17th meeting of the Ad hoc Committee of Experts for Roma Issues (CAHROM)
Speech by John WARMISHAM, United Kingdom, Congress Rapporteur on Roma and Travellers
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Dear Colleagues,
I am very happy to be among you today. I think I can say I am now regular to CAHROM meetings, and I always come with the same enthusiasm.
I would like to take this opportunity to, once again, shed light on the recent activities and initiatives taken by the European Alliance of Cities and Regions for the Inclusion of Roma and Travellers.
First of all, the Dosta! Congress Prize which still has the wind in its sails after 12 years
Since 2017, more than 100 applications were received and previous laureate came from all over Europe.. This geographical diversity shows well that local and regional authorities are not only aware of the issues surrounding Roma exclusion and discrimination but are already taking concrete measures to address them.
Despite some financial issues, I hope that this 7th edition won’t be the last! Because I believe it is important to reward those municipalities which take a clear stand in favour of Roma inclusion. They are the proof that successful initiatives are mutually beneficial to the municipalities and to Roma.
Another successful initiative is the Declaration against anti-Gypsyism.
. Although you are of course well aware of the existence and the importance of this document, I always mention it because the number of signatures is constantly changing. As of today, I am proud to say that 122 municipalities, cities and regions from 34 countries have signed the Declaration. Municipalities and regions which haven’t signed the Declaration yet can have an easy access to the document since it is available online and in 34 languages.
Dear colleagues, as you all know, securing Roma rights is a responsibility of public authorities. Roma inclusion and safety should be guaranteed at all levels of governance. Local and regional authorities, being closest to the people, have the responsibility but also the means to take appropriate action to facilitate full Roma inclusion. That being said, the situation of Roma and Travellers remains challenging for local and regional authorities throughout Europe. One of the main issues is anti-Roma fake news which are mainly spreadingthrough social media, and which are feeding the hatred discourse directed against them. We need to change the discourse about Roma. Their safety depends on it.
I would also like to point out that the Alliance is on the ground to improve Roma safety by interacting with other stakeholders.
“Local action for Roma safety” was the theme of a meeting organized last February by the Alliance, together with the Ukrainian Alliance of Cities and Regions and the City of Lviv. The aim was to address a series of violent attacks against Roma which took place in Ukraine during the past year. There were 40 participants, including representatives from local and regional administrations, Roma civil society, NGOs and the police.
The outcomes of this meeting were very positive. Four specific points are worth mentioning.
First of all, several speeches have been made on the challenges Roma are currently facing and on the necessity of taking appropriate action in order to effectively prevent future attacks against them. To give you an example, it was said that the biggest issue was the lack of trust in the police felt by many individuals. The city and region of Lviv took concrete action to respond to this problem. Here, the police regularly visit Roma communities to make sure there is no problem. This initiative can both build a relationship of trust, and ensure Roma safety.
Secondly, some of the participants recorded short video statements in which they gave positive examples of Roma inclusion in their municipalities and regions. This initiative contributes to shape a more positive discourse about Roma in Ukraine. I invite you all to watch these videos; they are available on the Congress’ communication platforms and on YouTube.
Thirdly, the 9 members of the Ukrainian Alliance exchanged views on the state of implementation of their individual Roma inclusion projects. I In most municipalities and regions, the cooperation between local administrations and local NGOs is quite effective. This gives us hope for the future!
Finally, several recommendations addressed to local and regional authorities were agreed upon. To only nameone , local and regional authorities are encouraged to offer training courses, educational funds and vocational training to adults without completed secondary education and motivate local businesses to hire Roma.
All in all, even though Roma and travellers are still victims of violence and prejudices, I am pleased to see that more and more European municipalities and regions are inclined to enter the fight against discrimination and exclusion . They are the initiators of successful projects in so many different fields going from health to education, and from employment to leisure activities.
They demonstrate ingenuity and innovation so that Roma and Travellers feel included and empowered enough to actually participate in the public life of our communities.
Fighting anti-Gypsysism is an ongoing battle but we are on the right track and I am confident we will win it.
Thank you.