Role of Roma Civil Society in Upholding Rights

Learning About Europes Biggest Ethnic Minority - The Roma Module 2: The role of the Roma civil society in upholding Roma rights This material has been prepared by Marina Csik s (csikosmarina1993@gmail.com) in the context of PRODEC project. April 2023

First World Romani Congress First significant transnational event bringing Roma civil rights activists, scholars, and artists together Organised on the 8th of April 1971, in Orpington (near London) Attended by 23 representatives from 10 European countries and observers from Belgium, Canada, India and the United States Five sub-commissions were created to examine social affairs, education, war crimes, language, and culture Adoption of the Roma flag and the Roma anthem Gelem, Gelem Rejection of the term g*psy , deciding to use Roma instead

April 8 International Roma Day The 8th of April was declared to be the International Roma Day in 1990. This day draws attention to the discrimination against Roma people all over the world. This day also emphasises and celebrates Roma history, culture, language, and the great diversity of Roma people.

The Romani Flag

The Roma Anthem Original Gelem, gelem, lungone dromensa Maladilem bakhtale Romensa A Romale, katar tumen aven, E tsarentsa bahtale dromensa? I went, I went on long roads I met happy Roma O Roma, where do you come from, With tents happy on the road? A Romale, A Chavale Roma, O Romani youths! Sas vi man yekh bari familiya, Mudardas la e Kali Legiya Aven mansa sa lumnyake Roma, Kai putardile e Romane droma Ake vriama, usti Rom akana, Amen khutasa misto kai kerasa I once had a great family, The Black Legion murdered them Come with me, Roma from all the world For the Roma, roads have opened Now is the time, rise up Roma now, We will rise high if we act A Romale, A Chavale O Roma, O Romani youths!

The legacies of the following World Romani Congresses 1978 - Establishment of International Romani Union 1981 - Roma are recognised as a national minority of Indian origin 1981 - First international discussions about the Porajmos, the Roma Holocaust 1990 - 8th April to be declared as the International Roma Day

Civil Society Civil Society Organisations Organisations - - Realising Realising Roma rights Roma rights

Legal litigation for Roma Rights The European Roma Rights Centre An international public interest law organisation engaging in a range of activities aimed at combating anti- Romani racism and human rights abuse of Romani people Activities include: Strategic litigation: ERRC has taken over 1000 legal cases relating to Roma rights. Research and public policy: publishing research on different human rights issues related to Roma. International advocacy: Launch of ERRC Roma Rights Defenders: large volunteer network to support the work of ERRC. Human rights training: providing training opportunities for Roma activists.

Roma CSOs advocating at EU level - ERGO A network of more than 30 Roma and pro-Roma organisations from all over Europe Founded on the philosophy of active citizenship, shared responsibility and grassroots empowerment They bridge the gap between grassroots realities and policy-making They advocate for better policies and policy implementation on national and European level, organise public campaigns, build the capacity of Roma activists and provide spaces for networking and mutual learning

Arts, Culture and the fight against discrimination - European Roma Institutute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC) Striving for the recognition of Roma arts and culture Based in Berlin and Belgrade, but most of the inititatives are transnational Goals: Increasing the self-esteem of Roma and to decrease negative prejudices among society Serves as an international creative hub to support creative ideas across borders, cultural domains and Romani identities

Economic Justice - Roma Economic Development Initiative Focusing on developing tools to increase vulnerable communities economic empowerment Scale up micro, small, and medium-size companies by identifying, investing, and supporting those with a potential to add jobs and multiply the benefits to the community. Nurture entrepreneurship in young Roma generation so that they may become a catalyst for boosting economic development. Building the capacities of Roma investment professionals capable to work for the first Roma Investment Fund. Advocate for Roma entrepreneurs by establishing business clubs, associations, and cooperatives aimed to improve the business environment and funding opportunities.

Empowerment of Young Roma Phiren Amenca International Network A net wo rk o f Ro m a and no n- Ro m a vo l unt eers and vo l unt ary s ervi ce o rgani zat i o ns creat i ng o p p o rt uni t i es fo r no n- fo rm al educat i o n, di al o gue, and engagem ent i n o rder t o chal l enge s t ereo t yp es and raci s m . Main areas of work: Vo l unt ary s ervi ce: gi vi ng Ro m a and no n- Ro m a yo ung p eo p l e t he o p p o rt uni t y t o l earn abo ut new cul t ures , acqui re new s ki l l s , l earn l anguages . No n- fo rm al educat i o n: Educat i ng yo ung p eo p l e abo ut Ro m a hi s t o ry and hum an ri ght s i s s ues whi ch co ncern yo ung Ro m a p eo p l e s p eci fical l y. Net wo rki ng and advo cacy: M ai ns t ream i ng yo ung Ro m a t hro ugh EU p o l i ci es .

Common words in Roma language that you should know Me sem rom I am Roma Opre Roma Roma Rise Devlesa God Sastipen - Health Lachho dives - Good day Sar san? Sar sijan? Sar si sogodi? - How are you, how is everything? But Bersh Angle Happy Birthday Nais tuke Thank you!

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