Cassandra uses old school papers to burn the insulation off of scavenged wire so she can sell the copper. She and her sister scavenge on the streets of Tirana –they are among hundreds of Roma children who have been driven to work to bring income for their impoverished families and who are missing out on getting an education and living a ‘normal’ childhood. Street working children interviewed in a World Vision and John Hopkins University study said, “When we don’t bring money home they [parents] don’t allow us to play with friends.” Others said, “I go to (work on) the street without eating and my stomach hurts all the time.” Photo by Jon Warren.

International Day of the Roma – 8 April celebrates Roma history and traditions- but instead of celebrating, many Roma children will spend the day like any other – doing dangerous work, missing out on school and falling prey to exploiters and traffickers. Across the Balkans and Caucasus, World Vision calls for the rights of all Roma people, particularly children, to be fulfilled...