Author Archives: Roma Foundation

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Romanes

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Romanes

A symposium in Murska Sobota focused on preserving the Romani language and engaging younger generations through innovative methods, including a free app that combines learning with gaming and AI. Concerns were raised about the declining use of the Romani language among youth, particularly in Romani communities, highlighting the need for increased public engagement and educational resources.

The app aims to teach Romani through interactive storytelling and tasks, with plans to incorporate various dialects, including Prekmurje Romani, to enhance accessibility and learning.

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Commemoration

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Commemoration

On November 3, 2008, two Roma individuals, Éva Illés and József Nagy, were murdered in Nagycsécs during a racially motivated attack, marking the first fatalities in a series of violent assaults against the Roma community in Hungary.

The attackers, motivated by a belief that justice was not adequately addressing crimes against Roma, planned their assaults meticulously, using military gear and weapons, and targeted innocent people based solely on their ethnicity.

The subsequent investigation revealed systemic failures in law enforcement, and the attackers were eventually apprehended and sentenced to life imprisonment, with the court confirming that the attacks were racially motivated.

The local community, both Roma and non-Roma, came together to mourn the victims, highlighting the peaceful nature of the victims who were known for their humble lifestyle and craftsmanship.

News Eastern Europe North Macedonia

Roundtable

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Roundtable

A roundtable was organized under the EU-funded program aimed at improving education and employment opportunities for Roma students in the Western Balkans and Turkey.

Participants discussed public policy measures to enhance access to education, vocational training, and employment, focusing on labor market needs.

The event was hosted by the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography, and Youth of North Macedonia, with representatives from various institutions attending.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

National Council Elections

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National Council Elections

The upcoming elections to the Serbian National Counticcl of Roma are not just about electing 35 representatives but also a test of the democratic capacity of the Roma community and the responsibility of institutions to ensure equal participation in the electoral process.

The National Council of Roma plays a crucial role in advocating for the community’s interests in education, culture, and language rights, especially as Roma face challenges in various areas.

The Union of Roma of Serbia has questioned the legitimacy of the electoral list, while the Roma Academic Circle has raised concerns about the fairness of the electoral process and the rights of Roma individuals to participate politically.

Italy News Western Europe

Identity

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Identity

Brenda Lodigiani, a Sintiza, shares her experiences growing up with a dual identity, embracing her heritage without shame. Her mother discovered her Sinti roots as a teenager, revealing a family history of nomadic living and eventual reconnection with her past.

Lodigiani fondly recalls her childhood adventures in the Sinti community, contrasting them with the challenges of returning to a more structured life after vacations.

Montenegro News Eastern Europe

Roma in Montenegro

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Roma in Montenegro

The Association for the Support of Roma and Egyptians in Berane reports significant progress in education and social inclusion for the Roma and Egyptian communities in Montenegro, aided by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation.

Sultan Beća, a member of the Government Working Group, highlights improvements in preschool enrollment, regular school attendance, scholarships, and social inclusion efforts.

The association welcomes the adoption of the Strategy for Improving the Quality of Life of Roma and Egyptians for 2026-2030, emphasizing the need for measurable changes in education and social integration.

Bulgaria Europe News Eastern Europe

Anti-Roma Discrimination

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Anti-Roma Discrimination

An International Roma Coalition is urging the European Commission to appoint a coordinator against anti-Roma discrimination and provide funding for protection against racist violence, as highlighted in a petition awaiting signatures from Bulgaria.

Representatives from ten European countries will present the petition on November 5 in the European Parliament, demanding special mechanisms to protect Roma from discrimination and hate crimes.

The petition emphasizes the low reporting rates of discrimination among Roma, attributing it to a lack of trust in state institutions rather than a decrease in discrimination itself.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Bulgarian Elections

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Bulgarian Elections

Three reports of alleged violations were received by the Regional Election Commission in Pazardzhik on election day.

Two reports from the organization “Awake People” involved claims of improper assistance at polling stations and concerns about a group speaking Romani language, suggesting possible electioneering.

The third report, from a municipal councilor, related to pre-election campaigning on Facebook, which the commission deemed unacceptable but not sanctionable under the Election Code.

France News Western Europe

French Chronicle …

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French Chronicle …

Not much this week in France. A conference on Romanian workers in France, many of them Roma, and a camp closure near Nantes in Western France.

Czech Republic News Eastern Europe

Museum of Romani Culture

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Museum of Romani Culture

Five signatories criticized the Culture Ministry’s decision to dissolve the Oversight Board for the Museum of Romani Culture, claiming it contradicts a prior promise to maintain the board until a new structure was agreed upon.

The minister, Oto Klempíř, justified the dissolution by stating the need for independence and to avoid conflicts of interest, asserting that the ministry still values Roma community involvement in the museum’s future.

The signatories emphasize the importance of Roma representation in decision-making regarding cultural heritage and demand concrete steps for their participation in the museum’s direction.

News Western Europe Spain

Mallorca Roma

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Mallorca Roma

Laura Jurado’s book “Mallorca romaní” highlights the history and struggles of the Romani community in Mallorca, documenting their legal persecutions, displacement, and contributions to tourism and local culture.

The book aims to recover the memory of a marginalized group that has faced significant stigma and resistance throughout history. It also addresses the community’s involvement in the development of areas like Son Banya and the historical expulsion from the city center.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Roma Platforms

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Roma Platforms

The Slovak government’s Office for Roma Communities has conducted seven out of nine planned regional Roma platforms to address community needs in education, employment, housing, health, and anti-Roma racism.

Discussions highlighted the necessity for regular dialogue and support for local governments to tackle social and economic issues, with a focus on coordinated assistance for families and access to basic services. Key topics included improving educational capacities, employment orientation, housing infrastructure, and healthcare access, with plans for new action plans based on local needs by 2028-2030.

One cannot but ask what do such discussion do to really improve the situation of Roma?

Greece News Western Europe

Politics and Racism

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Politics and Racism

The article criticizes Aphrodite Latinopoulou for her racist remarks targeting the Roma community following a tragic gas explosion in Plaka that killed six people. It emphasizes the need for respect for the victims and accountability rather than scapegoating a specific ethnic group.

The article reveals that the accused individuals are not Roma and calls for a more constructive approach to social integration and crime prevention without resorting to racism.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Voting Fraud?

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Voting Fraud?

Thirteen individuals were arrested in the Stara Zagora region during an operation targeting crimes related to citizens’ political rights, with an additional seven wanted by authorities. The police operation, conducted before the presidential runoff, involved checks on 876 individuals, 375 vehicles, and various businesses, revealing issues beyond vote-buying, including drug possession and theft.

The Interior Minister noted increased activity in Roma neighborhoods ahead of the election, urging for a peaceful voting process, as turnout in Roma sections was low during the first round.

Hungary News Eastern Europe

1956 Revolution

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1956 Revolution

The 1956 Hungarian Revolution quickly transformed into a fight for freedom against the Soviets, with significant resistance in outer districts like Pesterzsébet and Soroksár after the second Soviet intervention on November 4.

A unique group led by Strausz Károly, known as “Cigány Karesz,” was notable for being predominantly composed of Roma fighters, who made up about 5-8% of the insurgents according to previous research.

This group was among the last to resist Soviet forces, continuing their fight even after major centers of resistance had been defeated, highlighting their determination and cohesion under Strausz’s strict leadership.

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Hungary: Verdict

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Hungary: Verdict

A Kecskemét Court issued a final ruling on two paramedics accused of violence against a member of the community and other crimes related to their treatment of a patient on April 4, 2022.

The paramedics mocked the patient’s ethnicity and caused him injury during transport, but the court ruled that their actions were not directly responsible for the patient’s subsequent death.

The nurse received a suspended sentence of 1 year in prison, while the ambulance driver was sentenced to 1.5 years in prison, both facing bans from medical duties and public office.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Romani Politics

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Romani Politics

The Roma community continues to face poverty, discrimination, and unresolved issues, while political conflicts overshadow discussions about real change ahead of the upcoming elections for the Serbian National Council of the Roma National Minority.

The elections are scheduled for November 8, and instead of accountability for past actions, the focus is on electoral lists and political influence.

Questions are raised about the achievements of Dalibor Nakić, the current head of the Council, particularly regarding education, preservation of the Romani language and culture, and access to information in Romani.

Croatia News Eastern Europe

Zagreb Memorial

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Zagreb Memorial

A mobile memorial for Roma victims of World War II will be created in Zagreb as part of a workshop organized by the Center “Theater of the Oppressed – POKAZ”.

Designed by artist Antonio Grgic, the memorial aims to preserve the memory of the genocide against Roma and Sinti, allowing the community to contribute personal items for remembrance.

The project is part of a broader initiative across several countries, culminating in a virtual museum documenting persecution sites and educational materials, funded by the EU until January 2027.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Again …

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Again …

Another article  about the extravagant mansions In Romania, adorned with dollar symbols and Asian temple-like roofs are prevalent, yet many remain half-empty and poorly maintained, with owners living in cramped conditions.

The accumulation of wealth for these ostentatious buildings began after the fall of communism in the 1990s, primarily from scrap metal collection and the return of confiscated family gold.

Despite the lavish architecture, a significant portion of the Roma population lives in poverty, and the high maintenance costs of these mansions lead many owners to abandon them or leave for better opportunities elsewhere.

Hungary News Eastern Europe Romania

Sport and Racism

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Sport and Racism

Despite UEFA’s zero tolerance policy against racism, anti-Hungarian and anti-Roma chants continue to be prevalent in Romanian football stadiums.

Recent matches, including the FCSB-Rapid derby, have seen a resurgence of these chants, prompting calls for stricter penalties from sports authorities.

Officials and community leaders emphasize the need for deeper solutions beyond sanctions, advocating for awareness campaigns and dialogue to address the root causes of racism in sports.

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