Discriminazioni abitative e povertà: quale tutela per i minori rom nel diritto dell’Unione europea?

This paper examines the intersection between housing discrimination and child poverty, focusing on the specific vulnerabilities faced by Romani children within the European Union. It highlights how inadequate housing conditions and systemic discrimination against Roma communities perpetuate intergenerational poverty and undermine fundamental rights. While the right to adequate housing is recognized at both international and European levels, its practical enforcement remains limited, especially regarding vulnerable groups like Romani children. The analysis begins by outlining the socio-economic challenges faced by Roma families, emphasizing the disproportionate impact of housing discrimination on children’s access to education, healthcare, and social development. It then explores the role of the European Union, addressing its legal framework and the limitations of the Racial Equality Directive (2000/43/EC) in effectively combating housing discriminations. Despite the EU’s strategic efforts to promote Roma inclusion, the study finds that these measures often lack binding force and robust enforcement mechanisms, leaving the responsibility largely to Member States. The paper concludes by calling for an expanded interpretation of housing rights within EU law and greater integration of child-specific considerations in policymaking. It advocates for stronger EU oversight and a commitment to addressing structural inequalities, ensuring that Romani children can access adequate housing and equal opportunities for development.