International Romani Day 8th April

Do you know why Finnish Roma women dress in traditional costume? What do the Roma and the mainstream population have in common? What do Roma teenagers think about life and the future?

The Roma have lived in Finland for almost 500 years. They are what is known as an old ethnic minority, with their own language, customs and culture. They are Finnish citizens and have the same rights and obligations as other Finns.

The Roma live everywhere in the country, but mostly in southern Finland and in the Helsinki area. Official estimates put their numbers between 10,000 and 12,000. In addition, some 3,000 Finnish Roma live in Sweden.

Romani language

The Finnish Romani language is listed as a seriously endangered language in the UNESCO Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger and there has been a real threat of the language's extinction.

Photo: Maria Friman
Roma child make the acquaintance of new occupation
Roma child make the acquaintance of new occupation

Over time, legislation has begun to accord some understanding and recognition of the value of the Romani language. In the 1990s, Finland took a historical decision which attracted international attention: in 1995, the Finnish constitution included recognition of the importance of and rights associated with the Romani language.

The same provisions were included in section 17(3) of the new Constitution of 2000. This provision is regarded as a general constitutional safeguard for minorities, obliging the authorities to enable and support the development of the Romani language and culture, for example.

Culture

The Roma in Finland on average are in a better position than Roma in other European countries. The main reason for this is that the Finnish Roma have Finnish citizenship. They have the same rights and obligations as the others, and they feel that they are, first and foremost, Finnish Roma.

In 1995, the rights of the Roma as a minority were incorporated for the first time in the Constitution and, later on, by means of many laws and treaties.

ROMPO aims at equality

Finland’s first National Policy on Roma (ROMPO) has been drafted for the period 2010–2017. Its aim is that by 2017, Finland will lead the way in Europe in the promotion of the equality of the Roma population.

The Romanit.fi(Link to another website.) website is a source of information on the history of the Roma, their customs and present-day existence in Finland and in Europe