Situation of Gypsies in Poland [POL1440]

According to one source, the Gypsy population of Poland in 1986 was estimated at 70,000, including sedentary and nomadic groups. [ Roma: Europe's Gypsies, (London: The Minority Rights Group, 1987), p. 13.] Another source states the number of Gypsies residing in Poland was estimated in 1985 to be approximately 12,000, [ La Force des Faibles, (Paris: Larousse, 1987), p. 274.] although the source did not indicate whether this figure referred to nomadic, sedentary or both segments of Gypsy population.

The attached copy of Roma: Europe's Gypsies, published in 1987, provides the most comprehensive report on the situation of Gypsies presently available at the IRBDC.

Please find attached an abstract of a book on Gypsies published in a human rights journal, as well as two sections of a publication of the abovementioned publication and a section on Gypsies from the French publication, La Force des Faibles. In general terms, Roma and La Force des Faibles indicate that socialist countries of Eastern Europe have made attempts to integrate Gypsy populations into the urban society, sometimes by coercion, and with varying results. In Poland, Gypsies have reportedly faced discrimination or hostility and, on occasions, deportation, although in at least one place they have been integrated into the local community.

Please find attached the following documents:
-Roma: Europe's Gypsies, by Grattan Puxton, (London: The Minority Rights Group, 1987), pp. 3-4, 9-10;
-Human Rights Internet Reporter, (Massachusetts: The Human Rights Internet, 1987), pp. 92-93;
-La Force des Faibles, by Roger Caratini, (Paris: Larousse, 1987), pp. 173-184.