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European Social Fund Managing Authority

Sweden has ratified the Framework Convention for the protection of National Minorities and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. At the time of ratification Roma were recognised as on of Sweden’s national minorities and Romani Chib as a national minority language.

The number of Roma living in Sweden is estimated at between 40 000 and 50 000 people. The Romani population in Sweden is not homogenous. It includes descendants of the Romani groups that arrived in Sweden in the 16th century as well as those who came to Sweden at the end of the 20th century. Among the oldest Romani groups in Sweden is the Finnish Kalé Roma, of which there are an estimated 3 200. The Travellers, who have also been in Sweden since the 16th century, are estimated to be around 20 000 in number. The Romani community in Sweden also includes the 2 500 or so Swedish Kelderash Roma whose forefathers came to Sweden some 100 years ago. The largest group of Roma in Sweden, normally referred to as “non-Nordic” Roma, is estimated to be about 15 000 in number and came to Sweden at the end of the 1960s or later. As a result of the collapse of former Yugoslavia, at least 5 000 Roma came to Sweden, mostly from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

There are no figures as to the number of speakers of the different varieties of Romani Chib in Sweden. Romani Chib consists of several different varieties. In connection with Sweden’s ratification of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, all the varieties spoken in Sweden were recognised as one minority language.

Since autumn of 2006 there is a Government appointed Delegation for Roma Issues with the task of improving the situation of the Roma in Sweden. The delegation consists of ten members, half of whom are of Roma origin. A number of experts and a broad reference group consisting of representatives for the Roma organisations have also been appointed for permanent consultation.

One of the delegation’s tasks is to gather experiences and knowledge in the area and submit proposals for how the living conditions of Roma in Swedish society can be improved. The delegation is also to promote and support municipal projects and activities aimed at improving the situation of Roma. Finally, the delegation is to inform and disseminate knowledge about Roma and their situation in Sweden and encourage the exchange of knowledge and experiences among central agencies and municipalities. In its activities, the delegation will draw particular attention to the conditions for Roma children and young people, the need for support and the situation for women and girls. A gender equality and child perspective is to be fully integrated into the delegation’s analyses and proposals. The work also presupposes a close dialogue and cooperation with Roma, both women and men as well as girls and boys. The delegation is to present its final report in December 2009 and will then put forward proposals for how the work on improving the situation of Roma in Sweden is to continue.

The Government has annual consultation meetings with the representatives of the national minorities, including Roma.

In Sweden there is an extensive legislation against ethnic discrimination. Since Roma as a group are particularly adversely affected by prejudice and discrimination the Ombudsman against ethnic discrimination has received additional funding for Roma related issues.

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