Romania Overriding stereotypes for the inclusion of Roma in society

Project : Romania 13 May 2011 | discrimination roma

Craiova, Romania, 4-5 May, 2011: Within the framework of the international project “+Respect: Increasing Roma Peoples Participation and Citizenship Rights: Campaigns and Tools”, co-financed by the European Commission DG Justice, Freedom and Security, the Foundation for People Development (FDP) in partnership with Tdh Delegation in Romania and the House of Culture “Traian Demetrescu” of Craiova organized two training sessions targeting different key actors: public authorities, practitioners, Roma communities and specific civil society organizations. The main objectives of the project “+Respect” aim at providing a set of tools for awareness-raising and knowledge to fight anti-Roma racism and to enhance Roma participation in democratic processes at local level.

The first day of training focused on The capacity building of the public administration and of practitioners from the local level to address the problems of Roma communities’. It brought a reflection on the role played by the local stakeholders, both institutional and non-institutional, in relation to combating discrimination against Roma people in order to foster greater access to and enjoyment of rights and citizenship (particularly with regards to equal opportunities), by promoting social inclusion and affirmative policies and better communication. Some delicate issues in Roma people’s lives were also considered: identity, association with the community, inter-ethnic communities, having a sense of self and of community, cultural roots, education, employment and respect.

The second training course covered the thematic of Roma communities’ problems addressed by local authorities and strived to give the most relevant coverage of the issues at hand, bearing in mind the multiple perspectives coming from the health mediators, Roma experts, local counsellors, Romani language teachers, NGO representatives. Debates were held on what is happening at local level, on the expectations, challenges, problems and capacities considered by the key actors in relation with the Roma people.

The main topics discussed referred to – among others: Roma youth involvement in the social work, in voluntary actions and in youth organizations; a better dialogue with local authorities, fostering participation of young Roma in local initiative groups, advocating for certification of their traditional trades and professions; the collaboration between local Roma NGOs and the international NGOs based on partnership to implement projects adapted to the needs of Roma communities.

Participants recognized the special needs of the Roma minority and also the obligation to protect its security, identity and way of life, not only in order to protect the interests of the minority itself but also to preserve a cultural diversity, beneficial to society as a whole. Therefore, by designing and implementing creative and challenging programs to improve the position of socially disadvantaged members of Roma communities, making them feel more respected and accepted, they may well become catalysts of a progress that will decrease negative stereotypes. [LAG]