Committee of Ministers

Comité des Ministres

Strasbourg, 24 September 1998

Restricted

CM(98)161

For consideration at the 645^th meeting

of the Ministers’ Deputies

(20 October 1998, B level, item 6.6)

PROJECT ON ROMA/GYPSIES

IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE

REPORT OF ACTIVITIES

September 1996-June 1998

Secretariat Memorandum

prepared by the Directorate of Social and Economic Affairs

TABLE OF CONTENTS

( * this symbol in this document represents all the hyperlinks for the different items)

INTRODUCTION *

EXPERT MISSION TO KOSICE TO EXAMINE URBAN REHABILITATION PROBLEMS IN A DISTRICT WITH A SUBSTANTIAL ROMA POPULATION *

STUDY VISIT TO BULGARIA *

SEMINAR ON ALTERNATIVE ADAPTATION AND EDUCATIONAL TRAINING PROCESS OF DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN AND YOUTH *

SOCIAL INTEGRATION OF ROMA/GYPSIES IN HUNGARY *

MEETING ON NATIONAL CONSULTATIVE BODES BETWEEN ROMA/GYPSIES AND GOVERNMENTS *

HUMAN RIGHTS STUDY SESSSION FOR PERSONS INVOLVED IN LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO ROMA/GYPSIES *

TRAINING WORKSHOP ON RELATIONS BETWEEN THE POLICE AND ROMANI COMMUNITIES *

ROUND TABLE ON THE LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK OF THE NATIONAL MINORITIES: THE SITUATION OF ROMA/GYPSIES IN MUNICIPALITIES *

PARTICIPATION IN A MEETING OF THE WORKING GROUP ON MINORITIES OF THE CENTRAL EUROPEAN INITIATIVE *

CONTRIBUTION TO A SEMINAR ON DEMOCRATIC POLICE MANAGEMENT IN ROMANIA *

9TH MEETING OF THE EUROPEAN WORKING GROUP ON SCHOOLING OF GYSPY AND TRAVELLER CHILDREN *

THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE STATUS OF ROMA/GYPSIES IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE: A CHALLENGE FOR MINORITY LAW *

STUDY VISIT OF A CZECH AND SLOVAK DELEGATION TO THE NETHERLANDS: "ADDRESSING THE DROP-OUT PROBLEM" *

CONFERENCE: « FROM SOCIAL WELFARE TO EMPLOYMENT » *

HUMAN RIGHTS STUDY SESSION FOR PERSONS INVOLVED IN LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO ROMA/GYPSIES *

ROUND TABLE ON ROMA IN CROATIA TODAY *

"ROMA POSITIVE IMAGES AND ACTIONS" *

CONTRIBUTION TO ROMANIAN POLICE REFORM ASSESSMENT EXERCISE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND INTER-ETHNIC RELATIONS *

REFLECTION MEETING: STRATEGY RELATING TO ROMA ISSUES *

HEARING OF THE CONGRESS OF LOCAL AND REGIONAL AUTHORITIES OF EUROPE (CLRAE) ON: PROVISION FOR ROMA IN THE MUNICIPALITIES: HOUSING/SITES, HEALTH AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS *

SECOND MEETING OF NATIONAL CONSULTATIVE BODIES BETWEEN ROMA/GYPSIES AND THE GOVERNMENTS *

INTERCULTURAL EDUCATION: ROMA HISTORY AND CULTURE AT SCHOOL: TEACHERS’ TRAINING SEMINAR *

CONFERENCE ON THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF CHILDREN FROM SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED ENVIRONMENTS *

"PERSPECTIVES FOR ROMA IN BOSNIA TODAY" *

ROUND TABLE ON STRATEGIES FOR IMPLEMENTING MINORITY RIGHTS FOR ROMA AND SINTI *

CONTACT MISSION TO BRATISLAVA AND PRAGUE ON ROMA QUESTIONS *

ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS AFFECTING THE ROMANI MINORITY IN BRNO *

EXPERT SEMINAR ON "THE INVOLVEMENT OF ROMA POPULATION IN THE PLANNING AND DELIVERY OF COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES FOR CHILDREN" *

CONFERENCE ON RESPONDING TO THE RACISM EXPERIENCED BY ROMA/GYPSIES IN THE EUROPEAN UNION *

SEMINAR ON GENERIC POLICING SKILLS AND POLICE TRAINING REGARDING SPECIFIC GROUPS OF PERSONS *

ROUND TABLE ON THE SITUATION OF THE ROMA COMMUNITY IN BRNO *

ROUND TABLE ON COOPERATION BETWEEN MUNICIPALITIES AND ROMA COMMUNITIES *

EU CENTRAL EUROPE WORKING GROUP (COCEN) (Common Foreign and Security Policy) *

INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON ROMA CHILDREN IN EUROPE *

SEMINAR ON "ROMA AND EDUCATION" *

INTRODUCTION

The Project on Roma/Gypsies in Central and Eastern Europe has been in operation since September 1996 when the Committee of Ministers authorised the opening of a special budgetary account for this purpose (572^nd meeting of the Deputies, item 6.3). The Project is funded partly from Vote IX (Demosthenes Programme) but mainly by voluntary contributions to the special account.

The first contribution was made immediately by the Netherlands and since then further contributions have been received from Finland. This has made it possible to carry out numerous activities during the autumn of 1996 and through the years 1997 and 1998.

Active partnerships have been built up with governments, non-governmental organisations and Roma associations from the countries concerned; the leading role of the Council of Europe on Roma questions is increasingly acknowledged; and there are encouraging opportunities for further development and expansion of the work.

The latest voluntary contribution was received recently and several activities are planned for autumn 1998. The Secretariat has been informed that other voluntary contributions are actively being considered by two member States.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The objectives stated at the outset of the Project are as follows:

- to assist the countries of Central and Eastern Europe in building good community relations between Roma/Gypsies and the majority population;

- to support Roma/Gypsy populations in integrating into society on the basis of equal rights, equal opportunities and respect for their identity.

These immediate objectives are to be seen as one aspect of the efforts being made by the international community to help Central and Eastern European countries deal constructively with minority questions. They therefore contribute to the achievement of the following long-term goals for the new democracies of Central and Eastern Europe:

- social and political stability

- full respect for human rights

- democratic security.

 

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROJECT

The Coordinator of Activities on Roma/Gypsies, a Secretariat official whose office is located within the Directorate of Social and Economic Affairs, is responsible for managing the activities carried out within the Project on Roma/Gypsies in Central and Eastern Europe. In some cases other Council of Europe departments have been primarily responsible for implementing Project activities. The Project has made it possible to supplement the Organisation's existing efforts in this field by developing a wide range of activities which aim to enable governments (together with NGO's) to apply the principles of the Council of Europe to the specific situation of Roma/Gypsies in their countries. The added resources from the Project have made it possible greatly to raise the profile and presence of the Council of Europe in this field.

Nearly all the activities within the Project are carried out in partnership with other actors: government departments, Roma organisations, other NGO's and other international organisations (especially the OSCE/ODIHR Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues). This makes it possible to carry out, or to support, a large number of activities on the basis of a relatively small financial commitment and a very reduced secretariat in Strasbourg.

In selecting activities to be undertaken or supported within the Project, a major criterion is that there should be real prospects for follow-up. The aim is to provide an international input into an ongoing process or programme within the State or States concerned. Where a government is actively seeking to develop policies towards Roma that are in line with Council of Europe principles and standards, assistance is offered. Another important principle is that events organised with governments should normally involve active Roma/Gypsy participation.

The present document gives details of all the activities carried out within the Project since September 1996. A standardised form is used, similar to the synopses for the ADACS programmes. It should be observed that in some cases an activity was implemented entirely or mainly by the Council of Europe, while in other cases the Council of Europe involvement was more limited (e.g. financial contribution, participation of an expert and/or a member of the Secretariat).

EXPERT MISSION TO KOSICE TO EXAMINE URBAN REHABILITATION PROBLEMS IN A DISTRICT WITH A SUBSTANTIAL ROMA POPULATION

3-6 September 1996, Kosice

Type of Activity:

Country:

Budgetary Reference:

Participants:

Experts appointed by the Council of Europe:

- Mr Nicolae Gheorghe (Romania)

- Mr Ronald van Aalst (Netherlands)

- Ms Jet Creemers (Netherlands)

- Mr Alexander Slafkovsky (Slovakia, member of CLRAE)

Objectives:

General Assessment:

At a Hearing on "Rroma (Gypsies) in municipalities" organised by the CLRAE in Kosice in December 1995, the City's plans to regroup "socially unadapted persons", many of whom are Roma, in the Lunik IX district which already has a high concentration of Roma, were sharply criticised. This led to an invitation to the Council of Europe to send a mission of experts on urban rehabilitation in socially deprived multi-ethnic districts in order to learn more about the City's plans and to suggest some possible alternative approaches.

The team consisted of two Dutch experts and one Romanian expert together with Mr Slafkovsky (Head of the Slovak delegation to the CLRAE) and the Secretariat Coordinator of Activities on Roma/Gypsies. The presence of two persons from Central and Eastern European countries added greatly to the group's understanding of the problems and to its credibility.

The experts had an intensive programme of meetings with the City Mayor, the district mayor, local officials, the business community, the Representative of the Slovak government for groups with special needs, Roma residents of Lunik IX and others.

The City authorities do not regard their present plans for construction of very basic accommodation for rent defaulters and other problem groups as a satisfactory solution, but only as a transitional response to a pressing problem; they underlined their willingness to consider alternatives. The experts urged the need for a comprehensive approach to community development in Lunik IX, to build relations of mutual confidence and genuine dialogue between the residents and the authorities and to give the residents confidence that they can contribute to solving their own problems (for example, by setting up small businesses).

Follow-up and possible publications:

It was also mentioned that well-designed urban rehabilitation projects in run-down multi-ethnic districts could potentially attract support from the Council of Europe Social Development Fund.

STUDY VISIT TO BULGARIA

15-20 October 1996, Sofia and other locations

Type of Activity:

Country:

Partners:

Budget reference:

Objectives:

Programme:

1. Meetings with senior government officials and NGO's

2. Field visits (Stolipinovo, Radnevo)

3. PER Conference "Comparative Evaluation of Social Policies and Programmes for Roma/Gypsy Communities in Central and Eastern Europe", Bankya

General Assessment:

The problems faced by Roma communities in Bulgaria resemble those seen in neighbouring countries, but are particularly severe owing to the extremely serious economic situation there. The Council of Europe Coordinator was received by several high-level officials which enabled him to be well informed about government measures and to make useful contacts. There are also a number of promising initiatives at local level, often involving local authorities and NGO's.

The PER Conference, at which the Coordinator was an active participant, enabled a number of interesting comparisons to be made between the approach to Roma questions in Bulgaria and other Central and Eastern European countries.

Follow-Up:

Activities were organised in 1998 in Bulgaria on the basis of the contacts made. PER was a partner for some of these.

SEMINAR ON ALTERNATIVE ADAPTATION AND EDUCATIONAL TRAINING PROCESS OF DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN AND YOUTH

13-15 November 1996, Kremnica

Type of Activity:

Country:

Partners:

Budget Reference:

Participants:

Objectives:

Programme:

Day 1:      Presentations by specialists

Day 2:      Presentations and work groups

Day 3: Conclusions and Recommendations

General Assessment:

The seminar offered an opportunity to discuss existing education and training programmes involving Roma children in the Slovak Republic, in front of a multidisciplinary audience.

Similar projects initiated in other countries were discussed (particularly in the Netherlands and in Hungary), and their advantages and disadvantages evaluated.

The participants in the seminar adopted a set of recommendations to encourage the exchange of information and experience on methods to increase the level of education of children of Roma ethnic origin, and thus improve their capability to integrate into society. The recommendations represent a valuable contribution to training methodology for disadvantaged children.

Follow-Up:

The participants suggested that a study be commissioned to evaluate current education and training programmes in the Slovak Republic involving education, out-of-school activities, and preparation for family life of children of Roma origin.

A joint activity was proposed between The Netherlands and the Czech and Slovak republics. A first meeting and study visit took place from 20-26 April 1997 at the city of Groningen (NL).

SOCIAL INTEGRATION OF ROMA/GYPSIES IN HUNGARY

18-19 November 1996, Budapest

Type of Activity:

Country:

Partners:

Budget reference:

Participants:

All principal actors in Roma/Gypsy questions in Hungary, including government officials (Ministries, Office for Minorities, Minorities Ombudsman, Public Foundation for Roma/Gypsies), elected representatives (national and local Gypsy self-governments, county councils), Roma associations and other NGOs (Soros, Autonomia Foundation), professionals (teachers, social workers). About 40 in all.

Objectives:

To provide a neutral platform for a wide-ranging dialogue on Roma/Gypsy questions.

To identify subjects for possible cooperation with the Council of Europe.

Programme:

Introductory statements by Council of Europe Coordinator, Head of Office for Minorities and Political Secretary of State.

Numerous presentations (Gypsy self-governments, educationists, Minorities' Ombudsman, representatives of several ministries, local government representatives, NGOs

Evening programme at Roma Parliament (NGO)

Visits for the Council of Europe Coordinator to other NGOs the day after the Round Table

General Assessment:

This was probably the first time such a broadly-based dialogue on a depoliticised basis had taken place in Hungary on Roma/Gypsy questions. This opportunity seemed to be warmly welcomed by participants and the Office for National and Ethnic Minorities clearly considered it an important step forward in its work, and something which would hardly have been possible without Council of Europe involvement.

There was much discussion about the unique system of minority self-governments. Getting them off the ground is already a remarkable achievement, but there are many difficulties in making the system work well in practice; it has great potential, but much work is needed in order to realise this. Relationships between the self-governments and local and national government bodies are not always constructive at present. Moreover, the NGOs are worried that their own practical approach is being overlooked because of the existence of the self-governments. NGOs were also critical of the sometimes self-congratulatory nature of the interventions; they stressed the gravity of the situation of Gypsies in Hungary, speaking in terms of a "crisis".

The Gypsies are seen as a special case among Hungarian minorities in that their specific needs are not only educational and cultural but also social and economic. This has led the Minorities Office to set up a whole section on Gypsies and certain ministries (Welfare, Labour) to set up special programmes. Several speakers emphasised the gravity of the educational situation of Gypsies.

There was little talk about human rights problems (prejudice, discrimination, violence) except from some of the NGOs and the Minorities' Office.

Overall, the day-to-day situation of Roma/Gypsies in Hungary is scarcely better than in other countries of the region. However, institutional arrangements are in place that open up the possibiblity of tackling their problems seriously; even if many say that much of the talk of Gypsy problems scarcely goes beyond lip-service, some of those involved are clearly committed to a comprehensive community relations approach along Council of Europe lines and at least the framework exists for developing constructive policies and measures. Moreover, the existence of the self-governments, despite their limitations at present, represents a considerable commitment to the principle of consultation and partnership with the minority itself.

Follow-Up:

The Minorities Office produced a publication in Hungarian with a foreword by the Secretary General.

The Minorities Office will make a number of proposals for possible follow-up activities on more specific topics within Council of Europe programmes.

MEETING ON NATIONAL CONSULTATIVE BODES BETWEEN ROMA/GYPSIES AND GOVERNMENTS

21-22 November 1996, Budapest

Type of activity:

Country:

Partners

Budget Reference:

Participants:

Representatives of countries having some kind of consultative body bringing together representatives of the Roma/Gypsy minority (often with other minorities too) and government representatives; in principle, one staff member of such a body and one Roma/Gypsy representative. Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Romania, Spain, "the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia", apologies from Slovakia. Also rapporteur (Marcia Rooker), representatives of the Standing Conference of Romani Associations, a member of MG-S-ROM (Mr Marta), ODIHR Contact Point.

Objectives:

To enable members of consultative bodies to get to know one another and to exchange information about the composition, powers, terms of reference and activities of the different bodies.

To make suggestions about the desirable organisation and role of consultative bodies.

Programme:

Day 1: presentations by each delegation

Day 2: general debate; conclusions

General assessment:

This was the first time representatives of consultative bodies for Roma minorities from across Europe had had a chance to meet. It was a free and informal exchange of views focussing primarily on the consultative bodies themselves, even if the discussion inevitably tended to move on to the substance of problems faced by Roma in the countries represented. The meeting was chaired alternately by officials of the Council of Europe and the ODIHR.

The meeting could be said to have laid the foundations for networking among the consultative bodies. It brought several new actors into international discussions of Roma questions; this was also the first involvement of Estonia and "the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" in our Roma activities. Several participants had linguistic difficulties; they often spoke in their own languages and were interpreted by their colleagues.

The meeting showed that there is a definite need for an accurate description of the composition, powers and activities of the consultative bodies.

With some exceptions, consultative bodies tend to concentrate on "softer" issues, especially culture, rather than "harder" socio-economic or human rights questions. They often have the feeling of being talking-shops without real influence on government policy. However, with experience, consultative bodies may be able to carve out a more effective role; encouragement from international institutions might play some part in this process.

Problems often arise in designating genuinely representative members of consultative bodies. For example, where there are only one or two representatives of Roma on a body bringing together all minorities, it is not possible to reflect the diversity of organisations and approaches within the Roma population.

Follow-Up:

Report by the rapporteur, probably for public circulation.

Several participants requested further meetings of this kind; specific topics should be selected for discussion at future meetings. In this and other ways, closer relations should be built up with the consultative bodies.

It was suggested that Roma/Gypsy questions could be brought into the Joint Programme of the EC and Council of Europe on Minorities in Central European Countries.

We should consider engaging a consultant to prepare a full description of the composition, powers and activities of national consultative bodies.

HUMAN RIGHTS STUDY SESSSION FOR PERSONS INVOLVED IN LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO ROMA/GYPSIES

26-29 November 1996, Strasbourg, Council of Europe

Type of activity:

Country :

Partners:

Budget reference:

Participants:

9 lawyers involved in legal assistance to Roma/Gypsies (from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Romania, the Slovak Republic and the European Roma Rights Centre); 2 interpreters (Slovak-English and Hungarian-English). The list of participants was drawn up in close cooperation with the European Roma Rights Centre.

Objectives:

To provide better knowledge of the operation of the European Convention on Human Rights and other Council of Europe instruments and to examine their relevance to Roma/Gypsy- related cases

To provide an opportunity for lawyers involved in Roma cases to get to know each other in a supportive environment

Programme:

Lectures given by staff members of the Council of Europe on:

- the European Convention on Human Rights, the Commission and the Court system;

- the human rights work of the Council of Europe

- the European Social Charter

- the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

- the protection of national minorities

- the draft European Convention on Nationality

- Council of Europe activities in the field of Roma/Gypsies

Study sessions in the Human Rights Library

Hearing at the European Court of Human Rights

General Assessment:

This was the first study session on human rights organised specifically for lawyers dealing with Roma cases; all participants very much welcomed this opportunity:

1) to get to know each other better (the participants in the course can be said to form the core of an emerging legal community advocating Roma/Gypsy rights)

2) to feel supported and encouraged by an international body (most of them stated that they usually meet with feelings of hostility and are very isolated in their countries

3) to become more familiar with the Council of Europe's work and the possible cooperation between the Council of Europe and NGOs.

Follow-Up:

The participants suggested that other such sessions should be organised, so as to permit a broader participation, and in particular to involve lawyers of other countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Moldova or Poland where there are active but isolated practitioners dealing with Roma/Gypsy issues. They also stressed the fact that the next sessions should be more issue-oriented and should provide concrete training on how to use the Council of Europe mechanisms in their daily work as lawyers and non-governmental activists. In fact there was a need to explain that the European Convention on Human Rights does not only mean bringing cases to the Commission but is also a useful tool for lawyers in their daily practice as it directly applies in the national legislations.

TRAINING WORKSHOP ON RELATIONS BETWEEN THE POLICE AND ROMANI COMMUNITIES

26-28 November 1996, Bucharest, Romania

Type of activity:

Country:

Partners:

Budget Reference:

Participants:

Senior Romanian police officials, representatives of Roma/Gypsy organisations, and a training team composed of United Kingdom and Netherlands police trainers.

Objectives:

To exchange experience on improving relations between the police and Romani communities.

To propose measures to increase co-operation between the police and the representatives of the Romani community.

Programme:

Interactive workgroups on general and specific practical approaches to community relationships with the Roma community in Romania.

General Assessment

The workshop provided a suitable environment to identify and openly discuss ways of improving relations between the police and the Romani communities.

All participants (members of the Romanian police, representatives of Romani communities and the team of experts) were very satisfied with the contents and the achievements of the workshop, and agreed to pursue further discussions concerning methods of possible co-operation.

Specific recommendations were drawn up to improve training methods.

Follow-Up:

The participants suggested that the workshop be replicated at local level, with support from the Council of Europe. Moreover, the success of the workshop led to proposals for joint training activities with neighbouring countries (i.e. Bulgaria, Slovakia, Hungary), under the auspices of the Council of Europe, to promote discussion and the spreading of good practices in reporting ethnic-related crime matters.

The leader of the team of experts, Dr R Oakley, helped elaborate plans for follow-up activities.

ROUND TABLE ON THE LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK OF THE NATIONAL MINORITIES: THE SITUATION OF ROMA/GYPSIES IN MUNICIPALITIES

28-29 November 1996, Ploiesti, Romania

Type of activity:

Country:

Partners:

Budget Reference:

Participants:

The Special Account provided for the participation of four experts: Ms Marcia Rooker (University of Nijmegen, Netherlands) on the legal status of Roma/Gypsies; Dr Robin Oakley (UK) and Ms Manuela Stefanescu (APADO, Romania) on relations between the police and the Romani communities; Ms Savelina Danova (Human Rights Project, Bulgaria) on access to justice. The Rapporteur was Mr Yaron Matras (University of Manchester, UK).

The other participants were:

- members of the Network of Cities on "Roma/Gypsies in Municipalities"

- members of the CLRAE Working Group on "Roma/Gypsies in Municipalities"

- Romanian local and national officials

- Romani representatives (from Romania and other countries)

Objective:

On the basis of the reports presented by various experts and the discussions among the participants, to draw up recommendations for the local authorities and for the Council of Europe on the issues mentionned above.

Programme:

28 November: meeting of the CLRAE Working Group on "Roma/Gypsies in Municipalities". 29 November: Presentations made by the four Council of Europe experts and by Romanian officials, followed by discussions on each item. Summary by the Rapporteur.

General Assessment:

The four experts were requested to introduce and guide the debates and it was the task of the Rapporteur to produce a final report including various recommendations. The debates were lively and focussed on the need fully to acknowledge the Romani identity and to provide for an appropriate framework for protecting Roma/Gypsies against violence and racial discrimination.

Follow-Up:

The report and recommendations prepared by the rapporteur were widely distributed among national and local authorities and Romani associations.

Some recommendations are addressed to the Council of Europe for examination. The last of a series of three Hearings on Roma/Gypsies in municipalities was organised by the CLRAE in October 1997 in Pardubice, Czech Republic, on social and housing questions with regard to Roma/Gypsies.

PARTICIPATION IN A MEETING OF THE WORKING GROUP ON MINORITIES OF THE CENTRAL EUROPEAN INITIATIVE

18-19 December 1996, Skopje

Type of activity:

Partners:

Budget Reference:

Objectives:

To discuss the CEI Instrument for the Protection of Minority Rights and, in particular, its Article 6 on Roma/Gypsies

Programme:

2. Hearing with Roma representatives from Skopje

3. Discussion on Article 6 of the Instrument, concerning Roma/Gypsies

General Assessment:

The CEI Instrument is intended to be complementary to the existing mechanisms for the protection of national minorities at European level, and in particular to the Council of Europe Framework Convention on the Protection of National Minorities. As for the Working Group on Minorities (which is at the origin of the Instrument), it is planned to be a forum for discussion on varied minority issues rather than a monitoring body.

As far as Roma/Gypsies were concerned, Council of Europe and OSCE/ODIHR representatives presented the activities of their respective organisations and underlined the need to tackle seriously the numerous and complex problems facing Roma/Gypsies, at local, national and international levels. The CEI members welcomed the support expressed by the Council of Europe and the OSCE/ODIHR and stressed the need for mutual information among international bodies.

Follow-Up:

The CEI will keep the Council of Europe informed of its activities on Roma/Gypsies and invite the Coordinator to take part in the next meetings dealing with Roma issues.

CONTRIBUTION TO A SEMINAR ON DEMOCRATIC POLICE MANAGEMENT IN ROMANIA

Field of activity:

Type of activity

Budgetary reference:

Country:

Date and place:

Council of Europe experts:

Council of Europe Secretariat:

Participants:

Total number of participants:

Partner institutions/organisations:

Project on Ethnic Relations (Princeton, New Jersey, USA)

University of Louisville, Kentucky USA)

Origin/reference to other activities:

Request by Project on Ethnic Relations, who were aware of a previous training seminar we had organised for the Crime Prevention Service of the Romanian police.

Objectives:

1. To contribute a European perspective on ethnic relations (with particular reference to police-Roma relations) to a major USA programme for reform of the Romanian police.

2. To lay foundations for an extension of our work with the Romanian police on relations with the Roma minority.

General evaluation

The American trainers were of a high professional standard; the training was well planned and competent. However, it is clear that the US experience was sometimes very far removed from the situation of the Romanian police and that in some respects they felt more comfortable with the European approach.

Expectations of training methods were highly traditional (sitting behind desks and taking notes). An important part of the course was to introduce more informal, interactive and challenging techniques.

The expectation was that, on this first occasion of cooperation with the PER police project, the Council of Europe expert would remain a fairly passive observer. However, at one point the trainers ran out of material and Mr Radford was asked to improvise a session.. It is clear that this session, which drew heavily on British police practice, was a turning-point in the seminar; the Romanian participants were extremely enthusiastic, and the course came alive.

The experience of Mr Radford’s relatively marginal participation in the delivery of such a course leads to the conclusion that a European perspective can indeed usefully complement the American approach.

Results/decisions:

Ongoing cooperation with PER developed as a result of this contribution by Superintendent Radford. Particular interest attaches to participation in the PER project because of the very senior level of the Romanian participants.

9TH MEETING OF THE EUROPEAN WORKING GROUP ON SCHOOLING OF GYSPY AND TRAVELLER CHILDREN

Field of activity:

Type of Activity:

Budgetary reference:

Countries:

Dates and place:

Council of Europe experts/Secretariat:

Participants:

Partner organisations:

Origin/reference of the activity:

The Gypsy Research Centre in Paris, which has very often been involved in Council of Europe activities with regard to Roma/Gypsies, requested a small financial support to ensure the participation of the Central and Eastern European members of the Working Group. The Council of Europe offered a grant to cover the expenses of four participants.

Objectives:

To explore the possibilities for the launching of a "Roma/Gypsy Cultural Route" (within the framework of the Cultural Routes programme of the Council of Europe); the idea is currently on the agenda of the Specialist Group for Roma/Gypsies (MG-S-ROM) and the Working Group for Schooling of Gypsy and Traveller Children proposed the MG-S-ROM to give an opinion and further thoughts on how to implement this idea.

General evaluation:

A useful discussion in order to gather the opinions and support of the Roma/Gypsy associations in favour the "Cultural Route". Unfortunately only one, out of the four experts from Central and Eastern Europe invited at the meeting, was present.

Results/decisions:

Following the meeting in Lanciano, Mr J-P. Liégeois (Gypsy Research Centre) presented a follow-up document to the feasibility study he prepared for the Directorate of Education, Culture and Sports in 1993 and to a document he submitted to the MG-S-ROM at its second meeting. This very good document, which collects the opinions expressed in Lanciano, will be the basis for further discussions on this issue within the MG-S-ROM.

THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE STATUS OF ROMA/GYPSIES IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE: A CHALLENGE FOR MINORITY LAW

Field of activity:

Type of activity:

Budgetary reference:

Country(ies):

Date and place:

Council of Europe experts:

Council of Europe Secretariat:

Participants:

Academics, government representatives (Austria and Slovenia), Roma representatives (Austria and Slovenia), staff members of various NGO's (among which the European Roma Rights Centre)

Total number of participants:

Partner organisation(s):

The conference was organised by the Austrian Institute for Eastern and Southern Europe (Vienna) and the Slovene Institute for Ethnic Studies (Ljubljana). Council of Europe contributed sending Mrs Rooker as an expert.

Origin/reference of the activity:

The Slovene Institute organised a first conference on "Roma in Slovenia" in 1991. The Central European Initiative (of which Slovenia and Austria are member) started to gather information in order to compile a report on minorities, including Roma and this conference was seen as a useful contribution.

Objectives:

1. To start preparing a study on the status of Roma/Gypsies in Central European states.

2. To examine international instruments on the protection of minorities and their relevance to Roma.

3. To compare the legal status of Roma in Central Europe with current trends in the European Union countries.

General evaluation:

A well attended seminar, which was also well covered by the media (TV Slovenia, Radio Slovenia and various newspapers). The seminar also strengthened the links between the Slovene Institute for Minorities and the Roma. It provided a very good overview of policies, legal status and attitudes towards Roma in both countries. A comprehensive approach towards the solving of the problems facing Roma was promoted. Finally the conference provided a useful opportunity for Slovene and Austrian Roma to strengthen their relations.

Results/decisions:

A report in Slovenian and German has been compiled. A further research on the status of Roma/Gypsies in several Central European Initiative member States is envisaged

STUDY VISIT OF A CZECH AND SLOVAK DELEGATION

TO THE NETHERLANDS: "ADDRESSING THE DROP-OUT PROBLEM"

Field of activity:

Type of Activity:

Budgetary reference:

Countries:

Dates and place:

Council of Europe experts/Secretariat:

Participants:

Total number of participants:

Partner organisation:

Origin/reference of the activity:

Mr Helmer (The Netherlands Institute for Care and Welfare), who has been implementing activities with regard to Roma/Gypsies in Slovakia and the Czech Republic in the last few years (a few of them with the support of the Confidence-Building Measures Programme of the Council of Europe), requested financial assistance to organise this visit. The Council of Europe has had a fruitful cooperation with him, particularly when organising two seminars on education (see pp. 9 and 43) in the Slovak Republic.

Objectives:

To provide the participants with knowledge of the way the questions linked to the education of Roma and Sinti children are dealt with in the Netherlands, in an area with a high percentage of Roma and Sinti. The main issues dealt with during the visit were as follows: the problem of drop-out, pre-schooling programmes and integrated education programmes (including health care, sport, cultural activities, etc).

The programme of the visit was very intensive:

Day 1: visit of a mobile-home centre (Groningen), of a playgroup and a primary school; meeting wih a councillor for education and policy towards minorities.

Day 2: Visit of the Centre for Adult Vocational Education (Groningen) and of a playgroup and primary school in Leek; visit of Job Projects Groningen; visit of a district municipality in Amsterdam.

Day 3: visit to the Averroès Foundation

Day 4: meeting with representatives of the National Sinti Organisation (Best); visit to Sinti families in Someren.

Day 5: visit of the Temporary Care for Early School Leavers (TOV/Utrecht)

General evaluation:

A fruitful exchange of experiences between Czech, Slovak and Dutch educationalists. The meeting with the Sinti representatives also laid the basis for further exchanges and cooperation. The Czech and Slovak Roma saw the visit as an opening towards the Sinti culture.

Results/decisions:

The Slovak representatives plan to adopt the Job Projects Groningen model to help solving unemployment problems among young Roma. Both the Czech and Slovak visitors would like to have further contacts with the TOV in Utrecht.

CONFERENCE: « FROM SOCIAL WELFARE TO EMPLOYMENT »

Field of activity:

Type of activity:

Budgetary reference:

Country(ies):

Date and place:

Council of Europe experts: /

Council of Europe Secretariat:

Participants:

Romania, the Ukraine

Total number of participants:

Partner organisation(s):

U.S. Department of Labor

U.S. Agency for International Development

Council of Europe

Origin/reference of the activity:

The Council of Europe participated in the conference at the request of the Director of the National Employment Service of Bulgaria.

Objectives:

To discuss progress in the programme « From Social Welfare to Employment », launched in 1993 with the support of the U.S. Department of Labor, in favour of the older worker, the young specialist, single mothers and Roma/Gypsies.

General evaluation:

The conference discussed the nation-wide implementation of the job creation programme amongst an audience of employment professionals from the Bulgarian national and regional employment offices, as well as from neighbouring countries and the U.S.A. The discussions led to an exchange of experiences of successes and failures, and encouraged employment offices to join the programme.

Results/decisions:

The conference took stock of progress achieved since the job creation programme was set up in 1993. An increase of 52% in participation was experienced, and a high employment rate obtained through community-oriented employment strategies. Participants approved a Community Decision-Making manual for employment creation.

HUMAN RIGHTS STUDY SESSION FOR PERSONS INVOLVED IN LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO ROMA/GYPSIES

Field of activity:

Type of Activity:

Budgetary reference:

Countries:

Date and place:

Council of Europe experts/Secretariat:

Participants:

Total number of participants:

Origin/reference of the activity:

A first study session was organised with the same partners in November 1996. In view of the good results achieved in this first session and following requests by interested lawyers to take part in such an exercise, it was decided to hold second, more specific session.

Partners:

Objectives:

To provide an insight knowledge of the operation of the Commission and Court of Human Rights; to help the lawyers to become acquaintted with the case-law of the Court; to provide them with guidance on how to bring a case to the Commission; to offer a ground for lawyers from different countries to exchange experiences and ideas.

General evaluation:

An excellent session which took into account the evaluation of the first such session (November 1996), ie. one of the sessions was devoted to the study of a fictitious case under the guidance of lawyers of the Commission, the lectures were more focused on how to access the Commission; the discussions with the judge and the lawyers of the Commission were very much appreciated. The programme contained also study sessions at the Human Rights Library; one session was led by a participant from the European Roma Rights Centre on the issue of public interest law strategies and the Roma.

The group was quite homogeneous and very motivated.

Results/decisions:

Most participants stressed the need for another such session in 1998. The Spanish participants organised in January 1998, a similar course in Spain with the assistance of the Council of Europe.

ROUND TABLE ON ROMA IN CROATIA TODAY

Field of activity:

Type of Activity:

Budgetary reference:

Country:

Dates and place:

Council of Europe experts/Secretariat: /

Participants:

Representatives of Roma NGO's and individual Roma from all over Croatia; representatives of different ministries and of the Government's Office for Ethnic and National Communities and Minorities; researchers and academics; representatives of international organisations in Zagreb; activists of local and international human rights NGO's.

Total number of participants:

Partner organisation:

Group for Direct Protection of Human Rights/Anti-War Campaign (Zagreb)

The Royal Dutch Embassy in Zagreb (financial support)

Origin/reference of the activity:

Previous contacts were made with the Group for Direct Protection of Human Rights which is the only organisation dealing with Romani issues, in cooperation with local Romani associations.

Objectives:

To highlight the issue of Roma in Croatia as most of the debates focus on Croat-Serb relations. To make Croat authorities and international organisations more aware of the problems of Roma in Croatia.

The two main themes were as follows: education and culture of Roma and the social and legal status of Roma.

General evaluation:

A successful event organised in difficult circumstances. It was the first such event entirely devoted to Roma in Croatia. The participation of both Roma and non-Roma NGO's, human rights oriented organisations is a positive development and it is the starting point for a better organisation of the work in favour of Roma. Participation of governmental officers also strengthened the importance of the event.

Results/decisions:

The Group for Direct Protection of Human Rights prepared and published the acts of the round table and hopes that it could constitute a basis for future activities.

"ROMA POSITIVE IMAGES AND ACTIONS"

Field of activity:

Type of Activity:

Budgetary reference:

Countries:

Dates and place:

Council of Europe experts:

Council of Europe Secretariat:

Participants:

Members of various NGOs involved in local and concrete projects and leaders of MRG projects in Slovakia, Bulgaria and Poland.

Total number of participants:

Origin/reference of the activity:

Project designed by Mr Emerson, Minority Rights Group London, who has often been involved in Council of Europe activities concerning Roma/Gypsies.

Objectives:

2. to identify a range a criteria and questions relevant when evaluating Roma projects

3. to prepare a document containing guidelines for the evaluation of projects in terms of positive images.

Partners:

General Assessment:

A very lively workshop which provided an opportunity for people who are not often represented at international seminars to express themselves. The participants presented the projects they are currently working on. On the basis of these presentations, in-depth discussions took place on various topics such as: What are positive images? Perception of such images within the Romani communities and within the non-Roma population? Integration versus assimilation? Romani traditions and integration? The role of Romani women? Which language should be used when evaluating projects? Which questions should be asked?

Participants were diverse enough to enable constructive confrontation of ideas. Some of them underlined that this forum helped them clarifying their personal positions and ideas and gave them guidance for future activities.

Exchange of material and video sessions were also on the agenda.

Results/decisions:

A short report was produced by Mrs Petra Kovacs (Hungary), in cooperation with Mr Emerson, which reflects on the meeting and provides a set of guidelines/ideas/questions for people involved in concrete projects. It has been made public as a Council of Europe document. It is planned to enhance the report with contributions from people involved in local projects in order to make the report more directly useful to persons working in the field.

CONTRIBUTION TO ROMANIAN POLICE

REFORM ASSESSMENT EXERCISE:

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND INTER-ETHNIC RELATIONS

Field of activity:

Type of activity:

Budgetary reference:

Part I: Special Account Roma/Gypsies (D001);

Country: Romania

Date and place:

Part I: Bucharest (Romania),29-30 May 1997

Part II: Bucharest and other locations (Romania), 15-18 September 1997

Council of Europe experts:

Superintendent Alan Radford, Police Staff College, Bramshill, UK (British)

Council of Europe Secretariat /

Participants:

Part I: Day 1: meetings with Chief of Inspectorate-General of Police, Ministers of Interior and Justice, Presidential counsellor on national security, Secretary General of the Government, 20 police officers and prosecutors; Day 2: several Roma leaders, same persons as Day 1, plus the Minister for Minorities and three senior police officials

Part II: Senior police officers in two counties

Partner institutions/organisations:

Project on Ethnic Relations (Princeton, New Jersey, USA)

University of Louisville, Kentucky (USA)

Origin/reference to other activities:

Request by Project on Ethnic Relations, on the basis of previous cooperation

Objectives:

To contribute a European perspective on ethnic relations (with particular reference to police-Roma relations) to the needs assessment for a major USA programme for reform of the Romanian police

General evaluation

The two Council of Europe experts took part as members of a basically American "assessment team" whose task was to draw up a needs assessment for reform of the Romanian police to meet the needs of a democratic society. The Council of Europe experts were responsible for the "community partnerships and inter-ethnic relations" component of the assessment exercise.

The assessment exercise was in two parts. The first part consisted in a series of discussions with very high-level officials and politicians, followed by an open consultation with several Roma leaders from civil society. The second part consisted of field visits to two counties where significant steps have already been taken to build partnerships between the police and the Roma community. This was followed by working sessions in Bucharest with other members of the assessment team.

The experts were impressed by the great political importance which was clearly attached to the assessment exercise. Despite their slightly unusual status as European "guest" members of an American team, the experts felt that participation in this broader police reform exercise was an effective way of gaining access to very senior officials and so helping to shape the reform exercise as a whole.

In the view of the Secretariat, the Council of Europe experts have achieved an impressively thorough understanding of police-Roma relations in Romania, which should provide a good basis for future work.

Results/decisions:

The Council of Europe experts have submitted to the organisers of the reform programme a full report and a plan for the community partnerships and ethnic relations component. Changes in senior personnel in Romania seem to be holding up decisions on the implementation of the reform programme. The plan put forward by the Council of Europe experts could go forward either as a part of the wider American programme or as a free-standing exercise, although the necessary funding would have to be sought.

REFLECTION MEETING:

STRATEGY RELATING TO ROMA ISSUES

Field of activity:

Type of activity:

Budgetary reference:

Country:

Date and place:

Council of Europe experts:

Mr Trevor Hall (UK, Senior Community Relations Consultant at the British Home Office)

Council of Europe Secretariat:

Participants:

Total number of participants:

Partner organisation(s):

Origin/reference of the activity:

This think-tank is the result of consultations between Mr Tokay and the Council of Europe Coordinator of activities on Roma/Gypsies.

Objectives:

1.    to establish a vision of the desired form of harmonious ethnic relations in Romania, as a goal towards which the Department as a whole would work;

2.    to identify the principal objectives for the Department relating to the Roma minority, and to develop an integrated action plan to achieve these;

3.    to identify the most effective methods for working together internally within the Department, and with external bodies, in order to achieve the Department's objectives relating to the roma minority.

A set of potential discussion questions were distributed in advance to the participants.

General evaluation:

The visitng experts were impressed with what had been achieved so far by the Department in its relatively short period of existence. However, given the Department's small size and limited financial resources, they stressed the importance of a stratgeic approach and of working in close cooperation with other bodies. During the two-day meeting, the participants discussed how a vision for ethnic relations in a democratic society might be formulated and they identified key issues needing to be adressed and tried to draw up outline action plans relating to the selected priority tasks.

The Council of Europe experts were encouraged by the capabilities and commitment of the participants, many of them are new to this type of work. The participants expressed full satisfaction on the results achieved during the meeting.

Results/decisions:

The Council of Europe experts prepared a set of recommendations designed to help the Department develop a strategic approach to its activities. In particular they identified short- term and longer-term objectives. They also drafted, on the basis of the discussions held during the meeting, a project of a vision statement for the Department, stating the need to secure harmonious community relations in the country.

The Secretariat hopes to pursue its cooperation with the Department for the Protection of National Minorities.

HEARING OF THE CONGRESS OF LOCAL AND REGIONAL AUTHORITIES OF EUROPE (CLRAE) ON:

PROVISION FOR ROMA IN THE MUNICIPALITIES:

HOUSING/SITES, HEALTH AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS

Field of activity:

Type of activity:

Budgetary reference:

Countries:

Dates and place:

Council of Europe experts:

Council of Europe speakers: Mr Nicolae Gheorghe (Rromani CRISS, Romania), Mr Peter Mercer (East Anglian Gypsy Council, UK), Mr Patrick de Briey (Médecins sans Frontières, Belgium), Mr Vladimir Macura (Society for the Improvement of Local Roma Communities, Belgrade), Mr Alain Kauff (Municipality of Strasbourg, France)

Council of Europe Secretariat: Mr Ulrich Bohner, Deputy Head of of the Congress Secretariat

Mrs Françoise Kempf, Assistant to the Coordinator of activities on Roma/Gypsies

Participants:

Members of the CLRAE Working Group on "Provision for Roma in the Municipalities" and members of the Network of Cities on "Provision for Roma in the Municipalities"; Czech representatives: Mr Dobal, Deputy to Mr Bratinka, Minister without portofolio responsible for minority issues , mayors of various municipalities, representatives of different ministries (labour, health, education, social affairs), representatives of a number of Romani NGO's. Various persons from Slovakia also attended the meeting.

Total number of participants:

Partner organisation(s):

Origin/reference of the activity:

Third of a series of three hearings on "provisions for Roma in the municipality" requested by Resolution 16 (1995) of the CLRAE. The two first hearings took place respectively in Kosice (Slovak Republic, 1995) and Ploiesti (Romania, 1996).

Objectives:

1. to provide a forum for the exchange of good experiences among local authorities on how to improve the situation of the Roma in a number of important fields (education, health, housing, administration of justice, ...);

2. to enlarge and promote the Network of Cities on "Provisions for Roma in the Municipalities";

3. to prepare reports containing good experiences and guidelines for local authorities.

General evaluation:

The Hearing was very well organised by the Municipality of Pardubice and well attended. Most of the persons and organisations involved in Romani issues in the Czech Republic were present. Three main themes for discussion, were introduced by speakers, ie. towards a comprehensive approach of Romani questions at local level, housing and camping sites and problems linked to health. However the debates very much focused on the situation prevailing in the Czech Republic and, in particular, on skinheads violence against Roma and migration of Czech and Slovak Roma to Canada and UK.

Mr Dobal, at the end of the meeting, anounced the decision taken by the Ministry of the Interior to use his discretionary capacity to waive the "clean criminal record" provision contained in the 1993 Law on Citizenship in order to solve the remaining cases of statelessness which had resulted from the implementation of this law.

The representatives of the European cities present at the meeting (Budapest, Cordoba, Strasbourg, Ankara, Pardubice, Berlin, Varna, Thebes) decided to establish an independent association of cities, to be registered in Strasbourg, will replace the existing Council of Europe Network of. More cities are expected to join the association.

The CLRAE Working Group on "Provisions for Roma in the Municipality", set up in 1995, held its last meeting in Pardubice, after the Hearing.

Romani children coming from various schools throughout the country presented a musical to the participants, which was very much appreciated.

Results/decisions:

The statutes of the new Network of Cities have been registered in Strasbourg and it is now up to the municipalities concerned to agree on their participation in the Network.

SECOND MEETING OF NATIONAL CONSULTATIVE BODIES

BETWEEN ROMA/GYPSIES AND THE GOVERNMENTS

Field of activity:

Type of Activity:

Budgetary reference:

Countries:

Dates and place:

Council of Europe experts/Secretariat:

Mrs Françoise Kempf, Assistant to the Coordinator

Mrs Brigitte Thomas, Assistant

Rapporteur: Mrs Angèle Postolle (France)

Participants:

Total number of participants:

Partner orgnisations:

OSCE/ODIHR/Contact Point for Roma and Sinti Issues

Origin/reference of the activity:

A first round table on consultative body (jointly organised with the ODIHR/CPRSI) took place in Budapest in November 1996 (see activities carried out in 1996). The participants to the first meeting asked for a second consultation, enlarged to additional countries having consultative bodies.

Objectives:

1. the enable members of consultative bodies to get to know one another;

2. to exchange information about the composition, powers, terms of reference and activities of the different bodies, and especially to learn about the activities of the Roma Advisory Board on Romani Affairs of Finland;

3. to discuss selected topics of common interest and to consider how consultative bodies can help solve these problems.

The programme included presentations of the new developments occurred in the countries which took part in the Budapest meeting (Nov. 1996) and presentation by the new countries (Slovakia, Ukraine) of their consultative mechanisms and a detailed presentation by the Finnish Advisory Board on Romani Affairs of its activities (visit to the premises of the Board and discussion with some members of the Board).

Two main themes were proposed for discussion: developing comprehensive policies to address the problems faced by Roma/Gypsies; (presentations by Hungary and Spain); response by consultative bodies to problems of violence and discrimination against Roma/Gypsies (presentations by the Czech Republic and Romania).

General evaluation:

Like the Budapest meeting (Nov. 1996), this event provided a good opportunity for members of the consultative bodies to get to know one another and exchange information. The presentation of the Finnish model for concrete cooperation between the Roma and the government was very much valued by the participants. It showed that partnership on an equal footing between a minority group and the authorities can be efficient and lead to the drawing up of comprehensive policies. The discussion tended to focus on the substance of the problems faced by Roma/Gypsies and in particular on the issue of the recent migrations of Roma towards Western European countries and North America.

The question of the representation of the Romani population within the consultative bodies was also mentioned various times and in particular, questions were raised about the different ways of selection or election of the Romani representatives.

The presentation by the Czech representatives of the recently set up Interministerial Commission on the problems of the Romani Community and of the Ad hoc Commission on issues of racism and discrimination against Roma (working under the Council for National Minorities) gave rise to an interesting debate on the effectivity of the consultative bodies when facing problems of violence and racial discrimination.

Emphasis was put by the participants on the need to hold from time to time such a meeting for purposes of exchange of information.

Several participants had linguistic difficulties; they often spoke in their own languages and were interpreted by their colleagues.

It is to mention that the Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Halonen, came on the first day of the meeting to greet the participants.

On the last day of the meeting, the participants were brought to the premises of the Council of Europe Training Course for Young Romani Leaders (taking place in Helsinki at the same time). A session of mutual information between the two groups was organised, which gave rise to an interesting debate.

Results/decisions:

A report was prepared by the Rapporteur, which contains:

-a description of the consultative bodies of the countries which were not present in Budapest and an update on the new developments occurred in the other countries;

-an analysis of the various issues raised concerning the composition and the operation of the consultative bodies;

-some reflection on how the work of the consultative bodies could be made more efficient.

Various participants expressed the wish to have another such meeting next year in order to maintain the contacts made during the two first meetings.

INTERCULTURAL EDUCATION: ROMA HISTORY AND CULTURE

AT SCHOOL: TEACHERS’ TRAINING SEMINAR

Field of activity: Minorities (Roma/Gypsies)

Type of activity:

Budgetary reference :

Country :

Dates and places :

Council of Europe experts :

No Council of Europe experts ; the work was done by a team of Bulgarian educationalists

Council of Europe Secretariat : /

Participants :

History, literature and music teachers from 35 primary and secondary schools. For the 6th seminar (30-31 Oct.), some cultural activitists, lecturers, local politicians and NGO representatives took part.

Trainers were: members of the Inter-Ethnic Initiative for Human Rights and other Bulgarian educationalists (Romani or specialised in Roma issues)

Total number of participants :

1st seminar : 45 participants ; 2nd seminar : 47 participants ; 3rd seminar : 46 participants ; 4th seminar : 45 participants ; 5th seminar : 37 participants : 56 participants.

Partner institution :

Origin/reference of other activities :

The Inter-Ethnic Initiative for Human Rights set up, in 1995, 5 teams of representatives of Roma intellectuals, university lecturers, teachers and artists in order to prepare 16 teachers and students’ teaching kits on the study of Roma history and culture at school (Project funded by PHARE). In 1997, it signed an agreement with the Ministry of Education and Science for joint activities in the introduction of intercultural education in schools. The training seminars supported by the Demosthenes programme focussed on the use of these training kits in different types of Bulgarian schools.

The Inter-Ethnic Initiative for Human Rights has been, in recent years, a regular partner for Council of Europe activities in the field of Roma in the region of the Balkans.

Objectives :

1. Immediate objective : to train the teachers to use the training kits prepared by the Inter-Ethnic Initiative for Human Rights

2. Long-term objectives : to introduce multicultural education and understanding of minority cultures at school ; to eliminate gradually the prejudices and negative attitudes of teachers towards Romani pupils ; to try and correct the effects of decades of assimilation policy of the minorities in Bulgaria ; to narrow the huge social gaps between the Roma minority and the majority population or other minority groups ; to make the school more attractive for Roma children and create a positive group identity among Roma in raising their self-esteem and self-respect.

General evaluation :

Resistance to the project was expressed by teachers from the « elite » Bulgarian schools and also from teachers working with Roma children coming from regions where Roma tend to reject their identity to replace it by a Turkish one. However long and thorough debates led the former to widely commit themselves to implement the project in the « elite » urban schools ; the regional seminar in Kurjali (30-31 Oct.), a region where Roma wish to be considered as Turks, provided an opportunity to clarify the aims of the project and overcome the reluctance towards intercultural education among those Roma with preferred Turkish sel-awareness. Minority educational rights were for the first time debated in a peaceful atmosphere. Moreover it coincided with the preparation of the Bulgarian public for the signature of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. On the whole it can be said that majority teachers have been very actively involved in the project.

The participation in all courses of representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science was considered by the participants as a guarantee that their proposals would be seriously debated by the responsible institutions.

The project was presented on the National Radio and on the Darik Commercial Radio. A number of journalists at regional and national level published articles on the project. Various NGOS in Bulgaria and other Central and Eastern European countries paid great attention to it.

The active involvement of Romani educationalists, intellectuals, activitist and artists helped a) improve self-esteem among the Romani community and b) promote a more positive image of this group among teachers and school masters.

Results/decisions :

The Inter-Ethnic Initiative for Human Rights will prepare a publication on the achievements of the project ; the latter has been presented at the international seminar on Intercultural Education which took place in Sofia, Nov. 1997. The IEI will launch new projects for the improvement of the content of history and litterature textbooks and for the development of intercultural education in the country, involving other minority groups as well.

CONFERENCE ON THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF CHILDREN FROM SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED ENVIRONMENTS

Field of activity:

Type of activity:

Budgetary reference:

Country(ies):

Date and place:

Council of Europe experts: /

Council of Europe Secretariat:

Participants:

education specialists, students, government

representatives, from the Slovak and Czech

Republics, Hungary, Poland, the Ukraine

Total number of participants:

Partner organisation(s):

Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic

SPOLU International

AVERROËS Foundation

Netherlands Institute of Care and Welfare

Origin/reference of the activity:

The Special Education Directorate of the Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic requested support for an International Conference on the Education and Training of Children from Socially Disadvantaged Environments. The Conference was organised by the SPOLU Foundation (NL). The Roma Special Account provided a grant towards defraying organisational expenses.

Objectives:

To review progress in social and educational policy towards children from socially disadvantaged environments and Roma children ; to propose guidelines for a programme of alternative education and training of Roma children, from pre-school to vocational training and university.

General evaluation:

The conference, held at the University of Presov, was very well attended by educators and students alike, from the Slovak Republic as well as from neighbouring countries. A number of special education projects intended mainly for Roma children were discussed, some of them developed with the support of international foundations (SPOLU, Averroês from NL). The exchange of information served to elicit interest in the projects and their achievements.

Results/decisions:

The conference attracted a lot of interest from educators of socially disadvantaged children and Roma children. It approved a set of recommendations on social and educational measures to help Roma children in their pre-school, primary and secondary education, and vocational training. The proceedings of the Conference have been published.

"PERSPECTIVES FOR ROMA IN BOSNIA TODAY"

Field of activity:

Type of activities :

Budgetary reference:

Country:

Date and place:

Council of Europe experts:

Council of Europe Secretariat:

Participants :

Mr Selim BESLAGIC, Mayor of Tuzla; Mr Rajko DJURIC, Mr Jörg BECKEN, Berlin Romani Union; Mr Orhan Mrsic, Unije Roma Staro Selo, association of Romani refugees living in Berlin; representatives of Romani associations in Bosnia, and especially of SAE Roma Tuzla;

Other organisations represented: Südost-Europa Kulturzentrum Berlin; Society for Threatened People; Helsinki Citizens Assembly; OXFAM; BOSFAM Tuzla; Human Rights Watch; Italian Consortium for Solidarity; World Health Organisation; Coalition for Return; USAID; Swiss Development Agency (SDC TO); Gesellschaft für technische Zusammenarbeit.

Total number of participants:

Partner organisations

Origin/reference of the activity:

Fact-finding mission on the situation of Roma in Bosnia and Herzegovina, organised in May 1996, upon request of the Specialist Group on Roma/Gypsies (MG-S-ROM). The MG-S-ROM has made contacts with NGO's concerned with the situation of Roma in this country and in particular, with the Berlin Romani Union, which took the initiative of organising this event.

Objectives

To support activities in favour of Roma in BiH (up to now, the Council of Europe is the only international organisation dealing with this issue in BiH); to give wide publicity to the situation of Roma in BiH; to support self-organisation of Romani NGO's in BiH.

General evaluation:

Despite a quite late preparation of the conference (it was postponed from September to November), the meeting was very fruitful and the level of participation was good. It is regretful however that international organisations like the OSCE and UNHCR did not take part.

The original programme was not respected but this did not cause any frustration as most of the issues mentioned in the programme were dealt with during the official sessions or informally, during the breaks. However the debates were very lively and this conference provided an excellent opportunity for the newly created Bosnian Romani Union to meet and discuss various organisational issues. It was also very useful for the Council of Europe to know about the Bosnian Romani Union, its composition, aims, objectives and needs.

The debates were sometimes extremely lively. It is to be underlined that many of the Roma present showed a great willingness to get better organised and to gain support from the international community and they proved very constructive in the discussions.

There was a good media coverage: the TV station "Slobodna Bosna" was present and a report on the meeting went out on the national TV on 15 November evening.

The presence during two hours of the Mayor of Tuzla showed once again the high commitment of Mr Beslagic in favour of the Roma/Gypsies.

Results/decisions :

Light was put on the difficult situation of the Roma population in BiH, thanks to the presence of TV journalists and to the broad audience.

The conference constituted a step forward in the organisation of a national federation of Romani associations (Bosnian Romani Union).

The Romani participants, together with the organisers (Berlin Romani Union and SAE Roma Tuzla), prepared a set of public recommendations (dealing with the various aspects of the life of the Roma in Bosnia and with the difficult issue of Romani displaced persons and refugees, in Bosnia and abroad). These recommendations have been released by the Berlin Romani Union in a report on the conference.

In the near future, the Council of Europe hopes to be able to pursue this type of activities (support of NGO's and other confidence-building initiatives) and to try and encourage the Bosniac authorities to recognise the Roma as a national minority.

ROUND TABLE ON STRATEGIES FOR IMPLEMENTING MINORITY RIGHTS FOR ROMA AND SINTI

Field of activity:

Type of activity:

Budgetary reference:

Country(ies):

Date and place:

Council of Europe experts:

Council of Europe Secretariat:

Participants: Representatives of Romani organisations and other NGO’s

Members of government delegations attending the OSCE Implementation Meeting

Total number of participants:

Partner organisation(s):

Origin/reference of the activity:

ODIHR invited us to oganise jointly, together with PER, a Round Table alongside the official OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting, this being an occasion at which a large number of interested officials and Romani organisations would be present. The Council of Europe contributed financially by paying some of the participation expenses of Roma representatives.

Objectives:

1.    Assessment of major developments and transformations which might have a direct impact on the situation of Roma and Sinti in the OSCE region

2.    Elaboration of an inventory of basic requirements for the development of national policies in favour of minority rights of Roma and Sinti, and in particular for preventing violence and discrimination

3.    Possibilities for international assistance

General evaluation:

The first part of the meeting was devoted to a discussion of the PERpolicy paper « Roma in the twenty-first century », which was presented by the authors, Andrzej Mirga and Nicolae Gheorghe. This gave rise to a lively debate on the future of the Roma and the Romani movement, in which matters such as the concept of the Romani nation and the structuring of Romani organisations were raised. The idea of a kind of « Marshall Fund » for Roma, launched by a donor conference, was also put forward and received some support.

The second session, chaired by the Council of Europe representative, was devoted to strategies for developing national policies in favour of minority rights of Roma. Alarm was expressed at widespread discrimination against Roma and denial of their rights. Governments were criticised for an inadequate response and a particular call was made for the governments of Central and Eastern European countries to bring forward effective anti-discrimination legislation.

Results/decisions:

The ongoing close cooperation between ODIHR and Council of Europe on Roma issues was reaffirmed. The idea of a new joint conference on Roma issues as a whole, some years after the 1994 seminar in Warsaw, was launched. Romani organisations engaged in discussions aimed at a possible relaunch of their coordinating structures at European level.

CONTACT MISSION TO BRATISLAVA AND PRAGUE

ON ROMA QUESTIONS

Field of activity:

Type of activity:

Budgetary reference:

Country(ies):

Date and place:

Prague : 11-12 December 1997

Council of Europe experts:

Participants: /

Total number of participants:

Partner organisation(s):

Origin/reference of the activity:

Objectives:

To reinforce contacts with the governmental authorities dealing with Roma questions, and with NGO’s, with a view to developing future activities.

General evaluation:

Bratislava : The Coordinator’s programme was organised by Ms Anina Botosova, Secretary of the Council on National Minorities. Apart from discussions with Ms Botosova herself, there was a meeting with Mr Josef Kalman, Deputy Prime Minister responsible for minority questions. Discussion focussed on : the new « Conceptual plan for the solution of Romany problems », possible Slovak participation in the MG-S-ROM, and the possibility of Slovak accession to the Social Development Fund (which could be expected to be interested in suitable Roma projects).

The Coordinator also had useful discussions with the following NGO’s : Project on Ethnic Relations, Institute for Public Affairs, Open Society Foundation and others.

Prague : The programme was organised by Mr Milan Pospisil, Secretary of the Council on National Minorities. It came at a particularly opportune time as a number of activities are planned in the Czech Republic on Roma issues.

The government had recently adopted a new Programme of Action for the Roma minority and also set up an Interministerial Commission (with Roma representatives and a Roma Executive Vice-Chairperson). A meeting was arranged for the Coordinator to have detailed discussions with the interministerial team responsible for seeing through these initiatives . This was followed by a meeting with a rather small number of Roma representatives. The Coordinator also met Mr Bratinka, Minister without portfolio , responsible for minority questions.

The Coordinator also had a useful working meeting with Mr Bottinick, Legal Officer of UNHCR in Prague. Here -as in all the other meetings – attention focussed on the recent exodus of Czech Roma to Canada and its various repercussions.

Results/decisions:

Slovak Republic : strengthening of contacts but no specific activities proposed at present.

Czech Republic : exploratory mission of a consultant to study community relations in Brno  (see next synopsis); contribution to UNHCR training for the police ; possibility of a meeting of the MG-S-ROM in the Czech Republic.

ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS AFFECTING

THE ROMANI MINORITY IN BRNO

Field of activity:

Type of activity:

Budgetary reference:

Country:

Dates and place:

Council of Europe experts:

Council of Europe Secretariat:

Participants:

The Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Chief Executive and other senior officials in the City of Brno; officials of the Social and Culture Section of the City of Brno; officers of the Mpravian Romani Association and the City of Brno Romani Association; the Director and staff of the Romani Museum in Brno; staff of the Culture and Education Centre for Romani Children and Youth; the Director of the Czech Republic Police Force in Brno; the Director and senior staff of the City Police Brno.

Total number of participants:

Partner organisation(s): /

Origin/reference of the activity:

On request of the Czech authorities, ie. Mr J. Malenovsky, Czech Embassador to the Council of Europe contacted the Secretariat in July 1997 in order to organise the visit and possible future activities in Brno.

Objectives:

To explore the situation of the Romani population in Brno, the needs in the field of community relations and policing towards the Romani minority and the possibility for further joint activities between the police authorities in Brno and the Council of Europe.

General evaluation:

According to the consultant, the visit was very well organised and the meetings took place in an atmosphere of general openness and a positive spirit. Following discussions with the local authorities, the police and the Romani representatives, he could identify a few major problems and, in particular, the violences committed by skinheads groups against Roma and the lack of reciprocal trust and confidence between the police and the Romani community. Both the city authorities and the local police recognised the need to develop long-term comprehensive approaches geared at improving the relations Roma-majority and Roma-authorities.

Results/decisions:

Dr Oakley has produced an interim report for the attention of the Czech authorities and in particular for the municipality of Brno, containing a number of specific and general recommendations. The next step consisted in organising, with the support of the Council of Europe, a round table to review Dr Oakley's report and recommendations, to establish an overall vision, to identify priorities and a way forward for the City of Brno. The round table took place in Spring 1998.

EXPERT SEMINAR ON

"THE INVOLVEMENT OF ROMA POPULATION IN THE PLANNING AND DELIVERY

OF COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES FOR CHILDREN"

Field of activity:

Type of activity:

Budgetary reference:

Country:

Date and place:

Council of Europe experts:

Council of Europe Secretariat:

Participants/total numbe of participants:

The initial idea for the Seminar was to bring together about 30 mayors and representatives of the Roma population to discuss the issues related to the topic. The interest in the Seminar was, however, so great that in the end a total of 107 people participated. This included representatives of the national government, the Romanian presidency, as well as the media, which was highly interested in the activity.

Partner institution/organisation:

Joint seminar of the Council of Europe and UNICEF

Origin/reference of the activity:

1.    Follow-up to the expert seminar on "Street children, violence and sexual abuse : challenges for social work", Timisoara, Romania, 1-4 July 1997;

2.    Council of Europe's programme for Roma.

Objectives:

1.    Developing structures and mechanisms for the planning and delivery of social services for children and their families by local authorities. Taking into account:

2.    Ensuring cooperation between providers of services, administrative decision makers and representatives of the Roma population (participation).

3.    Developing strategies for confidence building measures to reduce prejudices.

4.    Identifying concrete mechanisms to ensure children's participation.

5.    Discussing ways and possibilities to meet special needs of Roma children and their families.

General evaluation:

The first part of the Seminar was an exchange of views on the causes of this desperate situation and what measures need to be taken to improve the situation for families and children. The debate showed the great difference of opinion between Roma population and non-Roma population.

The second part of the meeting was devoted to develop proposals for action to initiate first steps towards improving the situation.

Results/decisions:

The participants of the seminar suggested the following :

1.    Technical assistance visit of the expert delegation in June 1998 (one week) to Tirgu Neamt to discuss technical and implementation problems for projects resulting from the seminar and prepare a follow-up activity.

2.    Follow-up Seminar in the autumn of 1998, possibly in Cordoba, Spain, to bring together participants of projects emerging from the seminar in Tirgu Neamt with existing projects/programmes in other European countries, such as in Spain, to allow for an exchange of experiences.

CONFERENCE ON RESPONDING TO THE RACISM EXPERIENCED BY ROMA/GYPSIES IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

Field of activity: Minorities (Roma/Gypsies)

Type of activity:

Budgetary reference:

Country(ies):

Date and place:

Council of Europe experts: /

Council of Europe Secretariat:

Participants:

Total number of participants:

Finance from the European Commission

Origin/reference of the activity:

Objectives:

To ensure that Roma/Gypsy/Traveller issues are taken account of in the new developments that will follow from the new European Commission competences in the fields of racism and social exclusion ;

To provide an opportunity for networking among the NGOs from the Roma/Gypsy/Traveller communities.

General evaluation:

Council of Europe participation was requested in order to bring in a perspective from the wider Europe, and particularly to give information about the situation in Central and Eastern European countries.

The meeting was very well organised by the Irish Traveller organisations. An expert from the Irish Traveller centre « Pavee Point » had drawn up a background document and policy proposals, which were well received by participants.

The discussions were lively and informative, especially concerning the situation of Roma/Gypsies/Travellers in Western Europe. Considerable interest was expressed in the activities of the Council of Europe, particularly the work under way in ECRI to draw up a General Recommendation on racism and intolerance directed against Roma/Gypsies.

Results/decisions:

SEMINAR ON GENERIC POLICING SKILLS AND POLICE TRAINING REGARDING SPECIFIC GROUPS OF PERSONS

Field of activity:

Type of activity:

Budgetary reference:

Country(ies):

Date and place:

Council of Europe experts:

Council of Europe Secretariat:

Participants:

Police officers from the various Czech police forces ; officials from the Ministry of the Interior ; staff of police training establishments

Total number of participants:

Partner organisation(s):

UNHCR

Origin/reference of the activity:

Objectives:

To assist the Czech Ministry of the Interior in developing training for police on relations with foreigners and minorities

General evaluation:

The Council of Europe contribution to this event was limited to the provision of two speakers on relations with Roma (and national minorities in general). The seminar was well attended although the location in Prague meant that many participants tended to come and go.

Results/decisions:

UNHCR saw this seminar (one of a series of two) as an opportunity to introduce reflection on these topics within the Czech police. UNHCR does not see it as part of its role to develop a sustained programme on police training in the Czech Republic. It hopes that the Ministry, working as necessary with other partners, will now wish to take the process further. The Secretariat will explore the possibilities for further assistance from the Council of Europe in police training in the area of ethnic relations.

ROUND TABLE ON THE SITUATION OF THE ROMA COMMUNITY IN BRNO

Field of activity:

Type of activity:

Budgetary reference:

Country(ies):

Date and place:

Council of Europe experts:

Council of Europe Secretariat:

Participants:

Ms Dagmar Lastovecka, Mayor of Brno (member CLRAE), Deputy Mayor, Chief Executive and other senior staff of the City of Brno;

Director of the national police in Brno, Director and Deputy Director of the city police, Principal of the police secondary school;

Chair of the Moravian Romany Association; Director of the Romany Museum; Head of Centre for Romany Children and Youth; Romany liaison officer-designate of the City of Brno.

Total number of participants:

Partner organisation(s):

Origin/reference of the activity:

The organisation of a round table , as a first step in the direction of a comprehensive plan for developing better relations between the Roma community and the majority, was recommended by the consultant after his exploratory visit to Brno at the request of the Czech authorities in December 1997.

Objectives:

To gauge reactions by all parties concerned to the analysis and the recommendations contained in the report by the consultant on his exploratory visit;

To lay the foundations for developing a comprehensive action plan for improving the situation of the Roma community in Brno.

General evaluation:

The first day was devoted to the round table. It was extremely well organised by the City authorities and all participants spoke freely and extensively. After the consultant had presented his report there was a general discussion from which it emerged that although it needed to be corrected or supplemented on a number of minor points, all concerned considered that the report accurately portrayed the situation of the Roma community in Brno and its relations with the rest of the population.

Discussion then turned to the possibilities for further action along the lines set out in the report. It was clear that a number of new developments were already in the pipeline and there was a willingness to move further in the direction of a comprehensive approach.

There was a constructive atmosphere throughout. On the part of the City representatives there was a clear desire to make progress and, although the Roma representatives did not hesitate to give voice to their grievances, they also made clear their desire to work in partnership with the authorities to overcome the current problems.

On the second day , there was a smaller working meeting of nine of the principal participants with the aim of agreeing on how to translate the results of the round table into practical action.

The leading officials of the City authorities made clear their commitment to drawing up – in partnership with the Romany community and the police – a comprehensive plan of action covering four main areas: education and leisure, safety and security, employment; and social and welfare issues. This in fact covers a broader field than the more strictly community relations issues specified in the consultant’s original mandate.

In the light of the discussions in Brno the consultant has made the following recommendations for the follow-up process:

- he should have an opportunity to comment on the draft plan of action before it is finalised;

- all parties involved should seek to arrive at a common "vision" of the kind of "multicultural integration" of the Roma that they would like to see in Brno;

- the City should improve and diversify its contacts and consultation arrangements with the Roma community;

Results/decisions:

The City of Brno, working in partnership with the Roma representatives and the police, will draw up a plan of action for improving the situation of the Roma in Brno. The preparation of the plan should be completed by October 1998.

The Council of Europe may be asked for technical assistance or advice in the implementation of certain aspects of the plan.

If the plan is successful, the experience of Brno could be presented as an example of good practice for other cities in the region.

ROUND TABLE ON COOPERATION BETWEEN MUNICIPALITIES

AND ROMA COMMUNITIES

Field of activity:

Type of activity:

Budgetary reference:

Country(ies):

Date and place:

Council of Europe experts: /

Council of Europe Secretariat:

Participants:

Officials from Lom: Mayor, MP, police, social security, labour bureau, etc

NGOs : Roma-Lom Foundation, SEGA Foundation, etc.

National officials : Petur Atanasov, Secretary of the National Council for Social and Demographic Issues ; Tatiana Vassileva, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policies; Vera Tragarinska, Expert at the Presidency ; Zlatina Nikolova, Head of the Chancellery of the Council of Ministers

Total number of participants

Partner organisation(s):

Roma-Lom Foundation

Origin/reference of the activity:

Objectives:

To identify key elements of good practice in the area of cooperation between local authorities and Roma NGOs

To disseminate knowledge of the Lom experience to other interested parties in Bulgaria

General evaluation:

Active participation by all the relevant local actors in Lom ensured a full and effective presentation of the positive and the negative aspects of the local situation. Lom is an isolated and particularly depressed town where all the factories have closed in recent years and the vast majority of the Roma are unemployed. The Roma population amounts to one-third of the total population of the municipality. But a good working relationship has been established between the Mayor and the Roma-Lom Foundation, a Romani NGO run by a dynamic young Roma businessman. This has made it possible to solve a range of problems in the Roma districts and to realise a number of job creation schemes. Among the major unsolved problems are the irregular status and unsatisfactory physical condition of the large Roma shanty-town districts ; and the long arrears in the payment of social benefits. Indeed, the latter problem led to a spectacular protest that attracted media attention to Lom a few weeks later.

It can be concluded, on the one hand, that Lom is an example of what can be achieved with good will even in an extremely difficult situation, and, on the other hand, that Lom illustrates the inability of local authorities and NGOs to solve fundamental problems which necessitate the intervention of the national authorities.

The participation of several senior national officials responsible for different aspects of Roma questions was an encouraging sign. It is to be hoped that the comprehensive, partnership-based approach to the complexity of Roma problems in this particular locality will be reflected in the development of similar policies and programmes at national level.

Results/decisions:

A report is being published by PER.

Consideration could be given to developing a project proposal for the Social Development Fund for the rehabilitation of the Roma districts.

EU CENTRAL EUROPE WORKING GROUP (COCEN)

(Common Foreign and Security Policy)

Field of activity:

Type of activity:

Budgetary reference:

Country(ies):

Date and place:

Council of Europe experts: /

Council of Europe Secretariat:

Participants:

Total number of participants:

Partner organisation(s):

Origin/reference of the activity:

Objectives:

To raise awareness among Central Europe desk officers about the situation of Roma/Gypsy minorities in Central European countries.

General evaluation:

The Council of Europe speaker outlined Roma issues in all their complexity (minority protection, human rights concerns, social exclusion) and stated that they add up to a serious challenge to social cohesion in several Central and Eastern European countries. He suggested that the way forward lay in a comprehensive approach by the governments of the countries concerned, pursued in genuine partnership with the Roma communities. He concluded by calling for closer cooperation between the EU and the Council of Europe on Roma questions.

This was followed by a useful question and answer session. The generally positive atmosphere and the support expressed for the work of the Council of Europe in this field were encouraging.

Results/decisions:

We shall take any opportunity to strengthen cooperation with the EU.

INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON ROMA CHILDREN IN EUROPE

Field of activity:

Type of activity:

Budgetary reference:

Country(ies):

Date and place:

Council of Europe experts: /

Council of Europe Secretariat:

Participants:

Members of Save the Children Romania, Sweden and UK ; Roma representatives from Romania ; other interested NGOs ; Romanian officials

Total number of participants:

Partner organisation(s):

Organised by Save the Children Romania (Salvati Copii) in cooperation with Save the Children Sweden and UK

Origin/reference of the activity:

Objectives:

To raise awareness of the problems faced by Romani children

To draw up a European plan of action

General evaluation:

There were many interesting participants who presented examples of good practice. The proceedings were not always very well organised, however, and the arrangements for preparing a plan of action were not very clear.

Results/decisions:

A plan of action is in preparation.

SEMINAR ON "ROMA AND EDUCATION"

Field of activity:

Type of activity:

Budgetary reference:

Country(ies):

Date and place:

Council of Europe experts: /

Council of Europe Secretariat:

Participants:

Roma activitists, educationalists, representatives from the ministries of education of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Hungary; the Deputy President of the Czech Senate

Total number of participants:

Partner organisation(s):

Helsinki Citizens' Assembly/Roma Section (Brno, Czech Republic), European Dialogue (UK), East Anglian Gypsy Council, City Council of Peterborough

Origin/reference of the activity:

PHARE grant made to HCA/Roma section

Objectives:

- exchange of experience and good practice between educationalists from various countries (representatives from different types of schools were present)

- to become acquainted with the British legal and educational provisions with regard to Roma/Gypsies and Travellers (we visited a school and a camping site)

- to engage a debate between the NGO's/educationalists and the government representatives present at the meeting

- to draw conclusions for the attention of the Council of Europe and the national governments

General evaluation:

Interesting experiences were presented to the participants (P. Pitter's elementary school of Ostrava, Gandhi Lyceum of Pecs) but not enough time was devoted to the discussions. Part of the time was used for a debate on the Romani language (standardisation and teaching).

The conference was extremely well organised and the field visits and presentations from UK participants were very useful.

Results/decisions:

Conclusions were drawn by the Chairs (Mr Holomek, HCA/Roma Section and Mr Mercer, East Anglian Gypsy Council) and should be made public soon.