COVID-19 Effects on Roma Health Rights and Social Determinants in Seville

Seville, 16 May 2020. Following the meeting with the Mayor of Seville, Juan Espadas, on Wednesday 6th May, Roma women, CESPYD, Studio 41013 and other collaborators developed a policy brief with a set of recommendations that have been proposed to the City Council.

Roma populations of Seville suffer a constant violation of their human rights during the COVID-19 crisis. Government and municipal policies have ignored the specific conditions of Roma families and communities. Scientific evidence warns that the health of ethnic minorities is exposed to greater risks than the rest of the population as a result of certain socio-political determinants. Specifically, Roma communities are vulnerable as a result of institutional anti-gypsyism, which leads to policies that deprive them of resources and opportunities for a healthy life. The aim of this document is to shed light on the new challenges that Roma families and communities are facing as a consequence of the current pandemic and to provide a set of short and long-term recommendations that can inspire public policies respectful with human rights aims.