Roma and Egyptians in Albania: From Social Exclusion to Social Inclusion

World Bank Working Paper No. 5 / 2005
Hermine De Soto
Sabine Beddies
Ilir Gedeshi

Summary: In the process of Albania’s efforts to create a market economy, the standard of living for the majority of the population has improved. However two groups have been negatively affected by the transition: the Roma and the Egyptian communities. They are now the poorest and most marginalized people in the country. Their skills do not match new labour market requirements, and they suffer from limited access to public services such as health care and education. They also lack a political voice which renders them unable to participate in or influence decision-making that affects their lives. Further, their traditional values of mutual assistance have been eroded as different clans are forced to compete for scarce resources.

This study seeks to identify as accurately as possible the key issues and dynamics underlying the social exclusion of the two communities. It assesses the situation of the Roma and Egyptian communities in Albania, providing both quantitative and qualitative date on these communities. It also provides insights into the potential social exclusion processes that affect these communities. Finally, the paper provides advice on the design of concrete actions that facilitate the inclusion of Roma and Egyptians in Albanian society.
 

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