Around 200 Roma people in Sofia have been left homeless following the demolition of their homes by local authorities, without due process, adequate prior notice, or exploration of alternative solutions, and in direct violation of a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). Now deprived of shelter, access to water, electricity, and other basic services, the affected families, including children, elderly individuals, pregnant people, and people with disabilities, are living in extremely precarious conditions. Amnesty International considers that such eviction, given the lack of procedural safeguards and resulting homelessness for most of the affected people, amounts to a ‘forced’ eviction, a practice prohibited under Bulgaria’s international and regional human rights obligations. Amnesty International urges the Bulgarian authorities to provide all affected families with adequate alternative housing, medical care, and social support.
PLEASE TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNTIL: November 9, 2025
Dear Mayor Vasil Terziev,
I am writing to urgently call for immediate action regarding the ongoing dire situation affecting Roma families in Zaharna Fabrika in Sofia, Bulgaria. Beginning on April 15, the Ilinden district administration of Sofia demolished dozens of homes in Zaharna Fabrika, leaving almost 200 Roma people – including children, elderly individuals, and pregnant people – homeless. Most families were left without shelter or access to essential services like water, electricity, healthcare, and education. Since the demolitions, only a few families have been provided with alternative housing by the authorities. The majority remain in extremely precarious conditions, sleeping in tents or relying on makeshift shelters.
The demolitions occurred without adequate due process, prior notice, or genuine consultation to explore alternative solutions, defying the April 11 ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).
I call on you to take immediate action to stop any further forced evictions. I also call on you to ensure that all affected families are provided with alternative adequate housing, along with access to essential services such as medical care, social support, and education. I urge you to act without delay to address this situation and to uphold Bulgaria’s obligations under international and regional human rights law.
Yours sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
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