5 years of exile - Kosovos forgotten refugees

Approximately 60.000 - 70.000 Roma (Gypsies) fled their homes, when the Albanians refugees returned after the end of NATO's bombing campaign in the summer 1999. The Roma were blamed for co-operating with the Serbs and for stealing from the Albanians. But most Roma were just trying to keep out of trouble, keeping their head down and not getting involved in the Serb and Albanian conflict.

The Roma refugees have spread all over Montenegro, Serbia, Macedonia and Northern Kosovo. Most of them are living in refugee camps, shacks, rented rooms, small collective centres, and a few big camps. The majority is unemployed and depend on humanitarian donations. The few in "jobs" are beggars, garbage collectors and street cleaners. Only the ones with relatives in Western Europe survive at an acceptable level. I have photographed them for the last 5 years, making 5 trips.

5 years of exile - Kosovos forgotten refugees Photos of the Roma refugees in refugees camps in Kosovo, Serbia, Macedonia and Montenegro.