Past events – Page 3 – ERGO Network

Catalysing Change: Advocacy for Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent at the United Nations

In September 2023 rights expert Simona Torotcoi represented ERGO Network within the Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent delegation during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which included the SDG Action Weekend and the SDG Summit 2023.

Discrimination based on work and descent is any distinction, exclusion, restriction, or preference based on inherited status such as caste, including present or ancestral occupation, family, community or social origin, name, birthplace, place of residence, dialect and accent that has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment, or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, or any other field of public life. This type of discrimination is typically associated with the notion of purity and pollution and practices of untouchability, and is deeply rooted in societies and cultures where this discrimination is practised” (Draft Principles and Guidelines for the Effective Elimination of Discrimination based on Work and Descent, Human Rights Council 11^th Session, 18 May 2009)

The SDG Action Weekend provided opportunities for stakeholders, UN entities, and Member States to convene at the United Nations Headquarters and make specific commitments to drive SDG transformation from now until 2030. On September 16, speaking at “Breaking Down the Barriers to Leave No One Behind” GFoD delegate Beena Pallical emphasized the importance of the UN and member states embracing the SDGs, particularly addressing communities discriminated against based on work and descent, including Dalits, Roma, and other marginalised groups.

During the “From the SDG Summit to the Summit of the Future: Building the UN We Need” session, Paul Divakar, the convener of GFoD, stressed the significance of combating discrimination and exclusion of communities such as the Roma in Europe, Haratins in Africa, Quilambola in Brazil, Buraku in Japan, and other marginalised communities.

Simona Torotcoi, representing ERGO Network and GFoD, spoke at the Minority Rights Group International side event, “Invisible No Longer: Data Solutions to Leaving No One Behind Dilemmas.”

She addressed the critical issue of the lack of disaggregated data for Roma and other Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent, which affects the implementation and reporting of SDGs and ongoing policy work within the European Union related to Roma communities.

Disaggregated data is essential for understanding inequalities and evaluating progress in Roma inclusion policies. It empowers decision-makers, holds civil society accountable, and enables communities to advocate for changes in policies directly affecting them. Simona stressed the importance of engaging Roma communities in data collection, analysis, and usage, moving beyond formal consultations.

On the 20th of September, GFoD organised a side event titled “Broad-Caste” A light on Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent at the SDG midpoint & beyond. It brought together key governmental representatives, such as the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal Mr N. P Saud, who pointed out the fact that the SDGs do not mention discrimination based on work and descent and this poses significant challenges to achieving the SDGs agenda: “The world cannot move towards peaceful and inclusive societies and achieve the 2030 Agenda without addressing the root causes of discrimination which more than 270 million people”.

The Minister emphasized that this discrimination affects more than 270 million people globally, extending beyond specific geographical areas and impacting communities like Haratine in the Sahel, Forgeron in West Africa, Roma in Europe, Burakumin in Japan, Dalits in South Asia, Quilambolo and Palenque in South America, and others.

To address these shortcomings and rectify the omission of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD) in key UN frameworks, the Minister expressed full support for GFoD’s efforts to work toward a UN Resolution addressing the discrimination faced by these communities. Nepal also expressed readiness to collaborate with concerned stakeholders.

The following day, GFoD co-organised another side event in partnership with UNDP, UNFPA, UNWomen, and Minority Rights International, titled “Anti-racism in UN Programming” (recorded). This event focused on what UN agencies can and should do to combat racism and include minorities in their policies and programs. Simona discussed the intersectional discrimination and oppression experienced by women from Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD), stemming from overlapping social constructs of ability, age, work, caste, class, and gender.

She urged the UN and its agencies to recognise the challenges faced by women from CDWD communities and adopt an intersectional approach in all programmes and policies, both within the United Nations and in their external programs. Simona also proposed establishing a working group to examine the normative standards and lived realities related to the protection of women from CDWS.

Conference on Environmental Justice

European Environmental Bureau and ERGO Network invite you to the conference on “Environmental Justice for Roma Communities, Leveraging the EU Strategic Framework”

The conference aims to be a starting point in addressing environmental racism against Roma in EU Member States and Enlargement Countries as a priority policy concern under the national Roma strategic frameworks and specific national policies and measures regarding the environment, housing, health, employment, social protection, and education policies.

Date and time:

The conference will take place on 12 October 2023 in Cluj-Napoca, Romania and also in an online format.

Objectives:

Raise awareness about Roma and environmental racism in EU Member States and Enlargement Countries, together with relevant stakeholders (policymakers, academia, public authorities, civil society organisations, etc.).
Identify targeted policy measures to address environmental justice and antigypsyism issues in Pata-Rât, Cluj-Napoca as well as broader policy measures applying to other European countries and situations.
Facilitate networking and exchanges amongst civil society on Roma environmental issues.

In addition to the conference, we are also organising a separate workshop with civil society on the 11th.

Agenda Conference

Thursday, 12 October 2023

08:30 – 09:00 Registration

09:00 – 09:30 Section 1: Opening of the Conference

Moderator: Mr Diego Francesco Marin, Policy Officer for Raw Materials and Resource Justice, European Environmental Bureau (EEB)

Dr Nicolae Ajtai, Dean, Babeş-Bolyai University
Ms Patrizia Heidegger, Director, European Environmental Bureau (EEB)
Ms Gabriela Hrabaňová, Director, ERGO Network – online
Mr Dragoş Pîslaru MEP, Romania / Renew Europe, Chair of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

09:30– 10:15 Political messages from EU and national policymakers

Moderator: Ms Isabela Mihalache, Senior Advocacy Officer, ERGO Network

Ms Linda Greta Zsiga – Testimony from Pata-Rât
Mr Peter Pollák MEP, Slovakia / European People’s Party (video message)
Ms Claudia Kovacs – Ministry of Investment and European Funds -Romania
Mr Petrica Dulgheru – Roma Entrepreneurship Development Initiative

10:15 – 10:30 Coffee break

10:30 – 11:15 Section 2: Environmental Justice and Common Basic Principles

Moderator: Ms Patrizia Heidegger, Director, European Environmental Bureau (EEB)

11:15 – 12:00 Parallel working groups (2 groups)

Group 1: What should the EU do to monitor the situation of Member States more efficiently? What should the EU do to provide a better framework for environmental justice?

Moderator: Andor Urmos

A – What are the steps to take?
- B – Who are the actors that should be engaged?

Group 2: What should local and national governments do to improve environmental justice (housing, access to services, etc.)?

Moderator: Isabela Mihalache

A – What are the steps to take?
- B – Who are the actors that should be engaged?

12:00 – 13:30 Lunch break– Address: Restaurant Hotel Premier, Str. Donath, No. 100, Cluj-Napoca (https://hotelpremier.ro/en/)

13:45 – 14:00 Reports from the parallel working groups

14:00- 15:25 Section 3: Environmental justice and EU policies: EU Roma Strategic Framework and the European Green Deal

Moderator: Mr Diego Francesco Marin, Policy Officer for Raw Materials and Resource Justice, European Environmental Bureau (EEB)

Mr Olimpiu Bela Lăcătuş-Iakab, Association for Inclusion, Transformation and Social Innovation
Ms Enikő Vincze, Desire Foundation, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Dr Jekatyerina Dunajeva, Assistant professor at Pázmány Péter Catholic University
Mr Andrey Ivanov, EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA)
Ms Anne Scheinberg, Springloop Cooperatie
Mr Dan Pavel Doghi, DG JUST, European Commission (online)
Questions: 15 mins

15:25–16:30 What are the EU and Member States doing to ensure environmental justice?

Moderator: Ms. Isabela Mihalache, Senior Advocacy Officer, ERGO Network

Ms Elena Iordanescu, Ministry of European Funds, Romania
Mr Simion Beldean – UBB Cluj Napoca – (Increasing the safety of water and food consumption in Roma communities in Transylvania)
Mr Daniel Grebeldinger, ERGO Network / Nevo Parudimos, Romania
Mr Andor Ürmös, Bridge EU – Environmental justice in Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania
Mr Georgios Tsiakalos – Human Rights Lawyer-Pro Bono Publico

16:30–16:45 Coffee Break

16:45–17:45 The role of municipalities – What are cities doing to ensure environmental justice for Roma communities?

Moderator: Mr. Daniel Grebeldinger, member ERGO Network / Nevo Parudimos, Romania

Vasile Galbea – Researcher Pat Rat
Mr Virgil Bitu, UK/RO –The ignorance of policy makers towards Roma communities and the inability of the Roma population to access public services.
Mr Adriatik Hasantari – Roma Active Albania
Mr Asib Zekir – Redi – North Macedonia (online)

17:45 – 18:00 Section 4: Conclusions

Moderator: Ms Lorena Doghi, European Environmental Bureau (EEB)

Ms Patrizia Heidegger, Director, European Environmental Bureau (EEB)

18:00 End of the conference

19:00 – 21:00 Dinner reception / Youth Center from Cluj, Strada Iuliu Maniu, Nr 1.

Registration:

If you are a relevant non-governmental organisation or institution and are interested in attending, please register HERE: Leveraging the EU Roma Strategic Framework Tickets, Wed 11 Oct 2023 at 12:00 | Eventbrite

For more information about ERGO Network’s work on environmental justice, please contact Senior Advocacy Officer Isabela Mihalache.

ERGO Network Annual Policy Conference 2022

IMPLEMENTING THE EU ROMA STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK. ROMA ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE AND LONG-TERM CARE

This past 23 November, ERGO Network organised its Annual Policy Conference, for the first time in person since 2019 but also fully streamed online for remote participants. This year’s event was dedicated to exploring how to improve Roma access to adequate, affordable, and inclusive healthcare and long-term care services, as well as to taking stock of the implementation of the EU and National Roma Frameworks.

A significant health inequality gap exists between the Roma and the majority population, across every area of physical and mental health and wellbeing, including rates of suicide, disability, life expectancy, and infant mortality. The Covid-19 pandemic laid bare and worsened a pre-existing dire situation. Ensuring access to healthcare and long-term care is a key topic under the European Pillar of Social Rights, the compass for Europe’s recovery, while it is also supported by Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. It is high time the European Union and national governments delivered.

First panel – Susanna Ulinski, Philippe Seidel, Marine Uldry, Kumar Vishwanathan, Tomas de Jong, Camille Butin

The first part of the event served to launch ERGO Network’s research report on “Roma access to healthcare and long-term care”, based on six national case studies carried out in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain. The main findings and recommendations fed into a dialogue with key decision-makers and stakeholders, aimed at identifying positive solutions to support better health inclusion for Roma and inform the delivery on the EU Roma Strategic Framework and the Social Pillar, as well as on initiatives such as the European Care Strategy.

The Key Messages of the report are:

In all 6 countries, social determinants greatly influence a poor Roma state of health.
High costs of healthcare and long-term care and gaps in health insurance coverage are significant deterrents for the Roma to seek care.
Limited healthcare and long-term care infrastructure and staff shortages are prevalent in rural and remote Roma communities.
Roma health mediators play a key positive role which deserves better support.
The Roma continue to face widespread antigypsyism in healthcare and long-term care.
Roma communities and their civil society organisations must be involved in a bid to build trust and improve take-up.

With the adoption of the EU Roma Strategic Framework up to 2030, governments were asked to develop national Roma strategic frameworks both in EU Member States and Western Balkan countries. In addition, civil society in EU Member States received funding from the European Commission to engage in monitoring the elaboration and adoption process of these national frameworks. In order to ensure their effective implementation, a robust and continued monitoring of the entire policy process should be ensured.

Second panel – Zuzana Havirova, Sia Sararu, Adriatik Hasantari, Abriel Schieffelers

The second part of the event assessed the state of play of the newly adopted national Roma strategic frameworks in both the EU and enlargement countries and their alignment with the EU Roma Strategic Framework on Equality, Inclusion, and Participation and linked Council Recommendation, as well as of the Roma involvement in the drafting process. In addition, it discussed the follow-up steps in the implementation of the national Roma stratetic frameworks at EU and national levels.

The event ended with concluding remarks from the Czech Presidency of the European Union on the importance of dedicating more policy attention to access to healthcare, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the Roma, which should be seen in conjunction with the overall delivery on the EU Roma Framework and its objectives on housing, employment, education, and poverty, while closely associating Roma communities and their representatives to these efforts.

The conference was very well attended with over 70 on site and online participants, and it brought together ERGO Network national members from the grassroots level in many European countries, as well as other national practitioners, European civil society organisations, policy-makers from the EU and national levels, and other stakeholders.

If you attended this event, or watched the recording, don’t forget to let us know what you thought about it by filling in this brief Evaluation Form (project reference: 101051359; event title: ERGO Network Annual Policy Conference). Thank you!

See more:

Agenda of the event
Recording of the event: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Report on Roma healthcare and long-term care (for the national case studies, see here)
Photo album
Conference Report

Graphic facilitation provided by Ale Listens and Draws.

For more information about this event, please don’t hesitate to contact us: info@ergonetwork.org

ERGO Network Annual Policy Conference 2022

ERGO Network Annual Policy Conference: Implementing the EU Roma Strategic Framework

Roma access to healthcare and long-term care

23 November, 10h – 13h, Mundo B Conference Room

Join us for our Annual Policy Conference 2022!

At a time where Europe is facing multiple crises such as the ongoing pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and the spike in inflation and energy prices, many Roma find themselves facing worsening poverty and exclusion, dire living conditions, and widespread antigypsyism.

The event will serve to launch ERGO Network’s research report on “Roma access to adequate healthcare and long-term care”, based on six national case studies carried out in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain. A significant health inequality gap exists between the Roma and the majority population, across every area of physical and mental health and wellbeing, including rates of suicide, disability, life expectancy, and infant mortality.

The conference will also assess the stay of play of the newly adopted National Roma Frameworks and their alignment with the EU Roma Strategic Framework on Equality, Inclusion, and Participation and linked Council Recommendation, as well as Roma involvement in the drafting process and next steps for implementation. A robust and continued monitoring of the entire policy process should be ensured in both EU Member States and Enlargement countries.

The conference will bring together ERGO Network members from the grassroots level, EU policy-makers from across the institutional spectrum, as well as other relevant EU and national stakeholders. If you attend in person, please feel free to wear a mask. The event will be followed by a networking lunch outside the conference room. If you attend online, you will still need to register below.

Check out the agenda!
Register here by 20 November

We’re looking forward to counting you among the participants, so that together we can build positive, sustainable, evidence-based policy solutions that work!

#ERGOConference2022

This conference is kindly supported by the European Union Programme for Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) and by the German Federal Foreign Office.

Visit of Ukrainian Roma Delegation to ERGO Network

Visit of Ukrainian Roma Delegation to ERGO Network

On 12-13 October 2022 ERGO Networked welcomed a delegation from our Ukrainian member organisation Roma Women Fund Chiricli and Roma mediators with the purpose to present the current situation of the Roma IDPs and refugees (access to housing, education, the particular situation of the Roma women, cases of discrimination, to gather feedback on possible solutions and partnerships to address the issues and propose immediate anti-discrimination measures for ensuring Roma equality during the current refugee crisis.

The delegation consisted of Director of Chiricli Yulia Kondur (currently working from France), organisation representative Viola Popenko (currently working from the United Kingdom) and mediators Mikhailo Biliavskyi and Marina Bublyk (now based and working with Ukrainian Roma refugees in Germany).

On the first day of their visit, our Ukrainian colleagues met with Members of the European Parliament Peter Pollak, Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana, Romeo Franz, Dietmar Kostner and the assistant of MEP Sergey Lagodinsky to present the research they have carried out during the summer, involving over 1000 Ukrainian Roma mediators working with IDPs and refugees on the ground.

Roma Women Fund Chiricli together with the mediators provided comprehensive data on the situation of the Roma in different regions, in order to find common points for cooperation.

On the second day the organisation spent time with ERGO Network to strategise on our future cooperation, as well as continuing with their meetings of the EU officials: this time meeting Marta Garcia Fidalgo, the Advisor on Roma Policy in the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR) of the European Commission..

Roma Women Fund Chiricli is the largest Roma-led organisation in Ukraine, involved in a wide variety of projects, among them on policy-making. Together with ERGO Network, Chiricli worked on the most recent Roma strategy for the Ukrainian Government.

Since the beginning of the war, we have been working closely together, assisting this organisation in their work on the ground with among other initiatives fundraising for the Ukrainian Roma refugees and also running the “Hot Meals for Ukraine” project (provision of hot meals in war-affected regions for all vulnerable groups who need those, including non-Roma). ERGO Network has also liaised with several donors for funding assistance for Roma IDPs in all areas of Ukraine and the provision of a special centre for the IDPs in Western Ukraine specifically.