Austria – rroma.org https://rroma.org Tue, 21 Jul 2026 14:33:21 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://rroma.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/cropped-greenwheel_large-1-32x32.png Austria – rroma.org https://rroma.org 32 32 Jenisch https://rroma.org/jenisch/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=jenisch Tue, 21 Jul 2026 14:33:21 +0000 https://rroma.org/?p=33717 Markus Josl speaks Jenisch, a language influenced by German and Romani, which is now spoken by only a few people and is part of his cultural identity.

Jenische people share a mixed European culture with Roma, Sinti, and Jews, historically connected through travel and craftsmanship.

Josl, a Jenisch activist, aims to preserve his culture and language, advocating for political recognition of the Jenische as a distinct ethnic group in Austria.

]]> Roma in Burgenland https://rroma.org/roma-in-burgenland/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=roma-in-burgenland Sun, 19 Jul 2026 13:09:16 +0000 https://rroma.org/?p=33680 The documentary “Roma in Burgenland – Stories We Tell Ourselves” by director Robert Dornhelm explores the history, culture, and current challenges faced by the Burgenland Roma, a group rooted in Austria for centuries but still facing prejudice and discrimination.

It spans from the 1930s to the present, highlighting the Roma’s vibrant culture through music, traditions, and personal stories, while also addressing their historical victimization.

The film features contributions from the Roma community and includes reflections on the legacy of figures like Charlie Chaplin, emphasizing themes of identity, memory, and dignity.

]]> Racism in Austria https://rroma.org/racism-in-austria/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=racism-in-austria Thu, 16 Jul 2026 14:48:40 +0000 https://rroma.org/?p=33613 32 Ukrainian Roma children were unjustly accused of theft, highlighting issues in the integration of these children in German language classes.

The incident reflects deep-rooted anti-Roma prejudices and the inadequate response of authorities to racism allegations.

Ukrainian Roma families often have many children, and in Wals Siezenheim, all school-age children were placed in a special class, raising concerns about educational equity.

]]> Lars Lindgren https://rroma.org/lars-lindgren/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lars-lindgren Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:57:11 +0000 https://rroma.org/?p=33593 Lars Lindgren focused on the cultural and linguistic rights of Roma in Sweden, emphasizing the importance of preserving their identity in modern society.

His 2011 report highlighted that legal recognition is insufficient if Roma still face discrimination and fear of revealing their heritage.

Lindgren advocated for better educational resources and awareness of Roma history and culture, asserting that Roma rights are intertwined with issues of culture, recognition, and human dignity.

]]> Ukrainian Roma in Austria https://rroma.org/ukrainian-roma-in-austria/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ukrainian-roma-in-austria Tue, 14 Jul 2026 13:15:55 +0000 https://rroma.org/?p=33558 According to the UN Special Rapporteur on Racism, 32 Roma children from Ukraine were held for one and a half hours in their classroom due to suspicions of mobile phone theft.

The incident, which occurred on October 16, 2025, is documented in a UN report, but the Salzburg education authority denies the events as described.

]]> Forced Labour https://rroma.org/forced-labour-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=forced-labour-2 Wed, 08 Jul 2026 13:04:59 +0000 https://rroma.org/?p=33442 Historical evidence shows that Roma from Burgenland were forced to work on the Reichsautobahn during the Nazi era, with new research pinpointing specific locations of these labor camps.

Writer Ludwig Laher has been investigating Nazi forced labor and the persecution of Roma and Sinti, utilizing new archival sources to shed light on these historical events.

Events organized by Roma-VHS Burgenland aim to raise awareness about the history of forced labor and keep the memory of the victims alive, highlighting the ongoing relevance of this topic today.

]]> Austrian Minorities https://rroma.org/austrian-minorities/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=austrian-minorities Wed, 08 Jul 2026 13:04:07 +0000 https://rroma.org/?p=33439 The Austrian National Council has made a significant step in recognizing the importance of ethnic groups in Burgenland by constitutionalizing all six recognized indigenous groups, including Croats, Hungarians, and Roma.

Philip Juranich, a Green Party representative and member of the Burgenland Croatian community, emphasizes that this recognition enhances visibility, respect, and appreciation for these groups.

A new annual report on ethnic groups will be introduced to assess their overall situation, particularly in language and culture, and to ensure greater involvement of ethnic councils in the parliamentary process.

]]> Austria and Racism https://rroma.org/austria-and-racism-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=austria-and-racism-2 Fri, 03 Jul 2026 14:17:49 +0000 https://rroma.org/?p=33341 The UN special rapporteur on racism, Ashwini K.P., reports that far-right ideologies have entered the mainstream in Austria, highlighting an incident involving Ukrainian Roma children. Despite existing regulations and organizations aimed at combating racism in Austria, their efforts are fragmented and threatened by budget cuts, leaving deep-rooted racism unaddressed.

A comprehensive, human rights-based anti-racism strategy is necessary to improve the situation, as racism is prevalent in Austrian immigrant society.

]]> Butchu Festival https://rroma.org/butchu-festival/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=butchu-festival Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:25:26 +0000 https://rroma.org/?p=33308 The Roma-Butschu festival in Burgenland celebrates the traditions of the Roma community, featuring performances from various ethnic groups, including Croatian and Hungarian ensembles.

Notable performances included the Leon Berger Band and Romano Rath, with a special appearance by the Slovenian band Romano Glauso, who emphasized the need for Roma unity against discrimination.

The next Roma-Butschu is planned for next year at a new venue that will enhance cultural exchange and community interaction among different ethnic groups.

]]> Minorities https://rroma.org/minorities/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=minorities Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:05:21 +0000 https://rroma.org/?p=33196 A reform package in Austria aims to constitutionally recognize all six indigenous ethnic groups in the country, including Croats, Slovenes, Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks, and Roma.

A new ethnic group forum will be established, and an annual report will be developed to inform about federal measures for the promotion and preservation of these groups.

The package also ensures the long-term security of bilingual courts in Carinthia, consolidating court locations while maintaining existing court sessions.

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