Combating Antigypsyism and Multiple Discrimination in Roma Community

When looking at the Roma population, discrimination is deeply-rooted, and a common reality all over Europe. Antigypsyism is a widespread reality in Europe, and it is often combined with historical intolerance against the Roma, poverty, marginalisation, exclusion, stigma or violence. While the fact of being Roma seems to be the most visible ground for discrimination, other grounds for example, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or migrant status – can also play a role, so that the person is discriminated against on multiple levels

Hate speech and hate crime also affect the Roma population disproportionately and several political parties across Europe use the Roma population as scapegoats for social and economic problems in their countries. This widespread rhetoric of hate makes the Roma even more vulnerable and marginalised. The recent resurgence of extremism targeting Roma demonstrates that antigypsyism continues to be a driving force of political populism. In addition, generally negative portrayal of Roma in mainstream media and online reinforces prejudices, stereotypes and racist attitudes

The program of the event is consisted by: 

1. Panel discussion with profesors, researcher, civil cociety representatives and activists

2. Screening the Short Movie:  My Gypsy Road. An inspiring story about the winding road of the first Roma actress in Bulgaria, officially graduated from the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts. From the everyday life’s challenges, to the sacrifices in the name of theater, and the trust in the great Roma cause – education for the ghetto. Nataliya Tsekova – THE WOMAN, THE ACTRESS, THE PERSON.

The objectives of the conference are:

• Analyze the reasons and manifestation of the Antifypsyism;
• Combat the scapegoating and hate against the Roma;
• To reflect on the role of civil society in tackling Antigypsyism, particularly through making coalitions;
• To develop empathy for those experiencing discrimination;
• To create a better understanding of what multiple discrimination is and how it affects Roma women, LGBT; young Roma etc.   

3. Profile of participants

Young people over 18 years already experienced or interested on inclusion policies of vulnerable groups especially of Roma;

Youth workers, teachers, students, volunteers, researches and scholars  or public servants who are dealing with Roma issues;

Resident in one of the EU member states and Western Balkan:  Albania,  Bosnia and Hercegovina , Serbia, north Macedonia, Montenegro and Kosovo.

 All participants will get a CERTIFICATE.