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The Roma community in Europe, and particularly in the Western Balkans region, faces many challenges, including discrimination, poverty and lack of respect for many human rights. But how can we ensure equality and provide support to those in need? There are many questions we are trying to find answers to.
During November 17 and 18civil rights activists organized Western Balkan Roma Summit. The event has been held annually in Prishtina since 2015 and brings together the community, civil society and decision-makers from across the region.
For more than twenty years, the situation of Roma in the Western Balkan countries has received increasing attention in national and international politics. Although no systemic change has been achieved or in sight, some progress has been made. This progress can only be achieved through tireless effort and constant work, and the Western Balkan Roma Summit is where change happens.
Over all these years, the event has proven its importance and significance not only for the region, but also for the rest of Europe.
“The Western Balkans Roma Summit contributed to increasing cooperation, networking and advocacy of organizations working for and with Roma in the region, Turkey and other European countries. Among other things, the Roma Summit launched discussions on human rights, LGBTI+ rights, as well as war crimes committed against Roma during wars in the region, and had an impact far beyond the ‘event. said Sarah Maliqihead of the civil rights defenders program in Prishtina.
“We need active participation”
This year, the main topics highlighted during the various roundtables are environmental justice, challenges related to reparations for Roma, building alliances between Roma and LGBTI+ movements, among others.
“There could be no better reminder than this summit of the long road to Roma equality and inclusion. This is the very reason why we need your active participation. The Roma population continues to face alarming levels of discrimination in employment, education and health care and living conditions far worse than those of their neighbors. said Viola of Cramon-Taubadelmember of the European Parliament, during his speech to the participants with the opening speech.
Learn more
Civil rights advocates are committed to supporting the rights of the Roma community and working to promote equality not only in the Western Balkans, but also beyond the region. To learn more about our work on Roma, read the following publications:
The wall against anti-Gypsyism – Reports on Roma rights in the Western Balkans
Report “Roma in Turkey: discrimination, exclusion, deep poverty and deprivation”
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