ERGO Network Study Visit to La Voix des Rroms
26-28 March 2025, Paris, France
In March 2025, some of our members participated in a three-day study visit to Paris hosted by our French member, La Voix des Rroms. The trip provided an opportunity to learn more about our members and other grassroots initiatives, explore the rich cultural heritage of Roma in France, and reflect on the ongoing struggles and resistance of Roma communities.
Remembering and resisting: Médiathèque Matéo Maximoff
The study visit began at the Médiathèque Matéo Maximoff, a cultural institution dedicated to Roma history and literature. Established in 1949 and managed by FNASAT, the library serves as a resource for Roma heritage, holding books, films, vinyl records, and the extensive archives of its namesake, Matéo Maximoff. A pioneering Roma writer, Maximoff documented Roma life and resilience, leaving behind 8,000 photographic slides that continue to inspire new generations.
Participants were moved by stories of the Nazi-era internment of Roma in France, a tragic history marked by forced confinement and discrimination that persisted long after World War II. The visit reinforced the importance of preserving Roma narratives, also as a means of advocating for justice.
Inclusion in action: Les Enfants du Canal
At Le Mesnil, participants engaged with Les Enfants du Canal, an initiative supporting Roma migrants from Romania. Founded in 2007, the organisation provides housing, employment opportunities, and educational workshops. A fixed address is essential in France to access basic rights, and the project has successfully assisted 86 families in securing stable housing and employment.
The visit allowed participants to meet Roma families, witness the living conditions in supported housing, and discuss the integration challenges. Conversations underscored the need for sustainable policies that empower Roma migrants rather than marginalising them.
Roma resistance and activism: La Voix des Rroms
La Voix des Rroms, a key ERGO Network member, has been at the forefront of Roma activism in France. The organisation has championed Roma resistance since 2010, advocating against evictions, mediating with public authorities, and providing legal support. Their small but dedicated team works tirelessly to combat discrimination and promote Roma rights.
During the visit to their office at 6B in Saint-Denis, discussions revolved around the financing of Roma NGOs, the role of young people in activism, and the challenges of maintaining independence from government influence. The dynamic exchange sparked ideas for future collaborations and reinforced the importance of grassroots advocacy.
Honouring the past: A tribute to Raymond Gurême
A particularly emotional moment of the visit was the tribute to Raymond Gurême, a Roma resistance hero who survived Nazi persecution and spent his life fighting against antigypsyism. At Brétigny-sur-Orge, participants laid flowers at the memorial for interned Roma and met Gurême’s family, who welcomed them warmly at their home. Seeing his preserved caravan, where he lived until his passing, was a powerful reminder of the resilience and dignity of Roma communities.
Reflections and moving forward
Beyond the official visits, the group explored Paris, unfolded the Roma flag at the Eiffel Tower, and engaged in deep conversations about the similarities and differences between Roma experiences across Europe. The study visit strengthened our connections and let us better understand not only the realities of Roma in France and the work of La Voix des Rroms but also other European realities.