Anti-Gypsyism remains the most widespread and least challenged form of intolerance in Europe, violating European principles and creating serious obstacles to Romani individuals in their daily lives.
Roma today benefit less than other European citizens from public policies and from local infrastructure investments, such as into schools and social housing. They are also subject to political campaigns and measures explicitly aimed to harm them as members of a minority group. The experience of discrimination, deepened by exclusion from political life, can lead to mistrust in public institutions, creating further barriers to successful dialogue between the state and its citizens.
Fortunately, more and more European governments recognize that discrimination against Roma threatens social cohesion and hampers the social advancement, education, and employment of their citizens. Understanding also that lifting Roma from poverty alone will not overcome hostile attitudes shared by a majority of Europeans, governments have adopted proactive measures promoting a culture of diversity, respect, and mutual dialogue—both in state institutions and in society at large.
This seminar will explore how successful policy initiatives around education and reconciliation can be systematized and widened throughout Europe.
Speakers
-
Michael Roth
Speaker
Michael Roth is minister of state for Europe at the Federal Foreign Office in Germany.
-
Sandro Gozi
Speaker
Sandro Gozi is secretary of state for European Affairs in the Prime Minister’s Office in Italy.
-
Francisco Fonseca Morillo
Speaker
Francisco Fonseca Morillo is deputy director-general in the Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers at the European Commission.
Read more
Inclusive Entertainment
Q&A: A Media Haven for Europe’s LGBTI Roma
Open Society Youth Fellow Laszlo Farkas is building a media company where his community can feel recognized—and welcome.
A Decade of Progress
Celebrating 10 Years of Investing in Roma Health
First established in 2008, the Roma Health Scholarships Program was intended to support young Roma trying to ensure their communities got the health care they deserved. More than a decade later, there’s no doubt it worked.
Roma Rights Are Human Rights
Roma, Europe, and the Mission of Open Society
For decades, Open Society has proudly supported Europe’s Roma communities in their struggle for equal opportunity and recognition.