Francesco Palermo
Professor of Comparative Constitutional Law, University of Verona
Director, Institute for Comparative Federalism, EURAC Research (Viale Druso/Drususallee 1, 39100 Bolzano/Bozen, Italy, Tel. +39-0471-055203, Fax +39-0471-055299
Roma and Sinti, National Minorities, Recognition, Effective Participation
Abstract
The paper briefly illustrates the legal situation of the Roma and Sinti minority in Italy, focusing in particular on the reasons that so far have prevented their official recognition as national minority. From the non-recognition a number of negative consequences arise, leading to a severe marginalization. At the same time, a number of commendable activities are carried out, especially at local level, although with a piecemeal approach. At national level, a mechanism for dialogue between the government and the Roma and Sinti communities has recently been institutionalized, which is a first step in the right direction, although by far insufficient.
