27/03/2017
Roma week 2017 celebrates the 46th anniversary of the First Romani World Congress held on April 8th of 1971 in London. During this first congress, three international symbols were established for Roma community: green and blue flag with a wheel in the centre, Romanés as official language and Gelem Gelem anthem.
The fact that the European Parliament promotes the Roma Week, an institution elected by citizens, gives it more importance and legitimacy. Moreover, thanks to this event members of the European Parliament as well as other European representatives and members of organizations will discuss and decide on policies and measures to improve the life conditions of Roma people in Europe.
Roma week first edition ( April 2016) ended up with the Slovakian presidency making two conclusions referring Roma population (both adopted in 2016). Moreover, the European Commission and Parliament together with international organisations and international civil society have worked together to prepare 2017 EU Roma week due to excellent result of past edition 2016.
Roma week second edition has three main objectives: recognition of antigypsyism as a factor that ban access to employment, health or housing on equal conditions; promotion of the recognition of the 2nd of August as international commemorative day of Roma Holocaust (Samudaripen); intemediate review of the European framework for National Roma Integration Strategies(2011-2020) and new approaches for the post 2020.
Conferences, debates, a breakfast network between Roma activists and members of the European parliament, will be carried out taking into account this three main objectives.
FSG will participate in all Roma week 2017 activities, with special attention on the round table “Combating Antigypsyism and a gender and youth dimension in the current and post-2020 EU Roma Policy” due to Sara Gimenez, will participate on it. Sara will add value as a result of her work experience on strategy litigation in several cases with special attention to “La Nena” case (information about FSG strategic litigation). Furthermore, Sara coordinates the Spanish Support Service for Victims of Racial or Ethnic Discrimination (information about this service) which will also help to add important information to the round table.
On the other hand, Belén Sanchez, head of the FSG´s international department, will participate on debates regarding “Taking stock of the EU Roma Framework and National Roma Integration Strategies - with a view to building a post-2020 strategic approach” organized by FRA, Green party and European Popular Party. The experience of the FSG international department on the use of Estructural Funds (ESI Funds) for the inclusion of Roma community (more information) or European strategy framework monitoring (more information) will add a great value to all debates.
