20 years of the Action Plan: Looking ahead for the next five years for the OSCE Status Report launch
On 8 December 2023, ERGO Network Director Gabriela Hrabaňová addressed the OSCE ODIHR Launching event for the Fourth Status Report on the “Implementation of the Action Plan for Improving the Situation of Roma and Sinti within the OSCE Area.” It has also been 20 years since the introduction of the Action Plan for Roma and Sinti.
“Since the countries of the OSCE committed to ensuring positive change for the Roma and Sinti across the region over 20 years ago, real progress has been made,” said ODIHR First Deputy Director Tea Jaliashvili. “But deep disparities between the lives of the Roma and the general population remain in a number of places, and anti-Roma racism and discrimination are still a fundamental challenge. We must continue working to improve their situation and increase Roma participation in public and political life.”
Gabriela Hrabaňová agreed, that the 2003 Action Plan is still a relevant policy blueprint, guiding participating States on countering racism and discrimination against Roma, ensuring equitable access and opportunities for Roma and Sinti individuals in health care, employment, housing and education, and outlining the need to promote increased participation of Roma in public life and to provide support during crisis and post-crisis scenarios.
Regarding the participation of Roma in policy processes, the Status Report points out the same concerns of the Roma civil monitoring and ERGO Network’s assessment related to consultation processes for the adoptions of the national Roma strategic frameworks in 2021-2022 – where there was insufficient consultation and very few participatory and inclusive mechanisms for civil society participation at national level.
Notably, the report says that the further empowerment of Roma and the creation of effective mechanisms for meaningful participation in all policies that impact them is the next step towards positive change.
Action is needed. Gabriela called for more investment in the Roma capacities and ensuring that the Roma are part of all the policies concerning our future – across all participating states, including those countries where the crises strike the most. For the future of Ukraine, it is of utmost importance that minorities, including Roma and Sinti, are part of rebuilding the country.
She has also reminded about promoting Gender and Youth Perspectives, specifically integrating gender and youth perspectives into policy discussions and design to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Roma women and youth.
In the area of combating racism and discrimination, ERGO Network notices an increase in antigypsyism and intolerance against Roma across the OSCE Participating States, fuelled by ongoing political and economic instability in the region and a sense of impunity promoted in the media. Even though the 2021 FRA survey on Roma shows a positive development in tackling hate-motivated harassment and violence, there are no real improvements when it comes to tackling discrimination. According to FRA, awareness of the existence of human rights institutions has also improved among Roma. However, the proportion of Roma victims reporting discrimination did not increase.
There is almost no progress in education, with over 70 % of young Roma still leaving school early. Educational enrolment and attainment have not changed, while segregation and discrimination in education have worsened since 2016.
On average, 80 % of Roma in the survey countries were at risk of poverty in 2021. Many Roma households improved their material and housing situation, although overcrowding remains high, with one in five not having access to tap water inside their house.
Employment prospects have improved in some countries, and over 60% of Roma are now in paid work. In others, employment rates remain low, especially for young people and women. Some countries could achieve the EU targets for employment by 2030, but more efforts are needed to tackle youth and Roma women’s employment.
The OSCE participating states have committed to improving the situation of Roma communities through various declarations, action plans, and agreements. The OSCE could strengthen its efforts by ensuring these commitments are effectively implemented at the national level.
We must address all aspects comprehensively so societies can create a more inclusive environment that allows Roma individuals to actively participate in public and political life, contributing to more diverse and representative decision-making processes.
The political representation of the Roma population varies across different European countries. Mainstream political parties in some countries may include Roma candidates on their party lists or actively seek Roma support. These candidates may represent mainstream parties’ policies and work towards improving the situation of the Roma community at the European level. Some were also put on the candidates lists already.
Recommendations:
But more needs to be done to improve the participation of Roma in public and political life.
Education and awareness: Ensuring access to quality education for Roma children and adults. Combat discrimination in educational settings and promote programs that empower Roma individuals to engage actively in public and political life.
Capacity Building: Provide training programs and workshops focused on leadership skills, advocacy, political participation, and civic engagement tailored specifically for Roma individuals. These programs should empower Roma to participate actively in public and political spheres.
Representation in Political Institutions: Encourage and support the presentation of Roma individuals in political parties, governmental bodies, and local councils. Promote inclusive policies, encouraging political parties to include Roma candidates on their electoral lists.
Support for Civil Society Organisations: Provide resources, funding, and technical support to Roma-led civil society organisations that work towards improving political participation and representation of Roma communities.
Fostering Inclusive Political Dialogue: Create platforms for open and inclusive dialogue between Roma communities and policymakers. Ensure Roma voices are heard and respected in political discussions and decision-making processes.
Addressing Discrimination and Stereotypes: Combat discrimination, prejudices, and stereotypes against Roma communities through awareness campaigns, education, and legal measures. Promote a more positive and accurate portrayal of Roma in society and the media.
Access to Information and Resources: Ensure Roma individuals access relevant information about their rights, electoral processes, and available resources to engage effectively in public and political life.
Promotion of Gender Equality: Address gender disparities within Roma communities by promoting the participation of Roma women in public and political life. Create opportunities and platforms to encourage and support Roma women’s involvement in decision-making processes.
Policy Reforms and Implementation: Advocate for reforms addressing Roma communities’ socio-economic challenges. Ensure the effective implementation of existing policies to promote their inclusion and participation in public and political life.
International Collaboration and Exchange: OSACE must foster collaboration among governments, international organisations, civil society, and academia to exchange best practices and strategies for enhancing Roma participation in public and political life.
You can see the Fourth Status Report: Implementation of the Action Plan on Improving the Situation of Roma and Sinti within the OSCE Area here.