Exploring Gypsy Population In Belarus

The Roma people, also known as Russian Gypsies, have a long history in Belarus, dating back over 500 years. While the Roma population in Belarus is relatively small compared to other Eastern European countries, they have faced significant discrimination and persecution throughout their history, particularly under Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union, and the administration of Alexander Lukashenko. According to the 2009 census, there are around 7,000 Roma people in Belarus, although the community estimates their numbers to be closer to 60,000. The largest Roma community is in the Homel region, with over 2,500 people. In recent years, police raids and mass arrests in Roma settlements have drawn attention to the ongoing discrimination and negative perceptions of the Roma ethnic minority in Belarus.

Roma people in Belarus are divided into several subgroups, including the Ruska Roma, the largest subgroup of Romani people in Russia and Belarus

The Roma people in Belarus are a relatively small group compared to other Eastern European countries, with a history in the region dating back over 500 years. The first mention of the Romani people in Belarus is from 1501, in the privilege of Alexander Jagiellon, though it is believed they may have been in the area by the early 15th century. The Roma of modern-day Belarus were generally nomadic, settling only during the winters, often on the outskirts of cities, where they served as traders.

In addition to the Ruska Roma, other Romani subgroups in Belarus include the Belaruska Roma, who consider themselves indigenous and are divided into several territorial and tribal subgroups; the Polska Roma, with subgroups including the berniki and the korsaki; the Litovska Roma (Lithuanian Roma); and the Lotfitka Roma (Latvian Roma).

The Romani people in Belarus have often faced discrimination and negative stereotypes, particularly under Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union, and the administration of Alexander Lukashenko. Government suppression of the Roma is widespread under President Lukashenko, and approximately 80% of Belarusian Roma have been imprisoned at some point in their lives. Racial profiling by the police is common, and employment discrimination is also prevalent, with many Romani Belarusians facing difficulties in obtaining jobs.

Romani people in Belarus have a history dating back over 500 years and have often faced discrimination

The Roma people, also known as "Russian Gypsies", have a long history in Belarus, dating back over 500 years. While their population is relatively small compared to other Eastern European countries, facing discrimination and persecution has been a constant throughout their time in the country.

The first official mention of the Romani people in Belarus was in 1501, in a charter by the Grand Duke of Lithuania, which allowed them to roam the lands of the Principality. At this time, the Romani people led a semi-nomadic life, with some settled populations in urban centres, primarily Mir and Smarhon, where violence between the Roma and other ethnic groups often occurred. While the treatment of the Romani people in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was more liberal compared to Western Europe, anti-Romani attitudes were still prevalent in the government. The Statutes of Lithuania, for example, banned Romani people from holding public office, and numerous attempts were made to expel the nomadic groups.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, under the rule of the Russian Empire, multiple attempts were made to settle the Romani people and force them to adopt a peasant lifestyle. In 1812, however, restrictions on Romani settlement were abolished, granting them the same rights as other citizens in the empire.

The early days of the Soviet Union brought some positive changes for the Belarusian Romani people. The first Romani kolkhoz (collective farm) in the Soviet Union, "New Life", was established in 1927, followed by the creation of Romani-language textbooks and education. Unfortunately, these advancements were short-lived due to Operation Barbarossa and the Porajmos, which resulted in the killing and displacement of many Romani people.

In modern-day Belarus, the living conditions of the Romani community remain poor, with limited access to education and employment. According to the 2009 census, there are 7,079 Romani people in Belarus, although the community estimates their population to be closer to 60,000. The largest number of Romani people reside in the Gomel Region. Under the administration of President Alexander Lukashenko, government suppression and discrimination against the Romani people are widespread. Approximately 80% of Belarusian Romani people have been imprisoned at some point in their lives, and racial profiling by the police is a common occurrence.

The Romani people in Belarus continue to face significant challenges and discrimination, with a long history of persecution that stretches back centuries. Despite their small population, they have endured numerous hardships and struggled for their rights and cultural preservation.

The Roma of modern-day Belarus were generally nomadic, settling only during the winter and living on the outskirts of cities

The Roma people, or Gypsies, of modern-day Belarus have a long history in the region, dating back over 500 years. While their population is relatively small compared to other Eastern European countries, they have faced significant discrimination and persecution over the centuries. The Roma of modern-day Belarus were generally nomadic, settling only during the winter months and often living on the outskirts of cities, where they frequently served as traders. This semi-nomadic lifestyle was not unique to Belarus, as Roma communities across Europe have historically moved between settled and itinerant ways of life.

In the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which encompassed parts of modern-day Belarus, the Roma lived a semi-nomadic existence. They had both settled populations in urban centres and nomadic groups that moved between different areas. The settled Roma communities primarily lived in the cities of Mir and Smarhon, where violence between the Roma and other ethnic groups often occurred. In addition, numerous Romani villages existed throughout the region. Despite facing widespread anti-Romani attitudes in the government, the treatment of the Roma in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was relatively liberal compared to Western Europe.

Attempts to settle the Roma and force them to adopt a sedentary lifestyle have been made throughout history, including during the period when modern-day Belarus was part of the Russian Empire. These attempts were largely unsuccessful, and in 1812, restrictions on Roma settlement were abolished, granting them the same rights as other citizens in the empire. However, a drastic change occurred in 1956 when a Soviet government decree banned the nomadic lifestyle of the Russian Roma, forcing them to settle in houses. This decree also impacted the Roma in Belarus, further shaping their way of life.

Today, the living conditions of the Romani community in Belarus remain poor, and education levels are low. According to the 2009 census, there were 7,079 Roma living in Belarus. However, the Romani people themselves claim that the population is significantly higher, with estimates reaching as high as 60,000. The largest Roma community is in the Homel region, with over 2,500 people. Despite their long history and presence in the country, the Romani people in Belarus continue to face discrimination, employment challenges, and negative stereotypes from the majority population.

There is widespread government suppression of the Roma in Belarus, and approximately 80% of Belarusian Roma have been imprisoned at some point in their lives

The Roma people of Belarus have a long history in the country, dating back over 500 years. However, despite their deep roots, they remain a relatively small community compared to other Eastern European countries. The 2009 census recorded 7,079 Roma living in Belarus, though the real figure is likely much higher, with estimates ranging as high as 60,000. The largest Roma community is in the Gomel Region, with over 2,500 people.

Unfortunately, the Roma in Belarus have often faced discrimination and suppression. Throughout history, they have faced waves of persecution, particularly under Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union, and, more recently, the administration of President Alexander Lukashenko. Under Lukashenko, government suppression of the Roma is widespread and insidious. Approximately 80% of Belarusian Roma have been imprisoned at some point in their lives, and racial profiling by law enforcement is commonplace. The Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs is reported to have unofficial protocols that deliberately target the Roma community. This was evident in the aftermath of the suicide of police officer Jaŭhien Patapovič in Mahilioŭ, which led to the detention of over 100 Roma, who were accused of murdering him.

The Roma have also faced mass roundups and arbitrary arrests, such as the incident in Mogilev in May 2019, where approximately 100 individuals were detained, including women, men, and teenagers. These arrests were carried out with brute force, insults, and intimidation, and despite no subsequent charges, none of the detainees were compensated for the abuse of power by the authorities. This incident was linked to the investigation of the killing of a traffic police officer, which was ultimately ruled a suicide. The Roma community has also been subjected to police raids and mass arrests, as seen in the village of Hrebianiova near Mahiliou, where armed police officers targeted every Romani house in the village.

Employment discrimination is also a significant issue for the Roma in Belarus. Many are prevented from holding jobs in both private and state-owned enterprises, and negative stereotypes and prejudice remain widespread among non-Romani Belarusians. This discrimination extends beyond the professional realm, as the Roma community also faces challenges in education. In 2009, only 28 Roma had graduated from higher education, according to the census. While some Roma children attend school, many drop out after the 9th grade, and achieving adequate educational standards remains a challenge.

The Romani people in Belarus have endured a long history of discrimination and suppression, with the current widespread government suppression resulting in high incarceration rates and pervasive negative stereotypes.

Due to discrimination and negative stereotypes, it is difficult for Romani Belarusians to find employment

The Roma people, or Gypsies, of Belarus have a long history in the country, dating back over 500 years. While the exact number of Roma in Belarus is unknown, the 2009 census recorded around 7,000 Roma, while the Roma community itself estimates a figure of around 60,000. The Roma of Belarus have often faced discrimination and negative stereotypes, which has made it difficult for them to find employment. This discrimination is widespread and deeply rooted in Belarusian society, with around 80% of Belarusian Roma having been imprisoned at some point in their lives, and racial profiling by the police being common.

The discrimination and negative stereotypes faced by the Romani Belarusians are not limited to employment. The Roma have also been subjected to police raids and mass arrests, with more than 100 Roma detained and accused of murdering a police officer in one instance. In addition, the Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs has been reported to have unofficial protocols that deliberately target the Roma. The Roma also face issues with education, with low enrollment and graduation rates, as well as poverty and substandard living conditions.

The situation of the Romani Belarusians is further complicated by their semi-nomadic lifestyle and the lack of permanent asylum, as they have been migrating for centuries. This way of life has led to misunderstandings and the formation of negative stereotypes about the Roma community. The Roma are often associated with criminality, theft, and deception, which further contributes to the discrimination they face in employment and other areas of life.

Despite the challenges and discrimination faced by the Romani Belarusians, there are some positive signs. For example, the early days of the Soviet Union brought positive changes for the Belarusian Roma, with the establishment of the first Romani kolkhoz in the Soviet Union, "New Life", in the Vitebsk District in 1927. In addition, some Roma have been able to find seasonal work at collective farms, and a few have graduated from higher education. However, overall, the living conditions of the Romani community in Belarus remain poor, and employment discrimination is widespread.

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