Forced evictions in Sofia threaten Roma children’s rights

Eurochild condemns the forced evictions of Roma children and families in Sofia, which violated European Court of Human Rights orders and left 200+ people homeless. We stand with member Concordia Bulgaria, calling for immediate housing solutions and EU action against Roma exclusion.

Eurochild condemns the recent forced evictions of Roma families in Sofia's Zaharna Fabrika neighbourhood. These actions represent serious violations of fundamental human rights, with devastating consequences for children and families.

The early morning demolition of homes, carried out despite an explicit order by the European Court of Human Rights instructing the state not to proceed with such action, demonstrates a troubling disregard for international legal obligations, including the right to an adequate standard of living. This implies violating a wide range of children’s rights.

Over 200 people, including children, infants, and elderly individuals, have been left without shelter, access to basic services, or alternative accommodation. This demonstrates a systematic failure to uphold the rights of one of Europe's ethnic communities.

For children, forced evictions are particularly traumatic. The loss of home creates profound insecurity and disrupts:

• Educational continuity
• Access to healthcare
• Social connections
• Psychological wellbeing
• Family stability

Research consistently shows that housing insecurity prevents families from building economic resilience and creates cycles of disadvantage that can persist across generations.

We stand with our member organisation, Concordia Bulgaria, which has raised alarm about these evictions and their impact on vulnerable children and families. Together, we emphasise that forced evictions without adequate alternatives perpetuate cycles of poverty and social exclusion. We urgently call upon:

• Bulgarian authorities to immediately provide adequate alternative housing for all affected families, with special attention to children's needs, and to prevent forced evictions from happening in the future.
• The European Commission to condemn forced evictions, without proper legal safeguards, notice, or the provision of alternative housing, disproportionately affect marginalised groups, as a violation of EU values and EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
• Bulgaria as well as all EU Member States to develop comprehensive policies and allocate to address Roma housing exclusion in line with the EU Roma Strategic Framework.
• Forced evictions must be prohibited in all circumstances, regardless of ownership or tenure status of those affected. In exceptional cases, forced eviction can take place, but only with meaningful consultation, adequate notice, and provision of suitable alternative accommodation. The rights of Roma children must be defended against this blatant violations of children’s rights.

Secure stability of tenure is not merely a policy issue—it is a fundamental right and the foundation for child wellbeing, social inclusion, and equal opportunities in our societies.