Author Archives: Roma Foundation

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Leskovac Roma

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Leskovac Roma

A study on the position and needs of youth in Leskovac, Serbia, revealed significant issues such as unemployment and lack of opportunities, but did not specifically analyze the situation of young Roma and Romni.

The research, conducted with 301 participants aged 15 to 30, highlighted that nearly 90% of youth feel they lack equal opportunities compared to peers in other Serbian cities, with many planning to leave Leskovac.

The absence of data on ethnic backgrounds limits understanding of inequalities faced by young Roma and Romni, emphasizing the need for targeted research and inclusive youth policies.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Integration

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Integration

Ecaterina Topor, a young Roma woman, transformed her life through education, learning three languages and becoming a qualified chef, which boosted her confidence and opened new opportunities.

After graduating, she received guidance from the National Employment Agency, leading to a successful internship and job at a local restaurant, despite facing some prejudice due to her ethnicity.

Currently employed at an international company, Ecaterina advocates for education and self-reliance, encouraging other young Roma to pursue their dreams and build their futures.

Europe News Eastern Europe Poland

Young Roma

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Young Roma

The young Roma generation is determined to overcome discrimination and stigma in areas like education, housing, and employment, seeking self-determined paths.

Antiziganism is on the rise, with historical prejudices deeply rooted in society, leading to increased racism and stigmatization of Roma children.

The article highlights individual stories of young Roma who are breaking barriers and advocating for their rights, showcasing their aspirations and the challenges they face in a society that often marginalizes them.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Waste – Slovakia

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Waste – Slovakia

The Slovak government’s Office for Roma Communities emphasizes the need for a systematic solution to illegal landfills, rejecting the association of this issue with the Roma community.

The office has allocated significant funds for the construction of waste collection points and the removal of illegal landfills, stressing the importance of a coordinated approach involving all stakeholders.

The issue of illegal landfills is framed as a matter of responsibility and environmental health, with a call for equal application of rules for all citizens, regardless of ethnicity.

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Hungarian Politics and Roma

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Hungarian Politics and Roma

Kőszegi Krisztián, a deputy speaker of the Hungarian Parliament, initially refused to shake hands with Roma representative Aba-Horváth István, citing political conflicts and the inappropriateness of a Fidesz (the former majority) member representing a minority.

Following criticism from Prime Minister Magyar Péter regarding the handshake incident, Kőszegi later shook hands with Aba-Horváth during a parliamentary session.

Aba-Horváth expressed that the refusal to shake hands reflects broader issues of respect and acceptance within the political landscape, emphasizing that such rejections affect the entire Roma community.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Roma in Romania

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Roma in Romania

Iulian Paraschiv, president of the National Agency for Roma, stated that the Roma minority is the largest minority in Romania, although this is unofficial.

He explained that the classification is unofficial due to the lack of accurate census data on the Roma population.

The discussion highlights ongoing issues regarding the recognition and rights of the Roma community in Romania.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

ECHR on Bulgaria

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ECHR on Bulgaria

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled against Bulgaria for demolishing a Roma settlement on the outskirts of Sofia in August 2023, violating the right to private and family life of the residents.

56 individuals affected by the demolition filed a complaint, and the court found Bulgaria in violation of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, but not in violation of Articles 3 and 14 regarding torture and discrimination.

The ECHR awarded each complainant €10,000 in damages, totaling €560,000, along with €18,000 for legal costs to be paid by Bulgaria.

Hungary News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Hungarian Minority?

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Hungarian Minority?

There is a significant Hungarian-speaking Roma community in Slovakia. However, there is very little reliable data available on the size and characteristics of the community, and no research has been conducted on their political activity or party preferences. However, the votes of the Hungarian-speaking Roma community would already be very important for the Hungarian party to have a chance of reaching the parliamentary threshold, and due to the increasing demographic weight of the group, they will be essentially indispensable in the future.

The problem is, they are not voting for the Hungarian party …

Bosnia News Eastern Europe

EU, Bosnia, and Roma

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EU, Bosnia, and Roma

The European Union will allocate 12 million euros through IPA funds to improve housing conditions for the Roma population in 15 local communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

The program aims to address the housing needs of Roma families and will be implemented with the support of the UN Development Program (UNDP).

The Minister for Human Rights and Refugees, Sevlid Hurtić, emphasized the importance of directing funds to areas with the greatest needs, highlighting collaboration among local institutions, the EU, and the UN.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Vučić and Minorities

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Vučić and Minorities

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić visited the village of Strezovce, promising support to local Serbs, prompting a response from Preševo’s mayor, Ardita Sinani, highlighting the presence of Albanians and Roma in the municipality.

Sinani emphasized the need for equal treatment and investment in all communities, including Albanian areas, and criticized the government for its slow response to requests for projects in Albanian neighborhoods.

She called for equal rights and treatment for all residents, regardless of ethnicity, and vowed to continue advocating for the issues faced by Albanians in Preševo.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Clash

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Clash

A violent incident occurred on Saturday night in Tudor Vladimirescu, Romania, involving clashes between groups of Romanians and Roma, described as reminiscent of the ‘Wild West’.

According to the article, the conflict escalated after initial aggression from Roma youths towards Romanian youths, leading to a larger confrontation with local residents.

Police and ambulance services responded to the scene, with one seriously injured Roma man being airlifted to a hospital in Bucharest.

Austria News Western Europe

ReIMAGINE

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ReIMAGINE

EDUCULT, based in Vienna, is working on the ‘ReIMAGINE’ project to diversify European memory culture, focusing on the history and experiences of the Roma community.

The project involves collaboration with partners from five European countries and aims to create innovative educational tools, including a board game dedicated to Roma heroes.

‘ReIMAGINE’ will develop an interactive training toolkit for educators to present diverse historical perspectives and is supported by the EU’s Erasmus+ program until 2027.

France News Western Europe

French Chronicle …

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French Chronicle …

This last week news about Roma in France was dominated by the eviction of two camps of Roma near Nantes in Western France, and by a fire in a camp near the same city. Ngos and Roma protested against these closures arguing that they are working, their children are going to school. In the South of France, near Marseilles, the same pattern emerges. Near Paris, a mayor speaks about Roma…

Bad … Especially when one thinks that this involves less than 15’000 people who have been in France for over 20 years …

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Romano Design

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Romano Design

Romano Design is more than a fashion brand; it serves as a creative platform that promotes Romani cultural heritage through contemporary fashion, art, and storytelling.

Over the past 16 years, the brand has transformed the perception of Romani culture, making it visible in museums and academia, and fostering a community focused on cultural preservation and mentorship.

The founders emphasize the importance of authentic representation of Romani culture, aiming to challenge stereotypes and provide a platform for genuine narratives.

Hungary News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Atlas of Roma Communities

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Atlas of Roma Communities

A Hungarian view on the Atlas of Roma communities, the most accepted data source for the Roma population in Slovakia. Its latest data from 2019 indicates approximately 406,000 Roma, of which 58,000 belong to Hungarian-speaking communities. Actually, in the latest census, much more Roma identified themselves as Hungarians, and Hungarians in Slovakia actually fear that Roma declares tehmeselves as such, decreasing the overall Hungarian commun ity.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Balval Fest

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Balval Fest

Balvalfest, is the oldest Romani festival in Slovakia. It aims to showcase Romani music and dance. The festival features performers from various countries, including the UK, Czech Republic, Ukraine, and Hungary, and encourages young talent to participate.

This year’s event is expected to attract around 2,000 visitors and is supported financially by the Minorities Culture Support Fund.

Czech Republic News Eastern Europe

Hatred

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Hatred

Edita Stejskalová, Czech Government Commissioner for Roma Minority Affairs, addressed the ongoing discrimination and violence against Roma children during a commemorative gathering at the former g*psy camp in Hodonín u Kunštátu, marking 83 years since the transport of Roma to Auschwitz.

She highlighted recent incidents of violence and racism against Roma children, emphasizing that hatred towards them is not just a historical issue but a current reality.

Stejskalová called for awareness and action against both overt and systemic discrimination, particularly in housing and education, stressing that no child should suffer due to their ethnicity.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Rroma Film Festival

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Rroma Film Festival

The RROMA Film Festival will showcase short films inspired by Roma culture from September 4-6 in Brasov and Augustin, featuring a special screening of ‘Becoming Led Zeppelin.’

The festival will honour Salvador Dali and include a celebration of Roma culture with traditional music and culinary experiences.

The closing ceremony will feature the film ‘Malul Vanat’ and a tribute to a lost film about Roma communities, with free admission to all events.

News Eastern Europe North Macedonia Serbia

Roma, Serbia, and North Macedonia

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Roma, Serbia, and North Macedonia

A delegation of Roma political, social, and media representatives from Serbia met with Minister Nedžet Mustafa in Skopje to discuss Roma political participation and regional cooperation.

Key points included the need for stronger political organization among Roma, continuous political awareness, and active involvement of new generations in decision-making processes.

The meeting emphasized the importance of regional collaboration and combating discrimination, with a call for ongoing institutionalized efforts rather than sporadic meetings.

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