Roma villages have existed in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) since the 19th century, and today, this population constitutes the largest minority in the country. Nevertheless, they are among the most marginalized, disenfranchised, and discriminated against communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and are tirelessly seeking basic human rights. Estimates of the number of Roma in Bosnia and Herzegovina varies from source to source. According to the 2013 population census, the number is approximately 13,000. However, data from Roma associations suggests that the number is significantly higher—between 80 and 100 thousand—while institutional data indicates a population of between 40 and 50 thousand. International estimates also differ from the aforementioned figures, reflecting the systematic inconsistency regarding this community as well as the lack of will and effort to address the daily challenges faced by the Roma in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Regionally as well as in Europe, Bosnia and Herzegovina stands out for the number of international human rights declarations to which it is a signatory, as well as for the number of laws, action plans, and other legislative measures it has adopted on this issue. However, the implementation of these plans and measures remains an issue. Initiatives such as the Strategy for Resolving the Roma Problem, the adoption of the Action Plan for Resolving the Roma Problem in Employment, Housing, and Healthcare, and the 2021-2025 Action Plan for the Social Inclusion of Roma and Roma women have considerable potential, but their realization falls short. Nedžad Jusić, president of the Euro Rom Roma association, believes that allocating funds to Roma communities is crucial for their prosperity. “With the 1.3 million budget foreseen for 2023 by the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees, it’s impossible to work toward preserving Roma cultural identity, employment, and housing in the two entities and the Brčko District. Millions should be set aside, but unfortunately the funds are decreasing year by year, and the needs are growing,” said Jusić. The insufficient allocated funding and the lack of will among authorities are compounded by the fact that 95% of the Roma community does not have a monthly income. This gives rise to numerous problems, including unemployment, limited access to education and healthcare, absence of official documents, and discrimination in all spheres of life. Indira Bajramović, president of the Bolja Budućnost Roma Women’s Association, expressed concern about the situation and unfavorable living conditions in Roma communities. “The situation in Roma communities is still very bad. A small number are employed in utility companies or perhaps similar positions, while the majority are unemployed, and live by collecting secondary raw materials. Unfortunately, we still have families that are not in the health care system, there is still discrimination and prejudice against the Roma population, as well as domestic violence. When you look directly at Roma settlements, they are places without infrastructure, some don’t have electricity or water, and the households are not connected at all. Most of these settlements are illegal, but although there has been talk of legalization for years, nothing happens,” said Bajramović. The lack of initiative among the authorities has contributed to the subordinate status of the Roma in Bosnia and Herzegovina. While every major change starts with education, support for education is needed at both the state and local levels. In the absence of alternative options, members of the Roma community are often forced turn to activities like begging and crime in order to survive. The tragic reality is that those in positions of authority, who have the power to ease the lives of the Roma community through legalizing their settlements and supplying them with basic necessities like water and electricity, are doing the exact opposite. One example is the “relocation” of the Roma settlement in Ilidža at the end of 2021, an action that left several families homeless and stripped of all that was familiar to them. As compensation for being evicted from their homes, the families were accommodated in container housing in the Rakovica settlement near Sarajevo, without water, electricity, and basic necessities. Unfortunately, the problems faced by the Roma community in Bosnia and Herzegovina are not limited to the absence of initiative among the authorities. One of their most significant and painful challenges is discrimination by their fellow citizens.