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European Roma Grassroots Organisations Network

ERGO Network mobilizes and connects grassroots, national and international organisations and individuals who share a set of core values to create the courage, capacity and opportunities to combat antigypsyism and Roma poverty; strengthen Roma civil society participation in decision-making at grassroots, national and European level and commit governments and European institutions to effective social inclusion and anti-discrimination policies, standards and funds for Roma.

LATEST NEWS

A Step Back in Roma Inclusion: EU Roma Platform Fails to Address Rising Challenges

A Step Back in Roma Inclusion: EU Roma Platform Fails to Address Rising Challenges

October 3, 2024

Position: Junior Communications Officer

Position: Junior Communications Officer

October 3, 2024

Help Rebuild Lives: Urgent Aid for Flooded Roma Communities in Central Europe

Help Rebuild Lives: Urgent Aid for Flooded Roma Communities in Central Europe

September 24, 2024

CSOs react to New European Commission

CSOs react to New European Commission

September 23, 2024

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ergo.network

Non-profit network based in Brussels, connecting Roma and pro-Roma grassroots organizations across Europe

🚨 Check this out! 🚨 Our director, Gabriela

🚨 Check this out! 🚨

Our director, Gabriela Hrabanova just shared her article on the major setbacks at the 17th EU Roma Platform that happened on the 1st of October 2024.

As antigypsyism rises across Europe, political support is vanishing when we need it most.

The growing tendency of political apathy and the lack of a meaningful engagement from high-ranking officials—it’s a wake-up call for our community! 💥

Check our website to access the full article: https://ergonetwork.org

#EURomaPlatform2024

🌟 We are HIRING! 🌟 ERGO Network is hiring a

🌟 We are HIRING! 🌟

ERGO Network is hiring a full-time Junior Communications Officer to join its team in Brussels starting in January 2025.

Your tasks would include:

📧 Manage our channels & newsletters
📣 Support campaigns & advocacy
🎥 Help live stream events
📰 Build contacts with the media

...and more!

We offer:

✨ An open-ended full-time contract (37.5 hours per week) under Belgian law.
💰 Salary: 2.400 EUR per month gross, coupled with various legal and extra-legal benefits
🏢 A workplace in an organisation committed to the values of equality, democracy, fairness, integrity, and sustainability

To apply, head to our website and fill out the application form.

🚨 Deadline for applications: October 27th 2024

Read more and apply on our website:

www.ergonetwork.org

The 17th European Platform for Roma Inclusion, org

The 17th European Platform for Roma Inclusion, organised by the @europeancommission's DG JUST, is taking place today on 1 October 2024, in Brussels.

#ERGONetwork has prepared a set of actions we would urge the European Commission to take to prioritise the fight against antigypsyism.

We want the EC to ensure that merging the Equality and Crisis Preparedness portfolios does not sideline Roma inclusion and equality.

The protection of human rights and the advancement of Europe's largest ethnic minority must not be overshadowed by crisis management.

Check our stories throughout the day for the highlights from this event. #euromaplatform

🚨 Critical Assessment of Roma Framework Report

🚨 Critical Assessment of Roma Framework Report 🚨

📊 Just before the #EURomaPLatform, the new report by the @europeancommission on the implementation of national Roma frameworks until June 2023 has revealed severe deficiencies in member states' actions.

While the report shows improvements since 2021/2022, it lacks concrete examples of meaningful progress in crucial areas, especially in addressing #antigypsyism.

🏫🏠 Education and housing segregation are recognised but dealt with separately, showing a fragmented approach to solving these complex issues.

Unfortunately, the Commission's guidance feels disconnected from the realities faced by Roma communities, failing to tackle crucial issues such as hate speech, racist violence, and lack of representation.

❗ The report highlights the urgent need for member states to move beyond symbolic gestures and engage in real, comprehensive efforts to end the systemic racism and social exclusion of Roma communities.

🤝 Equality, human rights, and inclusion must be at the heart of the EU's future policies.

Without collective commitment, robust policies, and the involvement of Roma communities, the fight against discrimination will stall, threatening the very principles of justice and equality within the European Union.

👉 Read the full report: LINK IN THE STORIES

#RomaRights #Antigypsyism

Earlier this week, @ergo.network Senior Policy Off

Earlier this week, @ergo.network Senior Policy Officer Isabela Mihalache participated in the @eccar_network European Coalition of Cities Against Racism - General Conference "🌍 Don’t Let Europe Go Backwards!" in Heidelberg.

The conference highlighted the vital role cities play in safeguarding human rights and marked ECCAR’s 20th anniversary, a milestone at a time when minorities in Europe face growing challenges.

We brought one quote from this event to share with you.

Images (c) Joe Pohl and Patrick Böttger
#citiesforusall✨ #antigypsyism

🆘 We need your help! 🆘 The 2024 floods have

🆘 We need your help! 🆘

The 2024 floods have devastated Roma and non-Roma communities in Central and Eastern Europe.

ERGO Network is launching an urgent fundraiser to support our members in Ostrava Vzájemné soužití ops in providing essential relief to the hardest-hit families.

💧 Donate now to bring food, clean water, blankets, and school supplies to those most need it. Every euro counts!

👉 LINK in BIO

#CycloneBoris #RomaSolidarity

🇪🇺💼Crisis Over Equality? We urge the EU t

🇪🇺💼Crisis Over Equality? We urge the EU to prioritise antiracism and Roma inclusion🇪🇺

In response to the unveiling of the new @europeancommission we at #ErgoNetwork are concerned over the diminishing focus on equality, particularly with regard to Roma.

The Commission’s composition and portfolio allocations emphasize economic competitiveness and crisis management, pushing social equality into the background. This is a departure from the previous Commission’s commitment to a “#unionofequality” and is sadly rather expected. It is also in line with the current lack of Roma representatives in the new @europeanparliament and the slogan of the Hungarian Presidency in the @eucouncil “#makeeuropegreatagain.”

The new Commissioner-designate for Equality, Hadja Lahbib, is also the Commissioner-designate for Preparedness and Crisis Management.

We welcome the presence of a woman with a minority background as Commissioner, but we are very much concerned about the merging of the Equality portfolio with issues that have nothing in common and the political message this sends to both Member States and EU citizens.

While there is a decline in the protection of human rights and the rule of law in the EU, this nomination can only legitimise the rise of the far-right and leave space for challenging the priority given by the EU to fighting racism and ensuring equality for all.

With this new nomination (merged portfolio), it is reasonable to expect that a crisis—like a pandemic, war, or another economic, environmental, or geopolitical one—will dominate the Commissioner’s agenda. If the last years have taught us anything, it is that we can always be sure there are enough crises to fill a Commissioner’s working day.

ERGO Network calls out the failure of both Member States and the leadership of the Commission to ensure that Equality is given the place it needs within the work of the #EU and insists that emphasis on antiracism, including the fight against antigypsyism and Roma discrimination, is not overshadowed but the merger of #Equality with other issues.

Some action from our Study Session: This flashmo

Some action from our Study Session:

This flashmob happened in Budapest, in Mechwart Liget. We have used art and music to attract attention to serious human rights violations and #antigypsyism.

Video by @thisisreal_og_mako

We are currently in the middle of our study sessio

We are currently in the middle of our study session with @ternype - International Roma Youth Network and @coe_youth, and it’s been such an incredible experience so far! 🌟

We started the day by sharing personal stories about how and why our participants decided to apply for this session and how they became active in the topic of antigypsyism – so many inspiring journeys! 💭

Then, we had the honour of welcoming our first guest, @gabrielaeuropean, the Director of #ERGONetwork. She shared her powerful and motivational story.

🙌 Next, we attended a session with Oana Taba, who discussed the role of the @councilofeurope in combating #Antigypsyism—from recommendation to action.

To top it all off, we’ll finish our day with a flash mob, so stay tuned for our stories! 🎉

Our Summer Academy has just started in Budapest.

Our Summer Academy has just started in Budapest.

Watch our stories these coming days for more updates!

@ternype @coe_youth

🌟 And we are on! the Today, we started a fanta

🌟 And we are on!
the
Today, we started a fantastic learning, connection, and growth week! The study session of the Decade against #antigypsyism started in the European Youth Centre Budapest.

Martina and Mihai from ERGO Network and ternYpe - International Roma Youth Network opened the session with words of welcome, followed by Deputy Executive Director Marcos Andrade, who reminded us of the importance of standing together to combat antigypsyism - the weapon of mass destruction, a silent, yet often loud, force we must face head-on. 💪

📋The day will be filled with engaging activities, from creating a safe space to powerful team-building exercises, and will be wrapped up with a session on bringing realities to the news.

🫱🏾‍🫲🏻The annual Summer Academy has been organised as a study session in cooperation with the ERGO Network and #ternYpe International Roma Youth Network with the Council of Europe.

👫🏽It aims to empower young Roma and non-Roma activists as ambassadors for the “Decade to Counter Antigypsyism” and prepare them to implement local educational projects to counter antigypsyism.

🌏 Today, we are happy to share the last researc

🌏 Today, we are happy to share the last research from our member Policy Center for Roma and Minorities.

In 2023, ERGO Network awarded its members with small grants in 3 different categories as part of our Annual Work Programme “#Roma #Equality, #Inclusion and #Participation 2023”, funded by the CERV Programme of the European Commission.

Roma communities are disproportionately affected by #environmental hazards. To address this issue, we need to adopt a human rights-based approach that prioritizes community involvement. This includes using legal action, implementing relocation or hazard mitigation strategies, and ensuring community participation in environmental solutions.

👇You can read the full research here here: https://ergonetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Environment-research-ERGO_AR-Edit.pdf

📢DEADLINE EXTENDED: APPLY NOW TO BE OUR NATIONA

📢DEADLINE EXTENDED: APPLY NOW TO BE OUR NATIONAL FOCAL POINT!

We are seeking committed #Roma Civil Society representatives to serve as National Focal Points in #Albania, #Bulgaria, #Czechia, #Greece, #Germany, #Italy, #North Macedonia, #Romania, #Spain, and #Slovakia. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of the #RIPE (Roma Inclusion, Participation & Equality) Index & Map, a vital tool in the fight against #antigypsyism and #discrimination.

📌About the Role:
National Focal Points will assist in data collection and provide critical insights into the implementation of Human Rights standards related to the Roma and Travellers' communities. This role is integral to ensuring that the voices of Roma communities are heard and represented at local, national, and European levels.

Interested candidates should submit 📄:
📌A document (200 words max) outlining your organization's experience, qualifications, and capacity.
📌A brief statement of interest detailing your motivation and suitability for the role.
📌Please send your application to info@ergonetwork.org by 02 September 2024 23:59 CET.

🌍 For more information, visit our website: https://ergonetwork.org/.../call-for-national-focal-points/

Today, we are happy to share more results of our s

Today, we are happy to share more results of our subgrating work with our European members—this time, our research comes from Integro Association, in Bulgaria.

In 2023, ERGO Network awarded its members with small grants in 3 different categories as part of our Annual Work Programme “#Roma #Equality, #Inclusion and #Participation 2023”, funded by the #CERV Programme of the @europeancommission.

📜 This infographic is based on the research conducted by our member Integro Association carried out on the topic on the experiences of Roma #children. In this research, our member NGO has been diving deep into the policies and their practical implications. Their findings, summarized in this infographic, identify areas where the Child Guarantee is making a difference and where improvements are needed.

👇You can read the full research here here:
https://ergonetwork.org/.../Research_Integro_ENG_2023-1.pdf

We are excited to share the results of our subgran

We are excited to share the results of our subgranting work with members across Europe.

In 2023, ERGO Network awarded its members with small grants in 3 different categories as part of our Annual Work Programme “#Roma #Equality, #Inclusion and #Participation 2023”, funded by the #CERV Programme of the @europeancommission and supported by the @European Programme for Integration and Migration (EPIM).

Four of the grants were dedicated to national research on different topics, and so for the upcoming weeks, we will share infographics created using the research produced by the members as a basis.

This infographic is based on the research our member Fundacja Jaw Dikh from Poland carried out on the topic of #Roma #activists who support #Ukrainian Roma #refugees residing in Poland. It documented their valuable experiences, promoted the Roma agency, and advocated for policy changes to empower Roma communities.

👇You can read more about this research here:
https://ergonetwork.org/2024/02/inclusion-or-exclusion-the-reality-for-roma-refugees-in-poland/

We are happy to share more results of our subgrati

We are happy to share more results of our subgrating work with our European members—this time, our research comes from @slovo21zs in the Czech Republic.
In 2023, ERGO Network awarded its members with small grants in 3 different categories as part of our Annual Work Programme “#Roma #Equality, #Inclusion and #Participation 2023”, funded by the CERV Programme of the @europeancommission.
This infographic is based on the research our member Slovo 21 carried out on the topic of life priorities of the Roma. It describes how a group of Roma people in selected five localities, including socially excluded ones (Budišov nad Budišovkou, Chodov, Chomutov, Prague, and Rokycany), understand their role models and identify them. It also includes information about their well-being, quality of life, and how they cope with their life situation.
The research results are a relevant starting point in preparing various activities focused on the most important life priorities, contributing to increasing Roma's living conditions.
You can read the full research here here: https://tinyurl.com/ypvbbdzx

🌻 80th Anniversary of the Roma Holocaust 🌻

🌻 80th Anniversary of the Roma Holocaust 🌻

Today, we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Roma Holocaust, known as the Porajmos or Samudaripen. On this solemn day, we honor the memory of the 500,000 Roma and Sinti people who were persecuted and murdered during the Holocaust by the Nazi regime. 🕊️

On August 2, 1944, nearly 4,300 Roma men, women, and children were exterminated in a single night at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. 🕯️
As we reflect on this dark chapter of history, let us commit to fostering tolerance, understanding, and respect for all cultures and communities. By educating ourselves and others about the past, we can work towards a future free from discrimination and injustice. 🌍✊🏽

Let us unite in remembrance and ensure that the voices of those who suffered are never forgotten. Together, we can create a world where diversity is celebrated, and every individual is valued. 🤝

Read the full article: https://ergonetwork.org/2024/08/80-years-commemoration-honouring-the-past-and-building-a-just-future/
#RomaHolocaust #Porajmos #NeverForget #HumanRights #HolocaustRemembrance

🌟ERGO Network is Growing Bigger! 🌟 We are de

🌟ERGO Network is Growing Bigger! 🌟
We are delighted to announce that during this year's General Assembly, our current members voted on the accession of new member organisations. Our network is expanding gradually, and we're looking forward to making a positive impact together.
We're delighted to announce that Organizatia Sastipen and the Platforma Femeilor Rome "Romni" din Moldova (Roma Women Platform Romni) have been elevated to full membership status within the ERGO Network!
We also warmly welcome three new associate members who joined us this year:
📍 @suomenromaniyhdistys_ry (Finnish Roma Association)
📍 @trajosko_drom
📍 @romnionlus (Romni APS)
All of them working to improve the lives of Roma people in their communities. We're proud to support their vital work! Through this expansion, we aim to strengthen our collective efforts in promoting justice, equality, and inclusion for Roma communities throughout Europe. 💪🏽
#ErgoNetwork #GrowingTogether #RomaInclusion #EndAntigypsyism

🚨Share Your Input on the National Roma Framewor

🚨Share Your Input on the National Roma Framework in your country🚨

🗣️In October 2020, the European Commission introduced the European Framework for #Roma Equality, Inclusion, and Participation 2021-2030. This initiative urges Member States and Enlargement countries to create national Roma strategic frameworks aligned with the new guidelines.

👀 We are monitoring the implementation of these frameworks and want to hear from YOU🫵!

Are you an NGO or activist working on Roma issues in the EU or Enlargement countries❓ Please take 1️⃣5️⃣ minutes to fill out our questionnaire and share your insights on the design and implementation of the National Roma strategic framework in your country to combat antigypsyism and discrimination against Roma.

Click here to take the survey by August 1st, 2024: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/?sm=6gTvU8Cy_2FisPdfYaohPI9vedZDYEE7ZJx1iygkrSJKAlhc6nXXfNfyb_2F2q7Dyc6_2F

Share this post and take the survey today!
#RomaInclusion #FightAntigypsyism #Survey

🌟 Announcement 🌟 We are happy to welcome @m

🌟 Announcement 🌟

We are happy to welcome @mr_jokovic to our Board! Dragan has dedicated his life to the principles of #equality and #justice. With extensive experience in international organizations and a profound commitment to Roma inclusion, he has been an advocate for marginalized communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As one of the founders of the @otaharinbijeljina- Citizens’ Association for the Promotion of Roma Education, Dragan has led efforts to combat #antigypsyism and improve access to rights for #Roma communities. His innovative approach has made significant progress in civil society engagement and minority rights protection.

#NewBoardMember #HumanRights #Inclusion #Equality #RomaRights

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ERGO Network – European Roma Grassroots Organisations Network

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