The obligation to respect human rights (Article 1 of ECHR) is endangered during emergency crisis, even though all European citizens are protected by the right to life (Article 2) despite derogatory measures member states might take (Article 15). However, vulnerable Roma are exposed to several risks during the current Covid-19 outbreak and the applicability of rights (Articles 2, 5, 14) enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights needs to be closely examined.

In this view, the joint EU/CoE ROMACTED team has been following the emergent situation of Roma communities at local level in Albania. Upon an assessment of needs and mapping of each local context, Roma facilitators have been calling upon actions by concerned local duty bearers putting emphasis to access of running water in shared Roma settlements as well as hygienic and food supplies for vulnerable households. Through the mobilisation and co-organisation of the partner municipalities, Institute of Romani Culture in Albania as a support organisation and the programme facilitators, several short term actions have been implemented. As a result, 300 vulnerable Roma families have been supported in the municipalities of Elbasan, Korca, Permet and Roskovec during March, while 118 families by the Municipality of Vlora upon the appeal of the ROMACTED facilitator. This emergency aid will enable them to overcome the economic externalities of the restrictive measures due to covid-19 health crisis.

Source: Municipality of Elbasan

Each action might be a drop in the ocean of needs at local level, but it can surely make a difference during difficult times. The continuing combined efforts among communities and local authorities will help to overcome the Covid-19 crisis and ensure that human rights for Roma are not put aside during public emergencies. It is clear that the obligation to respect human rights (Article 1 of ECHR) cannot be suspended during such an unprecedented emergency situation and, to this end, the full applicability of the rights enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights requires close monitoring.

  Watch short video clips about the action in Elbasan and Vlora.