma people ensure them votes! It’s easy to manipulate people who are desperate and not well educated. This is what corruption looks like... There are individuals who have realised that being well educated, speaking both Roma na Bulgarian languages, following the countries laws etc is the only thing that will help those people to get out of poverty and start living a better life! But they are individuals and do not receive any support from the government here. I am really sad to see my country like that but this is the reality we are living in and we need help. The help should come as a support from the EU to establish democracy and stop corruption here, not as money, because money is what makes our politicians to keep those people below the poverty line...

[@bouabadahamid]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGasqXRmraiDb80

[@beverleylumb8048]

Someone in the roma community must be able to get these people together and organise something politicians will only do something when they realise its going to cost them a lot of votes if they don't so come on you lot get together and show them politicians. It's no good complaining to a TV reporter they can't do anything for you

[@argus3234]

România has the same problem for a long time.

[@user-fn3fe4iw3u]

@@beverleylumb8048 With all my respect, you as a person raised in a Western society with "western kind of thinking" cannot fully understand the situation in East Europe. I totally agree with you, though. The the problem is in our history as a nation. We have been under Ottoman Rule (in Bulgaria we call it slavery or yoke) and then under the soviet (communist) regime, both sharing the same thing - when those regimes were inroduced all aristocracy and people in the higher classes were killed, leaving the nation without leaders, people who can unite it. During the communism we`ve been told that the West is bad, that Democracy is failing etc. and when the communism fell we went on so called the "Transition" between socialism to democracy (After the 90s). This is where the people were fighting and protesting for democracy, for their freedom, for fair trail, for working institutions... Unfortunately, in those years mafia emerged and during the last 30 years this mafia was growing and growing and now it has a government... We as a nation just lost our faith into the institutions, into the politics etc, most people were/are so bad financialy that when you ask them they will say that "the communism was better" (which is not). It`s almost imposible to unite the people because we are so sceptical and everyone has a different view on the things (which is good in a way). However, last year people were protesting and some of them keep doing it for 200+ days. Last summer were the biggest protests in the last 10 years, but then the pandemic happened and we just had to go home... If we got more support from EU we could have change the situation. I just think that we, as a society, have not reached that point where we can unite against corruption, against the political bribe etc. Bulgaria is like a mini version of Russia at the moment. There is very interesting film about all of this I mentioned, its called "Shadows of Sofia" think you can find it here, on youtube, and amazone prime. PS. I am quite interested into politics and this kind of stuff and can talk forever :D If you want to learn more I can give you some of my social contacts so we can share a few thoughts :)

[@Annini00]

I knew it would become a huge problem to let Romania and Bulgaria become EU- members..

[@wallachia587]

Nice YT channel . Deletes comments who shows the reality about this minority from East of Europe .

[@TheCherry145]

@@GeorgiGeorgiev-sm3lx Hard to feel sorry for you guys. You even disgraced yourselves at that football match against the England team.

[@abcxyz-cx4mr]

@@GeorgiGeorgiev-sm3lx - Work towards stopping the racism in your country Bulgar !

[@GeorgiGeorgiev-sm3lx]

@@TheCherry145 you are judging the entire country because of few drunk idiotic footbal fans?

[@TheCherry145]

@@GeorgiGeorgiev-sm3lx Absolutely. If you're able to marginalise these groups of people, what's stopping you from doing the same to other POC as you like to call us? Your mindset is exactly how some British people feel towards Black and Asian people living in the UK.

[@akashdas9292]

@@GeorgiGeorgiev-sm3lx you third grade racist Bulgs

[@poetryaddict1]

Who would have ever thought these kind of conditions could exist in Europe in 2021..

[@GeorgiGeorgiev-sm3lx]

Fuji, I don't know which country are you from but I promise you that if you take these man at your country, they will recreate the same conditions you see in the video ;)

[@react--]

@@GeorgiGeorgiev-sm3lx That's a racist lie. I have two Roma families I'm renting a couple of properties too and I have no problems except for a live turkey in the back garden a couple of years ago.

[@GeorgiGeorgiev-sm3lx]

@@react-- I have friends from different nationalities and skin color and I don't consider my self racist. You may know two roma families but you have never lived near a roma ghetto. If something is a lie its the BBC video

[@jesuispac]

@@GeorgiGeorgiev-sm3lx I wrote a comment last night saying how it's bullshit. The family has money to give the kids modern haircuts and one of them even has his hair dyed blonde but they don't have food? He misses math class? Phh. Yea, right. Guess what? They deleted my comment

[@jesuispac]

@@react-- Yeah? Well can you please explain why there is rubbish on the ground in front of their houses? 1:49 For a bunch of unemployed people, they really seem to be having no time to gather their trash.

[@nastradamus1780]

I dont think eradicating covid will fix the situarion here.

[@jameswhiteley6843]

I can see them being upstanding citizens in Britain.

[@JD-jz5rr]

Sarcasm 😇

[@chadimirputin2282]

They are amazing at removing phones, purses and wallets from your pockets.

[@victoriamystic351]

They already are UK is like the trashiest

[@victoriamystic351]

@@btrading4996 lol I hope you’re there to welcome them home

[@Keenangoal]

Borders closed that’s why we voted out !

[@takismoutzouris254]

I live in the UK and I met a couple of Bulgarian roma families before quite a few years. I helped them with the language and administrative procedures. They had started working here for peanuts. They worked very hard and they still do so and now they are thriving businessmen. I trust them. They live in posh villages and are financially independent, but I can witness that they deserve it.

[@TheGec1bg]

A very rare case of working Bulgarian roma.

[@takismoutzouris254]

@@TheGec1bg Умни са и добрички, как да стане. Гледат си работата, не приказват много, заслужават успеха.

[@TheGec1bg]

@@takismoutzouris254 Ако всичко са като тях, няма да има такива репортажи. Аз същп уважавам хора които работят и живеят честно.

[@JD83000]

Are you sure they were Roma Bulgarians and not just Bulgarians?

[@Robert_31]

@@JD83000 I'm Roma and I'm successful with a college degree and a family living happily. I don't know what makes you think that your world is the fact of all reality.

[@tedv8323]

I am Bulgarian, lived most my life in Bulgaria and I can say that the state has helped this "community" countless times, helped with apartments (or some roof over their head), helped with social benefits(the kind of benefits no ethnic Bulgarian ever had), programs to get them in school, financial insentives to companies willing to hire one. There are few cases of successful integrations, those usually become famous (because it's such a rare thing to see). The simple fact that these people blame the ethnic Bulgarians for the miserable conditions they live in can tell you everything you need to know about them.

[@ivailogeorgiev8725]

While I do agree that they themselves are at fault for their conditions, I never heard of the state doing anything to help them.

[@junikim263]

The physical attributes are NOT only things genetically passed down to next generation. Depending on psychologists, they say 30% ~ 70% of psychological characteristics (personality, tendencies, mental illness, etc.) are passed down to next generation. They disagree on the percentage (30%, or 70%, or somewhere between 30 & 70%), but almost all of them say psychological characteristics are passed down. So the environmental impacts (nice step/foster parents, wonderful school teachers, great educations, etc.) cannot change people that much. Look at Russians. Russians R @ ped 8 million females (age 1 to 80) in Germany during WW2 & their grandsons are R @ ping girls in Ukraine & their granddaughters are urging on their husbands & boyfriends to R @ pe Ukrainian girls (wife: Olga Bykovskaya/Pinyasovaya & husband: Roman Bykovsky).

[@nsaurabh25]

They're casteist Indians who came from Rajasthan (the most casteist state in India) in India to Europe to spread casteism and backward Hindu beliefs, they still carry that mentality and behavior. They want to convert Europe to another India, so they're breeding like rabbits.

[@johnl1622]

Some people in this comment section literally highlight Europe's proud racists. They can't even tell how blinded they are by the word Roma. If they met the same person before and after knowing they were part of the Roma community, they would see them completely differently and not as a person anymore. Truly sad.

[@TheCherry145]

Zero sympathy for the "real" Bulgarians as they refer themselves to.

[@jbagger331]

BBC hates Gypsies, they launched a three year campaign against the most famous British Gypsy who a heavyweight fighter, all because he is a Christian.

[@Robert_31]

Yep, I'm Roma and I'm horrified by this comment section.

[@julianhastings1547]

MapTNH I've read your comments and you are right , it's horrible to see these people living like this , they all deserve a chance in life , living in those conditions is a disgrace to your government, bless you all

[@honeyw7860]

I feel sorry for kids 😔. If u live in poverty be smart n Don't bring kids into this suffering.

[@jigsaw11111111]

A lot of people have kids in poverty because it helps with work load ie the peasants of the middle ages

[@bonniegreene7810]

What a white way of thinking. "The government fucks you over, so YOU are responsible for what happens to children"

[@nsaurabh25]

These same casteist upper caste Indians aka Roma practice casteism in India and push millions into poverty, now they're experiencing in Europe what they do to India.

[@haloteddy5059]

@@jigsaw11111111That , no access to sex/family planning education , no access to birth control, Familial/cultural/religious pressure, and the hope that the kids will make it out to make $$$ or live comfortably (I.e:money to take care of their parents and whomever else in that circle), sexism against the children (ppl will keep going until they get a boy or a girl) it’s a generational problem around the world . That’s why in the US, China,S.Korea, Japan , and the Caribbean are not producing kids , they ain’t ready or have the funds for them , but then there’s also the selfish pressure of the government and then having the nerve to talk abt starving kids the next minute

[@ashn9172]

This is very sad to see. Across the world disadvantaged children are not getting an education. This is going to be a big problem in years to come. People think that this is their problem but at the end of the day it will affect us all.

[@ByalKanye]

they choose to pull out their own children at year 8. do some research yourself

[@elliesambrook5929]

But still they ha eso many children WHY

[@rosijelqzkova1672]

Because this is the way of gatting money from the country. They don`t want to work, don`t want to educate them self and the business is to have many children's and just live your life like that. They give birth from yound age... 12-13...

[@al.1024]

@@rosijelqzkova1672 they just said that no one wants to hire them. So ignorant

[@rosijelqzkova1672]

@@al.1024 they are offered work, but they chose to stay unemployed so the country pay for them social money . At the same time they do not have a good hygiene and they are not educated since they chose not to go to school, who will hire them?

[@dayanbalevski4446]

​@@al.1024 How can you hire someone with no education? We cannot force them with brutality to go to school... the ideology of a "ROMA" is to "Roam" and they do not consider education as important - the parents do not allow their children to go to school - no matter how hard the country tries to educate them. The very few ones who are educated, like the one man in the video, are not helping their fellow Romas, because they are putting all of the blame on the government/country and no blame on their way of life.

[@destroyinggaming4life410]

@@rosijelqzkova1672 so much hate. They won’t get hired anywhere due to their bad reputation. If you have a solution please say because what you are saying is they can just magically get a job where they won’t be mistreated or decline to work.

[@djfrankie7586]

Covid 19 left them struggling? We have been struggling in the last 1000 years ! 😪

[@wolfensteinJB]

So you left the EU and kicked out the Roma people back to Bulgaria and a month later stopped by to condemn the Bulgarian government and Bulgarian people for not treating them right? Yeah, not hypocritical at all...

[@themouthofsauron7550]

But at the same time, still not the UKs problem.

[@britonsoftea8380]

They should not have come here illegally in the first place

[@elijahheyes9061]

This was difficult and painful to watch....Wow, the comment section is so toxic.

[@Safjo12345]

I agree I didn’t know people could be so heartless and bigoted in the comments it’s awful!

[@jacksoncrate]

Well u wont mind if they stay at your house then!

[@victoriageorgescu8154]

@@looneyirish007 exactly

[@_robustus_]

@@looneyirish007 I’m reasonably certain that anyone who reads my comment will come away with a very clear message that I consider what you are spouting to be utter shit. Thank you and good night.

[@racheleraanan5133]

@@jacksoncrate - Definitely not!!!!

[@takitogr]

That young guy thats speaking is more well groomed than i am under covid

[@s9ka972]

Some Roman men and Women are extremely good looking.

[@louispks]

Borat wasn't taking the piss.

[@dee8501]

Why do these countries not take care of their own? Have they no conscience, respect or moral values? Those in charge should be brought to account!

[@aleksandar5323]

@@dee8501 Those entire neighborhoods are built illegally, those Roma people have never paid any taxes. They most often plug themselves to electricity illegally and they don't pay for it. They throw their trash in the streets and complain how dirty it is. That guy they were interviewing is 1 in 1000 Roma who are educated and look decent. The way the camera captures those streets it makes them look safe and they really don't feel safe to walk into at all in real life. This entire video is just a classic rich westerner coming in, pointing the finger at all the problems we have and then flying out, back in their neighborhood where illegal structures are demolished and people are driven out in order to keep the first world living style perfect!

[@aleksandar5323]

@@dee8501 True that. When I studied in the UK I was shocked at how many of my fellow Bulgarians had no issue with taking a bursary or any form of government assistance for their studies. Now, that money is made available for anyone who is studying etc. but the very fact that it was there appeared weird to me. Later on in my life I started to make my own money and realized just how screwed up some people's leftist views are and how deep they can penetrate the public finances of a country! It's easy to give away money you didn't work for is all I'm saying...

[@dee8501]

@@aleksandar5323 Aleksandar, no one has any issue with immigrants who benefit our country but if they need benefits then they can't afford to be here and therefore should not be here. We have many vulnerable people of our own who are our responsibility. There are now over 300 languages spoken in the UK, the population has grown at an alarming rate and we simply do not have the resources. Our NHS can't even cope with the yearly flu season.

[@dawnnicolas7617]

This is extremely sad. Deplorable conditions.... Nobody should live like this...

[@statope]

Yeah nobody had to live like that ,but this is a fake story not all roma in Bulgaria are like this you cant imagine what big and modern houses they have.With all the money coming from UK and Germany benefit system not believe in this.Im Bulgarian and I know the govermant give them plenty money and they don't want to work or study they married the kids at very young age so can have a big family's and make money with them .Go and see with your eye's!!!

[@dayanbalevski4446]

This is how they want to live... this is how they were brought up by their parents, to not go to school and to not pay taxes.

[@mr.p215]

@@statope mate, bulgarian too here, if you think the thieves in parliament actually give out money to communities like this, then you are more dumb than the people that put them there.

[@statope]

@@mr.p215 how many Roma live in Bulgarian on benefits?????how many children they have??????dont be stupid mate

[@MsSamanthaTKO]

They don’t have to, it’s their choice to change it

[@alexanderotbgotbgalexander1193]

I am from Bulgaria, this BBC film is not showing the truth! Roma people receive government benefits every month, Roma mothers receive child help money every month, going to school is absolutely free of charge, One Roma mother receives 150 euro per child every month until the kid is 18yo.On the other hand people tend to not hire them because they will steal from 90% of the time.For sure there are some Roma who are hardworking,honest,reliable and trust me everybody treating them with respect.

[@a.c7837]

They didnt have to eat, but all are so fat...who understands this mystery?

[@skym399]

My comment is deleted for the 3rd time trying to explain how these people lie because im from bulgaria and i know whats going on but no freedom of speech i guess..

[@skym399]

Ok im done every comment me trying to explain how they are toxic is DELETED

[@skym399]

@Nicole Alotwi alcohol too that's what they do all day

[@skym399]

@Nicole Alotwi no matter how much i write comments youtube deletes them so again as short as i can : They make kids with the Only purpose to go st3aI for them its in their culture these people get government money and they can live fine but they just dont do it and waste the money for meaningless things Also let me add yes kids actually drink and sm0k3 here on daily since like 10

[@a.c7837]

@@skym399 i know what you speak about, i come from Romania

[@akhiiii8012]

Poverty is everywhere guys. It's just sickening to see someone starve

[@GeorgiGeorgiev-sm3lx]

How can someone starve if he os obviously overfed? Why do you assume the people from the video starve?

[@nsaurabh25]

So please go and give them food, I'm sure they'll steal your clothes and shoes, and you'll have to go back in underwear.

[@atypical_pupil424]

The country is in denial of this sad fact and nothing will get better if they decide to change and help these sad people. it's 2021 nobody should be experiencing this.

[@mrrichierich9916]

I just love Bulgaria husband most of the summer there and have been disappointed not being able to resist during the summer due to lockdown and Bulgaria not allowing Brits into the country on their books we are on the red zone I have looked at properties for sale soon as I can get there I will look at purchasing and Molina in this news report there's a sort of person I was employed as a housekeeper in the blink of an eye so she didn't have to keep coming to the UK looking for work I do hope things improve for them and also the country in general it is an amazing country

[@Okbutiwouldprefernotto]

The comment section proves that we need critical gypsy studies. The hate is structural

[@Robert_31]

Yes.

[@perfct2u]

This is tragic. I'm sure there are towns like this all over the world too. Let's all be kind to each other.

[@pennygooms1042]

Give people all access to national resources. Education health and employment is the key. Kindness is good , yes.

[@deborahwingard776]

Tragic?

[@mademoisellediana5165]

I can't imagine how a person walk in a dirty water.

[@emiliangradinaru1340]

Who hasn't tho

[@lemdixon01]

"I miss mathematics" said no kid ever

[@mrrichierich9916]

Bulgaria is like my second home my heart goes out to the people in sliven especially at this time dealing with a bad environment and I'm killing disease I know how people feel being restrained for what they can do and their life I live in the UK and has not been able to get flights to Bulgaria we stopped for British people with a British passport but ok with EU passport or a visa d for students has been very difficult in the UK not able to travel anywhere for the last 18 months this is why I understand the people and how do I would feel trapped no light at the end of the tunnel and no help when will it all end can we see the green light

[@darkwoods1954]

They all look very well fed though.

[@RamSingh-wc1tn]

Indian Government should help these romi people these are our people our brothers and sisters

[@AM-yi4dd]

The best way to bring down pregnancy rates in their community is to help them and bring them up to the middle class. I assure you this will bring down pregnancy rates.

[@mrrichierich9916]

I was not aware of things were that bad considering Bulgarian and classed as a green or go country clear of infections and covac 19 I can't believe a whole Village will be put under lock and key in the 20th century and no assistance given to them it doesn't make things better it makes things worse I hope the matter gets addressed and the people get help

[@Isnapthesky]

This does give me a vibe of "Peaky Blinders" although the location is different but similar condition.

[@clare1971]

The problem here was also there long before Covid as everything needs addressing for these people

[@Rishi6901]

Roma people came from North-western part of India

[@KanKubrat1]

If you want you can take them back to India, to see how you gonna deal with them.

[@cekicc18]

I'm Turkish and unfortunately these kinda people live in here as well, we can blame to government why these people so poor or something but other stuffs are bullshit. In here if you see a roma you should change your way directly. Their mentality is so basic. Getting married so early, many girls don't go to school, althought they are still child but they get married at 15-16 years old. They don't wanna integration, most of time as we "regular" people afraid of them. You can't enter a roma neighbourhood if you don't know anyone in there. It will be really dangerous for you. To gain less money or life problems are so difficult for everyone. Not just for Roma people. Even they're poor but still birth many children. They don't think this point.

[@Robert_31]

I’m Bulgarian Roma. I’m nothing like anything you’ve said. Don’t group millions of people in one idea of what you believe.

[@emptyhad2571]

@@Robert_31I agree as a Sudanese

[@youalreadyknow4422]

I'm from Romania and their situation is similar to the one shown in this videos. In Serbia and Slovakia is also very similar, Spain? Yes also very bad. What can they do to improve their situation? I think they could leave behind their differences, try to assimilate into their countries(whether is Bulgaria, Romania or Slovakia etc), and work as citizens not as Romas. ps: there are many ethnicities living in these Eastern European countries not just the Romas. I am a minority in my own country( German Saxon), my ancestors moved to Romania centuries ago, I know other minorities like the Hungarians, Greeks, Serbians, Russians, Ukranians etc. Everyone seems to get along well, just the gypsies can't seem to find a way. They need to adapt to the 21 century because although I understand they are very proud of their traditions, it's important to keep up with the times.

[@mowgli5837]

It is very easy to tell others to change so you could accept them. You really want them to give up identity for some of your money. That shows your typical european mind. . . . Would you give up being romanian to be accepted. You are ra.sist.

[@tanyat2505]

Poor kids! Just tears on my eyes! Who will help them???

[@k.a263]

It is easy to criticize Eastern European countries, BBC. But first why don't you look at your own ghettos? There are some places in the UK which are even worse than what is shown in this video.

[@shaheerps]

Bravo

[@adambullard460]

Why is the Government not helping these people this is sooooo sick what the heck is Going on man #savetheromapeopleandkids

[@kimberleypex]

Because Roma Gypsies are no where welcome , it always was , I dont know why .

[@adambullard460]

Mrs Pex no one should be treated like this so sad so sad indeed.

[@kimberleypex]

Agree !

[@santimahameru2325]

We know much human condition in many region couse this channel. Good job my friend

[@samri_thebutterfly3599]

I'm so sorry 💔

[@KanKubrat1]

The gypsies are not discriminated in Bulgaria!!! On the contrary, the bulgarians are an object of discrimination the last 30 years. Gypsies have all the rights, but they do not want to integrate themselves into the bulgarian society, schools are fof free. They prefer to live on the back of the bulgarian state, giving birth to 5-6 children and then staying and wayting to receive sicial aid fron the bulgarian state.

[@aimeewithers7376]

This made me so sad. How can they be just left like that! Nice man worrying he can't offer a drink. Makes my heart hurt.

[@GeorgiGeorgiev-sm3lx]

Aimee this video is propaganda. In Bulgaria live people from many different nationalities and only Roma complain of someone not giving them something for free. They are not left like that. They are doing this themselvs

[@come-crime-with-me]

That bit got me too .they have nothing and would share what they have

[@jt414]

Unfortunately as it has recently become BBC is very lacking in it's coverage -- what did they leave out? -- what can we believe -- if BBC say it's bad -- it must be horrific!

[@jesuispac]

Yes. Did you know they sell their kids into underage marriage? Truly horrific

[@601salsa]

They need to harvest rain water for free water. I hope someone gives them the details for permaculture/zaytuna farm and earthships.

[@DCN_D]

We have them in romania too. If the UK is so concerned about their well being you can have them all any day of the week.

[@Thatflowerdollc]

as a ROMA WOMAN, this makes me sad and i hope the world will see us as human and worthy one day we are not all crimails we are love ,we want to work, we are forgot ton, stolen missing we want to be seen this is bull

[@djpomare]

UK 111,264 NZ 25 The UK has 4,451 Covid deaths for every NZ Covid death. RIP Sir Tom. NZ took the WHO simple 3 point plan seriously last February. Both the UK and NZ are islands. The UK has an area of 245,000 sqkm while NZ has 268,000 sqkm. After 5 months without a Covid fatality in New Zealand, watching UK news is like stepping back in time.

[@NajilkaSharry]

It's all by design!

[@paddymallory4080]

No one should live like this in 2021

[@LC-wd5fl]

BBC you cannot go and help Uyghur in China or Armenian in Anatolia, but if you really care you can go to Bulgaria and help the Roma. I am sure nobody will be against it!

[@matejpolak6638]

I have mixed feelings about the report. It's absolutely devastating that people live in such conditions. But I would also love to see the other side of the problem: why isn't the city/the government helping the community? Have the conditions always been such? I'm from the Czech Republic and here and in Slovakia we also have problems concerning the Roma communities, but the coin is always two-sided and nothing is just black or white. If the report really wants to explain the problem, rather then just create a viral-like video to shock, it needs to go much more in depth and explain the history and the circumstances.

[@nsaurabh25]

They're Indians, they came to Europe 500 years ago, they just want to convert Europe into another India, why you don't want that?

[@Robert_31]

I feel like I am the only person in this comment section who is Roma and from Bulgaria. I've gone to school, went to college and graduated, and I am now with my family happily living together for the past 20 years all without benefits. Everyone thinks they know us and want to complain, but I don't want to hear it anymore. Your experience is not the truth for the millions of Roma people who have been successful and have high integrity.

[@chrisbrown3278]

I pray for all of these people . We are equal . All are worthy

[@harrycanary6055]

Unreal.

[@harrycanary6055]

@@kimberleypex Let's not forget Adolf's evil.

[@looneyirish007]

@@kimberleypex I bet you wouldn't want a roma family moving in beside you.

[@entityarif8404]

Societies fail because of dishonesty and corruption. Same story in other third world countries.

[@United_Humanity]

Millions of acre land are empty in europe. Government should use these field in farming, grow some vegetables, cereal, fruits and give jobs these people in that field. So they will grow there own food.

[@yanakikostov9306]

Europe gives money for Roma integration and 5 minutes after receiving it, the money disappears like magic! European money for integration has never reached the Roma, because Bulgaria simply steals it in the second they receive it. (There are no funds for the Roma in the budget of Bulgaria!)

[@MrBuash]

The thumbnail is very familiar for me from SEA. Unbelievable it's in Europe and their live seems worse than slump in my country..

[@juancarlosherreraburbano194]

Best video in the last 3 months at least from bbc. Congrats

[@saxglend9439]

Poor horse. 🐴

[@victoriamystic351]

It’s a donkey

[@victoriamystic351]

They can’t afford horse 🐴

[@looneyirish007]

@@victoriamystic351 That's not a donkey, that's Mercedes S Class

[@joaobrunho1797]

"We don't have a plan. We have food, we live." Fuck

[@Sofia-qn6fs]

I feel so bad 😔

[@ben31uk]

Not our problem

[@chadimirputin2282]

That's because you are really naive and stupid.

[@acatthatlookslikehitler1277]

@@chadimirputin2282 Shut up scot

[@saxglend9439]

For the horse?

[@chadimirputin2282]

@@acatthatlookslikehitler1277 my name isn't scot, but don't you lot have a demographic problem to be dealing with in regards to South Americans? America isn't looking too white anymore is it?! 🤣

[@jsmoothie7001]

BERBATOV been living there

[@toniferryboat3576]

Just to let you BBC know that you wrote the title wrong Rome is in Italy.... yes belive me may Romanians. Who the are in Romania... is just to let the BBC know about it...

[@engjds]

Roma or UK 2030?

[@a.c7837]

Uk 2021....in some places...RIP UK

[@ghaffarahmed5714]

Life without pockets.

[@arlenecarr3336]

We are so lucky in the uk

[@adambullard460]

Yes we are so lucky I feel so bad for them.

[@ce1834]

God bless

[@SuzanaMantovaniCerqueira]

My God ! My God ! Why ??

[@tovy5491]

Сливен тука ли сте ?😂

[@krasimirasergeevakamenova8008]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@SuzanaMantovaniCerqueira]

😢

[@grace-vu8uo]

my heart is weeping

[@STELLEUNG]

And the EU is allowing this to happen?

[@lumpa309]

EU won't force them to have a job and education if they are not willing to. And in most cases they aren't. This is specific for Roma people.

[@practiceenglishwithabdul5338]

I'm really feeling so sad For those people after watching this video

[@victoriamystic351]

Why not take them home

[@practiceenglishwithabdul5338]

Yes home isn't necessary Need to give proper environment for study

[@victoriamystic351]

@Brookalt Doglover you understand sarcasm I was being sarcastic!

[@slitzfn9750]

oh myyy! That looks awful

[@looneyirish007]

@@kimberleypex they need to start with themselves first.

[@johnnyls5984]

What about protecting/preserving their culture and tradition rather than forcing them to blend in another culture?? These people needs food, education, healthcare and a proper shelter!!!

[@looneyirish007]

they get in in many countries, soon as the money dries up they fleece the place.

[@Bringon-dw8dx]

You just said ‘let’s protect their culture’ and not force them to blend. But also said provide housing and education (which is blending?) There culture is too be nomad (aka no set housing) and to not have an official education

[@looneyirish007]

@@Bringon-dw8dx and there lays the problem.

[@ralz97]

Their "culture and tradition" involves leaving school as soon as legally allowed, in BG's case, year 8, marrying immediately after and having a lot of children with the main purpose of getting child support. And also "private propery" is an alien concept for many of them, so burglaries and completely gutting abandoned houses is a common way of sustaining themselves. And I know that people who want to leave the community and get a regular life and job are shunned. That the BBC hasn't even bothered to research. Not all aspects of one's culture are great.

[@racheleraanan5133]

@@Bringon-dw8dx - You obviously know nothing of Roma culture and values.

[@Sea-qv4sd]

This is the sort of thing I think about when people argue about gendered toilets

[@teslaandhumanity7383]

Borat needs to raise awareness

[@donaldjone1184]

I hope I don't bother you. I was trying to find some old friends when I saw your beside my wall and I could not help but write you to know more about you and I am Ohio city van wert county. Here is my email [e-mail]. I hope you don't mind if we can write to know each other at your leisure time!!

[@looneyirish007]

@@donaldjone1184 Stalker

[@neoscarnalism7558]

2:57 Ouh poor cat

[@sanujitroy6830]

Entire world under pandemic pressure

[@jdmmg4904]

We should be ashamed that this kind of poverty is still possible in the EU:(

[@fioredeutchmark]

Why? It’s their fault they live in a shit hole. If they wanted real jobs and stability they wouldn’t be travelling people who deliberately live outside of a society they live in (and have to scrounge off of to survive) Wealth doesn’t just exist, it’s created by productive members of society. They pay zero taxes, they get zero government help it’s quite simple.

[@jdmmg4904]

@@fioredeutchmark you sound like a person who doesn't really know a lot about this world and also who doesn't care too much. Sad.

[@shaheerps]

Love from India, kerala

[@shaheerps]

@V G love everyone coz only love can solve everything.... "Conquer the world with love ...love you everybody"-boche

[@shaheerps]

@nori the seaweed haha ...

[@otiliamanuelajurj]

@Velvet Thunder the Roma people have there origin from Indian subcontinent, more specifically from northwest India.

[@racheleraanan5133]

@@otiliamanuelajurj - And Homo Sapiens Sapiens have their origins in East Africa. So??

[@Cloudnp9458]

@@otiliamanuelajurj roma are called banjaras in India. They have their origin from Rajasthan.

[@habtomgoitom1854]

God bless 🙏

[@JogBird]

no different than any other poor ppl w kids imo

[@codenameverity]

and because other people live in shitty conditions, it doesn't matter that these people do?

[@matthewmann8969]

I would like to hear about The Middle Easts And North Africas Domari communities

[@DrSirmacek]

💔

[@combat-2156]

What about British family’s

[@laviebanale]

This is all true. I’ve seen these kinds of places in Eastern Europe. It was like going back in time.

[@venciborisov5156]

Our goverment is to be blamed for the situation. People need opportunities, which gypsy don't get in Bulgaria. In Europe they have opportunities, but not all gypsy take them. Many prefer not to work. Why is that? Cultural differences is the answer. The problem has two aspects: lack of opportunities by the goverment and cultural specifics of the gypsy community. Society also has negative perception towards them. Changing the word gypsy to roma doesn't make us less racists. Gypsies are wanderful people and i worked very well with them in the past. Now I am retired and only can see how these wanderful people become more and more marganalised and hated.

[@GeorgiGeorgiev-sm3lx]

My dear countryman, the government is not responsible for the mindset of roma people which is "live day by day". Stop blaming the government for everything that is in your control but you are lazy or lack will.

[@Robert_31]

@@GeorgiGeorgiev-sm3lxI’m Roma and I hate comments like this where someone thinks they know the mindset of someone else.

[@jimcourt9164]

Had enough now... licence cancelled today

[@topfuelteddy]

Well done 👍

[@andyc9902]

Come back to India. .romani are Indian

[@prashantvicky]

Europe>>>India If you were one of those Roma peoples, I highly doubt you would wish to come back.

[@TheEvaBalazs]

yeahh after a 1000 years walking ....we should just go back right?

[@IVaV1]

obviously a troll/bot

[@1graybags]

please take the Roma in sheffield UK

[@racheleraanan5133]

Andril A Chakraborty - After over a thousand years in Europe, are they not Europeans? How many generations does it take to become European or American etc.? Are the same criteria used for all other migrations world-wide?

[@Kickboxing72829]

This is so bad

[@eleonorapacilli6756]

La Bulgaria è cosi come loro

[@pdg1877]

Roma - the ‚R’ word