European Youth Forum: Roma inclusion discussed and evaluated in the European Youth Centre
Brussels/European Youth Forum: Suffering from the stigmatisation of most communities in Europe, Roma young people face additional difficulties to play a full part in all aspects of society. During the transition to adulthood, many young Roma have to deal with even more poverty and lack of opportunities than young Europeans. In this context, a meeting was organised by the Council of Europe on 9th and 10th December 2011 in the European Youth Centre of Strasbourg to discuss Roma inclusion.
This two-days meeting constituted the follow-up of the Roma Youth Conference, which had taken place from 26th to 30th September and brought together Roma youth leaders and representatives of Roma non-governmental organisations active in combating discrimination affecting Roma across Europe. This time, the discussions focused on the evolution of Roma inclusion and on the preparation of a Roma Youth Action Plan for 2012-2013. Guidelines on possible ways to ameliorate Roma's inclusion were developed in response to the challenges and aspirations experienced by young Roma today. The Action Plan will, for example, respond to the limited access to political participation and to the limited or no participation in mainstream youth events and initiatives by Roma youth.
The European Youth Forum, committed to achieve equality for all young people, welcomes the initiative of giving more voice to the Roma youth and community. Moreover, the Youth Forum commits itself to ensuring the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all young people in Europe.
Useful links:
European Youth Forum Policy Paper on Equality and Diversity
Council of Europe, Guidelines for a European Roma Youth Action Plan
