Christian Bobst Photography

In Kosovo the Roma are a stigmatized ethnic minority, just like in many countries in the Balkan. Kosovo is one of the poorest countries in Europe, with one of the highest unemployment rates on the continent. Conditions for the Roma communities in Kosovo are desolate. Extreme poverty and catastrophic living conditions in houses without electricity and running water characterize the situation of most Roma in Kosovo. Excluded and excluded from education and income, they struggle for daily survival. Tens of thousands have already left the country bound for Serbia or western Europe. But many of them are sent back from western European countries. In Kosovo they hey have hardly any perspective. There are virtually no permanent jobs for Roma people. Most of them try to make a living on collecting and separating waste. As a consequence many suffer from chronic illnesses. The money they earn is hardly enough to buy food, but certainly not enough to be able to afford medical treatment. The average life expectancy of Roma people in Kosovo is around 45 years.

Year: 2016