Youth – ERGO Network

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

Incorporating Roma in European Youth Policies: An Assessment of Inclusion Efforts

The Roma community constitutes one of the largest European minorities. Simultaneously, it has continuously experienced structural and institutional marginalisation, resulting in its persistent exclusion from various spheres of society. This systemic exclusion is reflected in the hindered effectiveness of youth-focused measures within the EU policies that, based on the outcomes of this online survey, are insufficient in addressing the multifaceted needs and aspirations of Roma youth.

Many individuals of Roma youth face substantial barriers impeding their accessibility to essential resources, opportunities, and representation within wide-raging societal constellations. These impediments comprise disparities in education, restricted economic prospects, cultural biases, lack of access to healthcare, or inadequate housing. The identified situation is paradoxical, given that various dedicated efforts aim to foster Roma inclusion nationally and internationally. However, regardless of specific initiatives targeting Roma inclusion, the meaningful engagement and representation of Roma youth remains limited within broader youth-centric policies and related programs.

This survey illustrates an endeavour to underpin the challenges faced by Roma youth and proposes a possible orientation for a more holistic approach to including Roma youth. This survey aims to inform policy decision-makers who seek to address Roma exclusion through empowering Roma youth.

Read the full assessment here

Objectives

To achieve the mentioned aim, this survey consists of four objectives:

To evaluate the inclusiveness of youth measures concerning the Roma community.
To identify potential barriers that hinder the effective participation of Roma youth in these measures.
To gather stakeholders’ perspectives on the importance of Roma inclusion in broader youth policies.
To provide recommendations for enhancing the representation and participation of Roma youth in youth-focused initiatives.

Recommendations from the Roma youth:

This survey presented the outcomes of an online survey. By analysing respondents’ insights on the general and specific youth policies, it assessed the effectiveness of existing youth measures for including the Roma youth in various policies regarding decision-making and participation within related youth initiatives. The findings of the survey affirm that Roma youth continue to be underrepresented in the European Union’s youth-focused policies despite numerous inclusion efforts.

Regarding that, this survey efforted not only to underpin the challenges faced by Roma youth but also to propose a possible avenue of a more holistic approach to including Roma youth.

Generally, the suggestions revolve around creating more inclusive policies that directly engage Roma youth in decision-making processes, empower them through various educational opportunities, and design workshops or trainings for Roma and non-Roma awareness raising about anti-Roma racism and means of combating them. This survey is expected to bear valuable insights for policy decision-makers aiming to empower Roma youth by reversing the long-lasting Roma exclusion.

Read the full survey assessment “Incorporating Roma in European Youth Policies: An Assessment of Inclusion Efforts“

Promoting Inclusivity: Roma and Non-Roma Youth Leading Social Change

On December 7, in Brussels, ERGO Network had the dissemination event of the “Roma Youth Bring Change” project supported by Erasmus.

The project brought together Autonomia Foundation (Hungary), RRoma (North Macedonia), and ERGO Network to showcase and disseminate the methodology of community detective and community campaign games and case studies in North Macedonia and Hungary focusing on social issues – planned and implemented by and targeting Roma and non-Roma young people. The project was a success and gave young Roma skills to be campaign promoters and game facilitators.

The event’s innovative outcome involves gamification and community campaigns for inclusivity and the fight against discrimination.

See more:

Analysis of Peer Education on Antigypsyism – RROMA, North Macedonia
Community Detectivity Planning Methodology – Autonomia Foundation, Hungary
Methodology of Advocacy and Campaigns – RROMA, North Macedonia
Young People Against Bullying through Games and Campaigns – Autonomia Foundation, Hungary

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

Including Roma voices in European Youth Policies: An evaluation of inclusion efforts

Including Roma voices in European Youth Policies:
An evaluation of inclusion efforts

The Roma community is one of Europe’s most disadvantaged and excluded groups. They often face ongoing social exclusion and discrimination and have limited access to opportunities. This survey will examine how well young Roma people are included in European youth policies, and how well they participate in these policies and are represented.

Our objective is to understand which areas need improvement and to suggest strategies to increase the participation of Roma youth in shaping and benefiting from youth policies throughout Europe.

Jump to the survey

Clearly pinpointing the gaps in awareness and understanding, this survey will help us see what could be stopping these policies from working well and Roma youngsters from taking part in them. It will check how well these measures are working to tackle the special challenges that Roma youth face and how much their ideas and perspectives are considered when shaping national youth initiatives.

The results of the survey will give important advice to policymakers to make sure that Roma youth are more included, get more involved, and help make society fairer and more together in the European Union and in our own countries.

European Policies Overview:

1. European Youth Strategy: The European Youth Strategy sets out the framework for EU youth policies and initiatives. It aims to provide young people with better opportunities for education, training, and employment, as well as to support their active participation in democratic processes. The strategy focuses on promoting social inclusion, health, well-being, and intercultural understanding among young people.

2. Erasmus+ Programme: Erasmus+ is one of the EU’s flagship programs that supports education, training, youth, and sport. Under the youth component, Erasmus+ offers opportunities for young people to participate in mobility projects, youth exchanges, volunteering activities, and youth worker training. The program aims to enhance the skills, employability, and intercultural awareness of young people.

3. European Solidarity Corps: The European Solidarity Corps provides young people with opportunities to volunteer or work on projects that benefit communities and people across Europe. It offers volunteering placements, traineeships, and job opportunities for young people to contribute to addressing societal challenges while developing valuable skills and experiences.

4. Youth Employment Initiative (YEI): The Youth Employment Initiative aims to address youth unemployment in regions with high levels of youth joblessness. It provides funding for measures and projects that support young people in finding employment, training, or education opportunities.

5. Youth Guarantee: The Youth Guarantee is a commitment by EU member states to ensure that all young people under the age of 25 years receive a good-quality offer of employment, continued education, an apprenticeship, or a traineeship within four months of becoming unemployed or leaving formal education.

6. European Youth Week: Organized by the European Commission, the European Youth Week is a biennial event that brings together young people and policymakers to discuss youth-related issues, share experiences, and engage in various activities and workshops.

7. Structured Dialogue with Young People: Structured Dialogue is a process that allows young people to engage with policymakers on topics that matter to them. It involves consultations and discussions with young people, youth organizations, and decision-makers to shape youth policies and initiatives.

You can respond in your national language

Deadline: 17 November 2023

respond to the survey by clicking here

Empowering Youth Against Antigypsyism: Insights from the Budapest Summer Academy

In Budapest, Hungary, the “Youth Ambassadors of the Decade against Antigypsyism” Summer Academy took place, uniting youngsters to address the challenges posed by antigypsyism. Organised by ERGO Network, the Council of Europe, and ternYpe – International Roma Youth Network, this event aimed to empower the youth as advocates for change. Through various sessions and activities, participants tackled the complexities of antigypsyism, strengthening their resolve to combat structural racism and promote Roma inclusion.

Inauguration and mission

The event began with an opening session led by Marcos Andrade, Deputy Director of the European Youth Centre Budapest. Andrade highlighted the significance of recent Roma Youth Participation Recommendations by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. These recommendations emphasised the importance of Roma Youth’s inclusion in all societal spheres and decision-making processes while addressing structural racism – issues that formed the core mission of the academy and unified the participants in their commitment.

Deepening understanding

The academy delved into the depths of antigypsyism, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the issue. Expert sessions, including activism led by Gwendolyn Albert and personal testimonies like Elena Gorolova’s account of forced sterilization, shed light on the challenges faced by the Roma community.

Furthermore, sessions led by Jamen Gabriela Hrabanova, Director of ERGO Network, and Ida Kreutzman from the Council of Europe introduced advocacy work and relevant resources. This knowledge empowered participants, equipping them with tools for meaningful change.

Taking action and commitment to change

The final part of the academy by devising actionable projects to raise awareness about the Roma community and each participant had a chance to present their idea. Among many great initiatives, some participants envisioned podcasts to share stories and experiences and a city guide tour utilising QR codes, featuring topics related to Roma history and contemporary life. This creative approach promises to engage and educate a broad audience through social media, which is a common means for young people not only to express themselves but also to share their knowledge with others.

A significant takeaway from the academy is the unwavering commitment of the participants. They pledged to serve as Youth Ambassadors, using their resources to raise awareness about Roma issues, culture, history, and their enduring presence.

The “Youth Ambassadors of the Decade against Antigypsyism” Summer Academy in Budapest was not just a gathering of young minds; it has the potential to be a catalyst for change. Armed with knowledge and inspiration, these Youth Ambassadors are prepared to challenge antigypsyism and advocate for a more inclusive society. Their commitment promises a far-reaching impact, as they return to their communities, fostering understanding, empathy, and change in their wake. The fight against antigypsyism has found a passionate and determined new generation of advocates.