Tag Archives: Activist

Czech Republic News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Róbert Hamburgbadžo

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Róbert Hamburgbadžo

Róbert Hamburgbadžo discusses his journey from a poor Roma background to becoming a journalist, emphasizing the challenges of Romani journalism in Slovakia.

He highlights the lack of support for Romani communities in Spišský Hrhov, despite it being cited as a model for integration.

Hamburgbadžo aims to mentor future journalists and establish a scholarship program for Romani students, while also expressing a desire to create a documentary that authentically represents Romani life.

Croatia News Eastern Europe

Roma Initiatives

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Roma Initiatives

Seven local initiatives in 2026 demonstrated how Roma organizations can empower their communities through education, cultural preservation, and women’s empowerment.

The results of the project “Empowering Local Roma Organizations” were presented at a press conference by the Ecumenical Humanitarian Organization, highlighting activities from various cities.

Initiatives included workshops on traditional Roma cuisine and projects aimed at preventing violence and discrimination, showcasing the importance of collaboration in strengthening Roma communities.

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Gyár Acél

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Gyár Acél

Gyár Acél (meaning “Factory Steel”) is a civil community and association based in Salgótarján, Hungary, that fights against drug abuse and drug-related crime through the mobilization of Romani volunteers.

Its main objective is protecting the residents and local community of Salgótarján from destructive synthetic drugs, especially the spread of “crystal” (crystal meth/bath salts). It operates with local Romani volunteers who work together in an exemplary community effort to stand up against drug dealers and crime.

Germany News Western Europe

Romanity

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Romanity

Renate Bürner interviews Radoslav Ganev, a founder of the Romanity association, discussing the organization’s concerns and projects.

The conversation focuses on raising awareness about the prejudices and images surrounding the 600-year history of Sinti and Roma in Germany and other countries, which continue to lead to discrimination and violence.

The discussion also addresses the need for a proper remembrance culture of the genocide and the societal and cultural contributions of the Sinti and Roma.

Czech Republic News Eastern Europe

Jana Horváthová

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Jana Horváthová

Jana Horváthová has resigned as director of the Museum of Romani Culture in Brno, citing exhaustion and a desire to focus on academic work after leading the museum since 2003.

Karolína Spilmannová will take over as acting director from September 1, ensuring continuity in leadership and operations at the museum.

The Ministry of Culture plans to redefine the museum’s Advisory Board and is seeking a strong permanent director to lead the institution’s future development.

What a pitty, and congratulation for the great work.

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Romni and Activist

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Romni and Activist

The article discusses the career journey of a Romni who transitioned from sociology and human rights work to IT support and now serves as a Roma affairs officer in a local government.

She emphasizes the importance of her diverse educational background and experiences in both civil society and corporate environments for her current role, particularly in managing Roma-related projects and strategies.

The article highlights her efforts to improve Roma community engagement and support, including a Roma internship program and research on the needs of the Roma population in Józsefváros.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Maribor Roma

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Maribor Roma

The article features Murim Baftiarov, an activist working to improve the position of the Roma community in Maribor, emphasizing the importance of education, support, and collaboration with the wider society.

Since 2023, he has been involved with the Roma association ‘Sprememba Takoj’, which aims to bridge the gap between the Roma and Slovenian communities and promote positive changes for Roma in Maribor.

He shares his personal educational journey and highlights the need for professional assistance to enhance stability and conditions within the Roma community.

Europe News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Anna Mirga-Kruszelnicka

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Anna Mirga-Kruszelnicka

Anna Mirga-Kruszelnicka, a Polish Romani anthropologist and activist, leads the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture, focusing on combating anti-Romani sentiment and promoting Romani identity through art and education.

She highlights the resurgence of anti-Romani attitudes in Europe, linking them to a broader decline in democratic values and the importance of minority rights as indicators of democracy.

The article discusses the need for systemic changes in education and public services to improve the socio-economic conditions of Romani communities, emphasizing the role of trust and collaboration between authorities and these communities.

Austria News Western Europe

Harri Stojka

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Harri Stojka

Harri Stojka, born on July 22, 1957, in Vienna, is a prominent Austrian jazz guitarist known for blending jazz, blues, rock, and Roma musical traditions, which he calls “Gipsysoul.”

He began his musical career in the early 1970s, founded the Harri Stojka Express in 1973, and has performed internationally, gaining recognition for his work on Gypsy Jazz and his engagement with Roma culture.

Stojka has received numerous accolades, including the Golden Honorary Badge for services to the Republic of Austria, and continues to perform and release new music while advocating for the remembrance of Roma history and culture.

Austria News Western Europe Sweden

Lars Lindgren

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Lars Lindgren

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.

Moldova News Eastern Europe

Artur Cerari

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Artur Cerari

Artur Cerari, the leader of the Roma community in Soroca, Moldova, passed away on July 4, 2026, at the age of 65. He succeeded his father, Mircea Cerari, who was a prominent figure in the Roma community during the Soviet era.

Cerari was known for mediating internal disputes and representing the Roma community in official matters, focusing on issues like economic migration and educational integration.

Te avel I phuv lohi I o drom angla leste puterdo.

News Western Europe United Kingdom

UK and Roma

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UK and Roma

Alexandra Bahor, a Roma activist in Liverpool, advocates for Roma rights and challenges stereotypes about Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller (GRT) communities, emphasizing their diversity and unique needs.

She highlights the importance of meaningful partnerships between GRT communities and organizations, advocating for their involvement in decision-making processes.

Alexandra calls for recognition of anti-Gypsyism as a specific form of racism and encourages individuals to question stereotypes and listen to Roma voices to foster understanding and change.

Greece News Western Europe

Roma History and Inclusion

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Roma History and Inclusion

Panagiotis Charitos is a prominent social worker in Greece, dedicated to the education, social inclusion, and empowerment of Roma communities, with a strong academic background and extensive professional experience.

He has initiated various programs and projects aimed at improving educational access for Roma children, including the establishment of a Creative Activity Center and a Football Academy for Roma children.

Charitos has also been active in local politics, serving as a municipal councilor and advocating for Roma rights and social policies that promote equality and inclusion.

He is involved in the first Greek magazine dedicated to the history and culture of the Roma, titled “Unknown Culture of the Roma,” aims to document and preserve Roma heritage and promote positive examples from the community.

The magazine is a collective effort involving Roma scientists, educators, and community members, focusing on the rich traditions, values, and contributions of the Roma people.

It seeks to combat stereotypes and promote understanding between Roma communities and wider society, emphasizing the importance of equal opportunities and respect for Roma culture.

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.

Czech Republic Germany News Eastern Europe News Western Europe

Romani Pov

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Romani Pov

The Romani youth group PowerPeng! from Berlin meets the Romani media platform TUKE.TV from Brno. Through short films and a performance, they engage in dialogue and discuss how young Roma in Germany and the Czech Republic keep the memory of Sinti and Roma alive through their media work, how they shape resistance against the far right, and how they can maintain their place in the public consciousness.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Žarko Jovanović – musician and Roma activist

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Žarko Jovanović – musician and Roma activist

In the weekly Sveta Roma, they talk about Žarko Jovanović Jagdin – a Roma musician, composer and activist who left his mark on the history of the Roma.

May he rest in peace.

Austria Croatia Hungary News Eastern Europe News Western Europe

Burgenland

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Burgenland

On the occasion of International Roma Day, the Roma National High School last week invited young people to a youth event in the Borta Open House (OHO). Young members of the Roma, Croatian and Hungarian ethnic groups participated. The main topic was networking and involving young people in political processes.

Bulgaria Europe News Eastern Europe

XV Congress

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XV Congress

A press release announcing that Sofia will host the XV World Roma Congress, which will be held in the period 29–31 October 2026. The event is organized by the Association “United Civic Initiatives – OGI E ROMENGO” with chairman and main organizer Toma Mladenov.

According to the organisers, Delegations from over 40 countries are expected to participate, as well as representatives of international institutions such as the UN, the Council of Europe and the European Union. The forum is expected to be one of the most significant international events related to the Roma community in recent years.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Roma Activist

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Roma Activist

The lifeless body of a young man was pulled from the city lake in Zrenjanin, Serbia, on February 22nd. The Roma Party announced that it was nineteen-year-old Manuel Ametov, who disappeared eight days ago. A protest called “Justice for Manuel” was held last night because of this case. The crowd pointed out that the police were informed of the disappearance in a timely manner, but that there was no extensive search and alerting, which is available to the state.

Czech Republic News Eastern Europe

Ladislav Goral

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Ladislav Goral

Ladislav Goral, an important figure in the Czech Roma movement, has passed away at the age of 86. Hew was born in Slovakia but move after the war to Czech lands. As an actor, activist, he made a huge impact on the Roma movement in Czechia.

May he rest in peace. Te avel i phuv lokhi.

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