Marginalization and Ostracism of the Roma in the past and today

CONTEXT OF THE CONFERENCE Knowledge of the history of Europe is necessary to be able to interpret the different perceptions of current events. The knowledge that the citizens should acquire in order to be aware of a relationship between current events and processes in the past is not primarily based on simple facts and dates but also on knowledge of basic structures, the economic and social situation, and political systems. In many totalitarian countries minorities were not considered of the perfect race, or did not fit into the ideology of the totalitarian societies. The Roma were seen by the Nazis as being inferior, they were not as good a human being as the superior race and in October 1939 all Roma were ordered to be sent to concentration camps. During this period, Roma were subjected to genocide and totally denied of their civil rights. All these years, it was not spoken much about the Roma and Sinti Holocaust during the World War II. Discrimination against them and violation of their rights are still prevalent in today’s Europe. Methodology As a final project event it will reflect upon the already done activities. International and local activities related to the topic within and outside the project will be presented as good practices. On the other hand input by trainers, expert is expected to give introduction to the Roma Holocaust and HRE topic. The methodology is based on NFE methods: using manuals such as: Right to Remember, T-Kit-Social Inclusion, Compass etc. groups work, brainstorming, wall writing, association game, discussion, debate, simulation, audiovisual techniques. The project gives a high priority to youth participation from the preparatory to the evaluation process, in particular that the participants can shape the program based on their own needs and interests. AIM & OBJECTIVES The aim of the training is to raise awareness about the Roma Holocaust and Human Rights Education stimulating the critical thinking and debate of young people, their reflection and understanding of history and antigipsysm. To reach the general aim of the TC, the objectives are: • Raise involvement of Roma and non-Roma citizens in European debate on Roma Inclusion; • Sent key points to the stakeholders: Roma civic and democratic participation is necessary for greater Roma inclusion and better future perspectives in Europe • Roma and non-Roma volunteers and activists, sharing their grassroots engagement and practices; • Build alliances of Roma organizations to the established stakeholders PROFILE OF THE PARTICIPANTS Present will be Roma and non-Roma youth leaders, activists, multipliers, and volunteers who are working with young and/or Roma youth. Participants must also: • be familiar with the situation and challenges of the Roma community in their country • be motivated to develop their competences in advocacy, anti-discrimination work, human rights and to share their experiences with other participants • be aged 18 – • be committed to attend for the full duration of the course • be able to work in English • be resident in one of the EU countries, Albania, Serbia and Bosnia.