Human Rights Day – A call for transitional & reparative justice for Roma

Written by: Stelina Dungaj, ERGO Network

Human Rights Day, celebrated annually on December 10th, serves a reminder of our shared commitment to upholding freedom, security, peace and justice, rights which are, unfortunately, unattainable for many, including the Roma community – the largest minority group in Europe. Roma communities have long endured discrimination, marginalisation, and exclusion.

For centuries, they have fought against systemic racism and forced assimilation, with the scars of historical injustices still visible today. This day serves as an opportunity to reflect on the struggles of the Roma and the importance of addressing both past wrongs and ongoing inequalities.

The historical injustices faced by Roma, including forced sterilisation, the Roma Genocide, and the systemic discrimination they faced during the Holocaust, continue to have a profound impact on their lives. This legacy of oppression has left deep wounds that are perpetuated by modern-day antigypsyism—a pervasive form of racism that still shapes the experiences of Roma across Europe.

Today, Roma NGOs and advocates call for transitional justice—a process that acknowledges past wrongs and helps to heal the trauma caused by centuries of systemic racism, in an effort to seek reparations, recognition of historical injustices, and the dismantling of the structural barriers that continue to hinder their social and economic inclusion.

The need for transitional justice is not only about rectifying the past; it is about addressing present-day discrimination that continues to affect Roma communities. Many Roma continue to face obstacles in accessing education, healthcare, housing, and employment, and are disproportionately affected by poverty and social exclusion. These ongoing injustices are deeply linked to the systemic racism that traces back to centuries of antigypsyism, which remain entrenched in various societal structures.

To effectively address the multifaceted issues faced by Roma communities, particularly the specific forms of racism they endure, a comprehensive and proactive approach is required. One critical step to address historical injustices is through education. This includes the integration of Roma history, culture and language into school curricula at all levels of education.

This would help foster empathy, understanding and respect for the Roma people, thus breaking the cycle of discrimination that perpetuates exclusion. Educating the broader population about the historical and contemporary struggles of the Roma is a crucial step toward building a more inclusive society.

Additionally, empowering Roma individuals to take leadership roles in various sectors is essential for ensuring that their voices heard, and concerns are addressed. By ensuring Roma representation in all leadership positions, in government, education or inter-governmental organisations, it would bring invaluable perspectives of the lived experiences of the communities, necessary to create more informed and culturally sensitive policies. Furthermore, such representation serves as a powerful symbol of equality and empowerment, showing that Roma can thrive in leadership roles and that their contributions are vital to the growth and success of society.

However, Roma inclusion requires more than just representation; it requires the active dismantling of the structures of racism and exclusion that have persisted for centuries. Antigypsyism is a complex and deeply entrenched form of racism that operates both institutionally and socially, creating barriers to Roma’s full participation in society. This form of racism does not only manifest in individual prejudices but is also embedded in societal systems, from the police force to education and employment.

Combating antigypsyism requires a comprehensive and proactive approach that addresses both the historical and contemporary dimensions of this issue. Transitional justice for Roma must involve more than symbolic recognition; it requires concrete measures to address the ongoing impacts of historical trauma. This includes not only educational reforms and leadership opportunities but also reparative justice initiatives that directly address the social and economic inequalities Roma face.

Roma communities need support in overcoming the barriers to full participation in society—barriers that stem from the discrimination and violence of the past but are sustained by the pervasive stereotypes and systemic racism that continue today.

For this reason, on December 10^th, 2024, ERGO Network has officially launched the European Working Group on Antigypsyism and Transitional Justice for Roma. This event has brought together policymakers, experts, and Roma leaders from across Europe to discuss critical issues facing Roma communities and to advance the cause of transitional justice.

The aim of the Working Group is to provide a platform for political advocacy and strategic development, focusing on creating frameworks for transitional justice mechanisms at both national and EU levels. Through this collective action, the Working Group seeks to transform the way Roma communities are treated, advocating for a future where their rights, dignity, and history are fully recognised and respected.

The importance of this initiative was underscored by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, who expressed strong support for the Working Group during his speech on Human Rights Day. He highlighted the persistent and widespread human rights abuses faced by Roma communities and emphasised the need to confront the past while addressing ongoing injustices.

Stressing that antigypsyism remains pervasive today, O’Flaherty called attention to the collective responsibility of non-Roma communities in perpetuating prejudices and urged for localised, country-specific approaches to transitional justice. He commended the Working Group’s mission and focus on justice and redress, calling for sustained efforts to uphold the dignity and rights of Roma people.

Thus, for the Roma community, this day it is not only a moment to reflect on the past but also a call for action – a moment to acknowledge the enduring impact of historical injustices and the pervasive influence of antigypsyism. The fight for Roma justice is a fight for human rights and equality.

It is a call to break the cycles of exclusion, discrimination, and violence that have persisted for centuries. The struggle for Roma inclusion must be an integral part of the broader fight for human rights everywhere. Addressing the challenges faced by Roma communities requires a multifaceted approach that combines historical recognition, inclusive education, systemic reform, and empowerment.

Only by working together—governments, civil society, international organisations, and Roma themselves—can we create a world where no one is left behind, and human rights are truly universal. Today, let us commit to ensuring that the fight for justice and equality for Roma becomes a central part of the broader movement for human rights and social justice around the world.

Click here to see the video message from Michael O’ Flaherty, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe for the Launch of the European Working Group on Antigypsyism and Transitional Justice for Roma

80 Years Commemoration: Honouring the Past and Building a Just Future!

As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liquidation of the Roma and Sinti camps in Auschwitz-Birkenau, we reflect on the profound loss and enduring resilience of the Roma community. On the night between August 2 and 3, 1944, over 4,000 Roma, including women, children, and men, were brutally murdered by the Nazis.

This tragic event, part of the genocide against the Roma and Sinti people, saw more than 20,000 of the 23,000 imprisoned Roma in Auschwitz lose their lives. Today, as we remember these massacres, we acknowledge the ongoing struggles faced by Roma communities. The historical injustices of slavery and the Holocaust have left deep scars, and antigypsyism lives on to this day. This commemoration is a moment to look back with sorrow and a call to action for justice and equality.

On August 2, 2024, we will take part in the international conference in Krakow, titled “The Future of Holocaust Remembrance and Education: Passing on the Testimonies of Roma and Sinti Holocaust Survivors,” organised by the Central Council of German Sinti and Roma, in partnership with the ERGO Network, the Alliance against Antigypsyism, and the Association of Roma in Poland. The event will mark the 80th anniversary of the Roma and Sinti genocide at Auschwitz-Birkenau. Experts from numerous institutions will contribute to the discussion.

Despite the European Parliament’s recognition of the Roma and Sinti genocide in 2015, the persecution of Roma remains a lesser-known chapter of history. As we mark 79 years since the end of World War II, we still lack this history being integrated into educational curricula and public consciousness. Decades have passed, yet the quest for truth and recognition of the Roma and Sinti’s suffering is still in its initial stages.

At the forefront of efforts to address these enduring challenges, ERGO Network, through the JEKHIPE project, aims to break up structural and institutional obstacles that hold back justice and equality for Roma communities, thus promoting the inclusion and participation of Roma in society, seeking to resolve historical injustices and confront contemporary issues head-on. The project raises awareness of institutional antigypsyism and policy advancements in the fight against it, promotes Roma identity, history, and culture as tools to prevent and combat antigypsyism, and sets out to promote and support restorative and transitional justice mechanisms at European and national level.

Europe faces a significant challenge in addressing the rising tide of antigypsyism, which current crises have increased. Even 74 years since the adoption of the European Convention on Human Rights, minorities in Europe, including Roma, are still racially profiled, mistreated, attacked, and not represented in the international arena – an issue reflected very clearly during the recent European Parliament elections, which resulted with not a single MEP to represent the largest minority in the EU. The rise of xenophobia, racism, and far-right movements underscores the urgent need to raise awareness about the Roma Holocaust and combat present-day discrimination.

As we honour the memory of those lost and reflect on the injustices of the past, we must also look to the future with a commitment to justice and equality. Today, let us remember the past and work to build a future where the Roma community can access justice and equality. Let us ensure that history lessons are remembered and that the fight against antigypsyism continues.

Together Against Antigypsyism Online – TAAO

The launch of the new project “Together Against Antigypsyism Online” in Reșița, Romania: Combating Hate Speech on the Internet

Reșița, Romania, April 18-20, 2024 – The kick-off meeting of a new project, “Together Against Antigypsyism Online,” took place in Reșița, Romania. This project aims to counter antigypsyism and hate speech on the internet. It will run for two years, from March 2024 to February 2026. The project’s objectives are to collect data on online hate speech, develop policy advice, improve national and EU-level instruments, enhance cooperation, advocate for better enforcement, raise awareness, report hate speech incidents, and train content creators to change the narrative about the Roma online.

The “Together Against Antigypsyism Online” project is a collaboation between several organizations, including Nevo Parudimos, Integro Association, Amaro Drom, Romaversitas, Roma Advocacy and Research Centre, Romea, and ERGO Network. This project follows the PECAO project, which was implemented by ERGO Network members from 2020 to 2022.

Additionally, the project aims to involve Roma civil society in formulating perspectives on new developments in the digital society that impact Roma, increase the number of reported incidents of hate speech against Roma, enhance awareness among non-Roma civil society and human rights actors about online hate speech against Roma, and empower content creators to change the narrative on Roma online.

This project is very important because it aims to develop a network of civil society organizations that fight against and monitor hate speech against Roma in partner countries (Romania, Czechia, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Slovakia) and at the European level under the coordination of ERGO Network.

The project is funded by the European Commission through the Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values program, contract no. 101143111. It will impact three distinct groups of people: policymakers, multipliers, and young people.

For more information about the project activities, you can contact:

Petr Banda
petr.banda@romea.cz

Romani Week 2024 Announcement

Romani Week 2024: Shaping the Future for Roma, Sinti, and Travellers in Europe

As Europe grapples with a complex socio-political landscape characterised by both anti-racism movements and the resurgence of far-right ideologies, the need for inclusive discussions about marginalized communities becomes increasingly vital. In this context, the Roma, Sinti, and Travellers face numerous challenges related to equality, inclusion, and participation. The rise of xenophobic and nationalist sentiments at both national and EU levels poses a threat to their well-being and integration into society.

The Challenge

Despite efforts on paper, the struggle for effective inclusion of Roma, Sinti, and Travellers persists due to a disconnect between policies on Roma inclusion and mainstream initiatives. The political will to combat antigypsyism and social exclusion often falls short, with National Roma Strategic Frameworks remaining under implementation. As the political climate in Europe evolves, the urgency to address these challenges becomes even more apparent.

What is Romani Week?

Romani Week, an annual event held in Brussels serves as a platform to raise awareness about the realities faced by Roma, Sinti, and Travellers in Europe. It brings together civil society organizations, European institutions, and international entities during the Roma International Day. This year, the event is more pertinent than ever, coinciding with the upcoming European elections.

Objectives of Romani Week 2024

Romani Week 2024 aims to dissect the position of the Roma agenda within the broader European political discourse and priorities. The focus is to foster dialogue about the pressing issues affecting the Roma, Sinti, and Travellers communities and ensure their prominence in mainstream political discussions and EU policy priorities.

The primary objectives include:

Platform for Discourse: Provide a platform for representatives and stakeholders of Roma, Sinti, and Travellers to engage in conversations about the contemporary political, economic, and human rights landscape in Europe.
Political Accountability: Encourage stronger accountability and political will from governments, both within the EU and Enlargement countries, to deliver on the promises of equality, inclusion, and participation for Roma, Sinti, and Travellers.
Concrete Topics: Address specific issues such as increased antigypsyism, structural discrimination, the implementation and monitoring of National Roma Strategic Frameworks, and discussions about Roma history, truth, and reconciliation processes.

Overview of the events

Please note that you have to register for each event separately using the special form. If you would like to see the draft agenda, check the regularly updated website of the Romani Week 2024 here.

Future of Roma, Sinti and Travellers in Europe

The event will discuss the ongoing political, economic and human rights changes Europe faces today and ways to ensure that Roma, Sinti and Travellers become a more prominent priority within the mainstream political discourse and policy priorities at the EU level to ensure a stronger accountability and political will by governments, both in the EU and Enlargement countries, to deliver on the equality, inclusion and participation of Roma, Sinti and Travellers.

The event will also discuss the future of Roma, Sinti and Travellers after the European elections, the change in EU leadership and the possible increase of far rights groups in the EU’s political spectrum.

Registration HERE

Most Roma Friendy Mayor Award

The ceremony will award positive examples of Roma integration by local authorities In the Western Balkans and Turkey.

Registration HERE

80 Years of the Roma Holocaust. Lessons to prevent future acts of genocide

More information on this event is coming soon

Registration HERE

Transitional justice to tackle antigypsyism, reclaim our past and rebuild our future

The Jekhipe project launch event focuses on establishing transitional justice processes, including expert commissions, at the EU and national levels to address antigypsyism. The project aims to provide policy recommendations, raise awareness about institutional antigypsyism, promote Roma identity and culture in education, and empower Roma communities and NGOs in the fight against antigypsyism.

Registration HERE

The Roma Civil Monitoring: the role of CSOs in the future of Roma equality, inclusion and participation

The event will discuss the effective participation of Roma civil society in national policy-making.

Registration HERE

Intersectional Perspectives of Romani Children’s Rights

The event addresses the pervasive systemic discrimination faced by Roma children from early childhood, spanning issues like inadequate healthcare, limited access to education, and discrimination in sports. It aims to discuss employing an effective intersectoral approach to challenge and change these practices.

Registration HERE

the website of Romani week 2024 to learn more

Romani Week 2024 promises to be a crucible of ideas and actions, fostering a united front against discrimination and exclusion. By bringing together key stakeholders and decision-makers, the event strives to propel the Roma, Sinti, and Travellers into the forefront of political discourse and policy priorities. As we face the European elections, Romani Week 2024 marks a crucial milestone in pursuing a more inclusive and equitable future for all. Join us in this dialogue to shape a better tomorrow for the Roma, Sinti, and Travellers in Europe.

Inclusion or Exclusion? The Reality for Roma Refugees in Poland

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to a massive humanitarian crisis, forcing millions of people to seek refuge in neighbouring countries. Among these displaced individuals are the Roma, a discriminated-against ethnic group in both Ukraine and Poland. This article delves into the situation of Ukrainian Roma refugees in Poland, as outlined in the ERGO Network project’s report, “Supporting Ukrainian Roma impacted by war.” The report, prepared for ERGO Network by Elżbieta Mirga-Wójtowicz, Kamila Fiałkowska and Monika Szewczyk, sheds light on Roma refugees’ challenges and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive support and advocacy efforts.

The Scale of the Crisis and Legal Assistance

As of February 2023, nearly 1,563,000 people from Ukraine had sought refuge in Poland, with a significant part being Roma. Despite the staggering numbers, the plight of the Roma within the broader refugee crisis tends to be overlooked. The report suggests that tens of thousands of Roma have crossed the Polish border, and estimates by the European Commission put the figure at least 100,000 Roma fleeing Ukraine. The Roma face a complex set of challenges rooted in historical discrimination and exacerbated by the trauma of being refugees from a war-torn region.

The legal initiatives for Ukrainian refugees at both the European and Polish levels include the activation of the Temporary Protection Directive and the extension of legal stay for Ukrainian citizens in Poland until March 4, 2024, with various assistance measures. However, despite these efforts, the author notes a significant lack of adequate support for Ukrainian Roma refugees in Poland, highlighting systemic discrimination and challenges in accessing assistance due to antigypsyism.

Distinct Challenges of Ukrainian Roma Refugees

The discrimination faced by Ukrainian Roma refugees is profoundly ingrained and multifaceted. In both Ukraine and Poland, they encounter various forms of discrimination, both verbal and non-verbal. This discrimination extends beyond rhetoric, affecting crucial aspects of their lives, such as housing, employment, information access, transportation, and vital support services, including psychological, legal, and educational assistance.

Antigypsyism, or prejudice against Roma, compounds the challenges faced by this group. The report highlights that the Roma tend to form larger groups for security, yet this collective behaviour complicates voluntary efforts to assist them. The trauma of war, coupled with enduring discrimination, creates a paradoxical situation where Ukrainian Roma refugees experience both exclusion and inclusion simultaneously.

Role of Roma Activists and NGOs

In the absence of comprehensive government-led initiatives, the primary efforts to aid Ukrainian Roma refugees are spearheaded by Roma activists and organisations in Poland. While these organisations treat Roma as equals, their capacity is often stretched thin due to the unique challenges faced by the Roma refugees. The burden falls on activists and NGOs to independently provide support and assume responsibility for the well-being of the refugee community.

The report emphasises the necessity of establishing a precise mechanism for financial support for NGOs and activists working with Roma refugees. The support should extend to individual services, such as psychological and legal assistance for activists, recognising the additional pressures on them. At present, Roma activists and organisations, along with local authorities, share a similar attitude towards Roma refugees, creating a need for a more sustainable and collaborative approach.

Official Stance and Color-Blind Policies

While the report does not explicitly detail services being denied to Roma, it highlights an official stance of being ‘colour-blind.’ This approach, while seemingly neutral, inadvertently negates the existence of institutional antigypsyism and discrimination against Roma in Poland. By overlooking the specific challenges faced by Ukrainian Roma refugees, the colour-blind policy exacerbates the situation and impedes the development of targeted solutions.

Advocacy and Awareness

The report stresses the importance of advocacy to raise awareness of the social and economic challenges faced by Ukrainian Roma refugees. With Roma residing in reception centres, the dynamic situation calls for dialogue and cooperation between various stakeholders, including owners, coordinators, staff, volunteers, Roma NGOs, and local authorities. The involvement of the Ombudsman is suggested, and avenues such as meetings, trainings, workshops, and social campaigns are proposed to foster understanding and break down resentment against the Roma community.

Conclusion

The plight of Ukrainian Roma refugees in Poland underscores the need for a nuanced and targeted approach to address the unique challenges faced by this marginalised group. From systemic antigypsyism to the trauma of war, the Ukrainian Roma refugees navigate a complex web of discrimination and exclusion. The role of Roma activists and organisations is crucial, but sustainable solutions require broader collaboration, financial support, and a concerted effort to raise awareness and challenge colour-blind policies.

The recommendations outlined in the report aim to enhance human rights protection for Roma refugees from Ukraine in Poland. They include the development of a comprehensive migration policy, establishing intergovernmental collaborations, addressing discrimination issues at a national level, aligning governmental programs with the specific needs of Roma refugees, and providing support for NGOs and activists. Specific measures include creating monitoring systems, fostering integration through workshops, sensitising stakeholders, prioritising Roma issues within national structures, and initiating transnational advocacy efforts.

Download the full report here

This report was made through the ERGO Network project “Supporting Ukrainian Roma impacted by war”, financed by the European Program for Integration and Migration (EPIM) and the European Commission’s CERV programme.