Barriers for Romani communities in accessing essential services due to digitalisation
ERRC state that the digitalisation of public services in Albania and Bulgaria has amplified systemic inequalities, disproportionately affecting marginalised communities, particularly Roma. While these initiatives were introduced to modernise administrative processes, they have, in practice, created malpractice and additional barriers to accessing essential services, effectively excluding individuals who lack digital literacy, internet access, or the financial means to engage with digital platforms.
ERRC will take litigation seeking to secure concrete and enforceable remedies that address systemic digital exclusion and the failure of data protection authorities to uphold their mandates in Albania and Bulgaria. The litigation seeks to challenge the structural exclusion of Romani and other marginalised communities from essential services, setting binding legal precedents that reinforce non-discrimination, data protection, and equitable access to digital platforms. It seeks to hold the target states accountable for their failure to implement safeguards that prevent digital exclusion and exploitation, ensuring that future digital policies comply with human rights, EU law, and international data protection standards.
Barriers for Romani communities in accessing essential services due to digitalisation
Organisation Name
European Roma Rights Centre
Country/Jurisdiction
Albania and Bulgaria
Grant Amount
EUR 65,000
Current Status
Ongoing
Image credit: Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels
Grant type
Litigation Track Support
Description
European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) state that the digitalisation of public services in Albania and Bulgaria has amplified systemic inequalities, disproportionately affecting marginalised communities, particularly Roma. While these initiatives were introduced to modernise administrative processes, they have, in practice, created malpractice and additional barriers to accessing essential services, effectively excluding individuals who lack digital literacy, internet access, or the financial means to engage with digital platforms.
ERRC will take litigation seeking to secure concrete and enforceable remedies that address systemic digital exclusion and the failure of data protection authorities to uphold their mandates in Albania and Bulgaria. The litigation seeks to challenge the structural exclusion of Romani and other marginalised communities from essential services, setting binding legal precedents that reinforce non-discrimination, data protection, and equitable access to digital platforms. It seeks to hold the target states accountable for their failure to implement safeguards that prevent digital exclusion and exploitation, ensuring that future digital policies comply with human rights, EU law, and international data protection standards.
"the digitalisation of public services in Albania and Bulgaria has amplified systemic inequalities, disproportionately affecting marginalised communities, particularly Roma"
Strategic Goals
- To establish legal precedents recognising digital exclusion as a form of structural discrimination.
- To set a foundation for future challenges to discriminatory digital policies across Europe, reinforcing the principle that states must ensure equal access to public services regardless of technological or financial barriers.
- To contribute to long-term structural change that protects the rights of Roma and other marginalised groups.
Media and related links