Author Archives: Roma Foundation

News Eastern Europe Romania

Roma and Romanians

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Roma and Romanians

Lucian Dan Teodorovici’s novel “Pe unde înoată urechinii” explores the complex and often avoided theme of racism, particularly the problematic coexistence between ethnic Romanians and Roma in a rural community during the 1980s. The story is narrated through the eyes of an eight-year-old boy who witnesses a tragic event involving the accidental death of a Romanian child, leading to a cover-up by the local community, highlighting themes of truth, perception, and societal division. The novel presents a nuanced portrayal of childhood innocence and the harsh realities of social hierarchies, ultimately revealing the darker aspects of human nature, such as indifference and moral relativism.

Czech Republic News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Milena Hübschmanova

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Milena Hübschmanova

An article in the Slovak press about Milena Hübschmannová, born on June 10, 1933. She significantly influenced the lives of several generations of Roma, instilling pride in their identity and leaving a lasting impact on Czech and global culture.

She began working with Roma communities in the 1950s, encouraging written expression and supporting Roma literature through editing, translating, and publishing efforts.

Hübschmannová was instrumental in establishing Romani studies at Charles University in Prague, elevating the Romani language and culture to an academic discipline and fostering close relationships with Roma personalities.

Austria News Western Europe

Burgenland Roma

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Burgenland Roma

A lesser-known chapter of Burgenland’s Roma history will be discussed at an event organized by the Roma Adult Education Center in Burgenland. The event titled “Myth of the Reichsautobahn: Forced Labor and Suffering of Romnja and Roma from Burgenland” will feature writer and historian Ludwig Laher.

The event is scheduled for Friday, June 19, at 7 PM at the OHO – Open House Oberwart.

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Hungary and Roma

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Hungary and Roma

Two articles concerning Roma in Hungary.

The first one discusses the lack of Roma representation in the Hungarian government, which has disappointed the Roma community, and highlights the need for genuine inclusion in political processes. Activist Horváth Aladár emphasizes the importance of recognizing Roma as equal citizens and the potential for change under the new government led by Magyar Péter. The article also critiques the historical neglect of Roma issues in Hungary and the need for substantial reforms to improve their social and economic conditions.

In the second second one Keno Verseck questions whether the situation for Roma in Hungary will improve under the new government, led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, who is sending a historical signal against anti-Roma sentiment. Magyar has a knack for symbolic politics, having previously highlighted Roma culture during significant political events, which resonated with the European Roma community. The new Prime Minister aims to go beyond mere gestures and is expected to take more substantial actions regarding Roma issues.

Greece News Western Europe

Greece and Roma

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Greece and Roma

One of the typical articles about Roma in Greek press. When they are not stealing, then, underage forced weddings are the norm…

The article says that a 16-year-old girl escaped from her 30-year-old husband in a Roma settlement in Neapolis after being forced into marriage against her will about 40 days prior.

The husband was found guilty of domestic violence and threats but acquitted of physical harm, receiving a 17-month suspended sentence. The girl testified that he physically restrained her and threatened her, while he denied any wrongdoing, claiming he loved her and did not understand her fear.

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Giving Birth in Hungary

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Giving Birth in Hungary

Reports of humiliation, threats, and vulnerability are not uncommon in the birth stories of Roma women. An initiative in Alsózsolca is trying to provide an answer to this: doulas trained from local Roma women accompany pregnant women. An interview with doula Rita Kishonthy-Kardos, the professional leader of the EMMA Association’s community companions program, about obstetric violence, racism, and how doulaship can become community support and a tool for self-assertion.

Bosnia News Eastern Europe

Integration in Bosnia

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Integration in Bosnia

Although the Roma community in Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to face numerous challenges, examples from Gradiška and Prnjavor show that the position of the Roma has been changing for the better in recent years.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Racism in Slovakia

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Racism in Slovakia

According to the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), which is a body of the Council of Europe (CoE), further measures are needed in the field of combating hate speech and hate crimes, in promoting equality and access to rights, as well as the integration of Roma and LGBTI communities.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Slovenia, Kindergartens, and Roma

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Slovenia, Kindergartens, and Roma

The municipalities of Šentjernej, Škocjan and Šmarješke Toplice are facing challenges in integrating Roma children into kindergartens. Despite the large number of Roma families, the enrollment of Roma children in kindergartens is very low, which raises questions about the success of integration efforts. It seems that the problems with the admission of children have been successfully addressed in the aforementioned municipalities, but we still rarely encounter Roma children in kindergartens.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Hate Speech in Serbia

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Hate Speech in Serbia

Srđan Šajn, president of the Roma Party, condemned a graffiti in Obrovac that read “Roms, be afraid,” calling it an open incitement of hate and discrimination against the Roma community. He criticized Roma officials from the ruling Serbian Progressive Party for using the incident for political propaganda instead of condemning hate speech and protecting Roma interests.

Šajn highlighted the government’s weak response to anti-Roma incidents, suggesting that the graffiti reflects a broader atmosphere of intolerance and extremism fostered by the authorities and their allies in the media.

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Renting a Flat

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Renting a Flat

A Roma family in Hungary faces discrimination in the rental market, highlighting the challenges they encounter when landlords reject them based on their ethnic background.

Research shows that Roma applicants require significantly more attempts to secure viewings compared to non-Roma, and they often face higher rental prices due to perceived biases.

Despite existing anti-discrimination laws, societal attitudes remain largely negative towards Roma, with many Hungarians condoning discriminatory practices in housing.

Germany News Eastern Europe News Western Europe Romania

Romanian Roma in Germany

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Romanian Roma in Germany

The article discusses the integration challenges faced by Romanian Roma in Germany, emphasizing the need for tailored public policies that address their specific vulnerabilities and circumstances. It highlights the differences between the historical Sinti community and recent Roma migrants from Eastern Europe, stressing the importance of recognizing these distinctions in policy-making. The author calls for collaborative efforts between Germany and Romania to enhance educational and mentoring programs, aiming for genuine inclusion and dignity for the Roma community.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Kindergarten and Roma

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Kindergarten and Roma

An article about the fact that there are almost no Roma in Kkindergarten in a Slovenian region that has several Roma settlements. According to the article:

Although there are many Roma people living in the municipality of Šentjernej, and around 70 Roma children attend primary school, this is not reflected in kindergarten enrolment. According to the principal, not a single Roma child currently attends the kindergarten.

“Despite our efforts, we have not managed to collect enough applications for a shorter program funded by the state and intended for children who do not attend kindergarten before entering school.”

Austria News Western Europe

Romano Dikipe

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Romano Dikipe

In this issue, Romano Dikipe accompanies the Roma-Service association during their move to the new House of Ethnic Groups in Oberwart; report on the new book by Herbert Brettl; as well as on the planned location for the central memorial for Roma and Sinti in Vienna; attended the event “Literature on the Ring” and is once again in search of traces of vanished Roma settlements in Burgenland.

News Western Europe United Kingdom

London Exhibition

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London Exhibition

The Museum of Homelessness (MOH), part gallery, part support hub, part perennial meadow, is hosting an exhibition entitled ‘ Criminal: An Untold Story of Homelessness, Resistance and Survival.’ which maps 400 years of criminalisation of homelessness and nomadic lives, with 10 Foot, Matt Bonner, Spelling Mistakes Cost Lives, and Surfing Sofas, in an exhibition that was co-curated and built by MOH’s members.

News Eastern Europe Ukraine

Odessa: Exhibition

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Odessa: Exhibition

The exhibition “Invisible. Resilience: The Past and Present of the Roma” explores the history and culture of the Roma people and highlights the Roma community’s contribution to modern society.

The exhibition consists of two thematic sections, each focusing on the past and present of the Roma people. Particular attention is paid to identity as a form of resistance and the preservation of cultural heritage.

The event was organized by the ARKA Youth Agency for Roma Culture Advocacy in partnership with the Babyn Yar National Historical and Memorial Reserve, the Odesa Holocaust Research Center, and the Ukrainian Holocaust Research Center. The project was implemented with the support of the German Embassy in Ukraine and the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance.

Czech Republic News Eastern Europe

Roma Vakeren

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Roma Vakeren

The Czech radio show “Roma vakeren” [Roma speak] talks about this year’s Khamoro World Roma Festival which revived the tradition of Roma storytelling and commemorated the legacy of the exceptional Věra Bílá. And also visit Slovakia, where the creative writing competition in the Romani language Avka, sar miri daj vakerelas / Just like my mother spoke took place.

France News Western Europe

Concentration Camp

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Concentration Camp

Within the grounds of Coudrecieux castle (Sarthe), the ruins of a World War II internment camp for “nomads” still remain. On My 31st, associations of itinerant citizens called for it to be listed as a historical monument.

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