Anti-Romani sentiment

Anti-Romani sentiment (also called antigypsyism, anti-Romanyism, antiziganism, ziganophobia, or Romaphobia) is an ideology which consists of hostility, prejudice, discrimination, racism, and xenophobia which is specifically directed at Romani people (Roma, Sinti, Iberian Kale, Welsh Kale, Finnish Kale, Horahane Roma, and Romanichal). Non-Romani itinerant groups in Europe such as the Yenish, Irish and Highland Travellers are frequently given the name "gypsy" and as a result, they are frequently confused with the Romani people. As a result, sentiments which were originally directed at the Romani people are also directed at other traveler groups and they are frequently referred to as "antigypsy" sentiments.^[1]

The term antigypsyism is recognized by the European Parliament and the European Commission as well as by a wide cross-section of civil society.^[2][3] Muslim Roma may face two forms of discrimination: anti-Romani sentiment and Islamophobia.^[4][5][6] The term “Gypsy” is considered a slur when used by non-Roma because the words supports misconceptions and stereotypes that Romani people are nomads, roam around and engage in questionable, criminal or illegal activities, which is exemplified by the term "to gyp". The term also supports misconceptions that Romani people are from Egypt.^[7] The word "Gypsy" carries such a negative meaning that the parasite lymantria dispar dispar, whose larvae consume tree leaves, is known as the gypsy moth, and an unlicensed taxi driver who picks up passengers is referred to as a gypsy cab driver.^[8]

Romani people still haven't been integrated into European societies to this day. During the COVID-19 pandemic, hate speech in Europe increased according to Commissioner for Human Rights.^[9] A 2024 United States Department of State report raised concerns about anti-Romani sentiment across Europe.^[10] The Romani community in Europe encounters challenges including restricted access to quality education and obstacles in integrating into the labor market, which contribute to increased poverty and social exclusion, as well as inadequate healthcare and substandard living conditions. Romani children are inappropriately assigned to segregated "special" schools, where restricted curricula hinder their opportunities to realize their potential. Roma children and women are also particularly vulnerable to human trafficking.^[11][12] The Romani people's history of segregation, stigmatization, slavery, deportation, and extermination has shaped their relationship with non-Romani individuals (Gadje) into one marked by mistrust and even fear. Due to past persecution by Europeans, many Romani people tend to avoid employment and public education because of fear and racism.^[13]

The social and political incorporation of Roma populations in Europe has been profoundly shaped by persistent marginalization and stereotyping. Historically, Romani individuals have been subject to systematic racialization and social stigmatization, often being characterized as slaves, criminals, itinerants, carriers of disease, or morally and sexually deviant. These representations have been reinforced through legal codes, state policies, and social norms across multiple European regions. A key factor in the persistence of discrimination against Roma is the lack of institutional recognition and public knowledge of their historical experiences, including centuries of slavery in the Danubian Principalities, forced assimilation, and genocide during the Holocaust (Porajmos). The continued marginalization of Roma populations can be linked to this historical trajectory, which created structural barriers to education, economic opportunity, and social integration. Historical and contemporary evidence indicates that European societies have systematically excluded Roma, contributing to the reproduction of socioeconomic inequality and discrimination.^[14]