WRF News

26/10/2024

"Divided We Are Weak, Together We Are Strong: The Future of the Roma Community Lies in Unity"
The current political situation, unfortunately, shows that our Roma community often divides itself, making us vulnerable to those who benefit from our disunity. It is painful to see individuals placing their personal interests above the community’s well-being, aiming to elevate themselves or weaken other organizations.

Who benefits from this division? Who is manipulating our community to turn us against one another? These questions linger in the minds of many, especially in regions where Roma make up a large percentage of the population and directly experience the effects of politics.

Our biggest problem is the lack of unity. Hypocritical figures, operating on the principle of “divide and conquer,” assume the title of "Roma leader," pursuing only their own interests. Sadly, many of them bask in the spotlight without addressing the real issues facing the Roma community.

Why is the Roma community so divided? Perhaps it’s because these leaders mislead people, failing to provide genuine help to those who truly need it. I am not committed to those who channel resources for their own benefit while many struggle even with basic needs. My commitment is to those brothers and sisters who genuinely need it – those who fight, yet have no voice to seek help.

I believe that work speaks for itself, and that is why my colleagues and I will continue to work tirelessly for the Roma community. The power of unity lies in understanding that we are stronger together. Those who incite division have no place on this path. We will continue to seek God’s help to work in genuine solidarity, serving the community's best interests.

24/10/2024

Congratulations from the World Roma Federation to Alba Flores: A Symbol of Romani Pride and Excellence

On behalf of the World Roma Federation, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Alba Flores, an extraordinary actress and proud representative of Romani culture. Alba’s remarkable achievements in the world of film and television have not only brought her personal success but have also uplifted and empowered the Roma community on a global stage.

As the daughter of the legendary Antonio Flores, a renowned musician and composer, and Ana Villa, a respected theatrical producer, Alba comes from a long line of Romani performers, musicians, and artists. Her heritage is a rich tapestry woven with the talents of her iconic grandmother, Lola Flores—the beloved La Faraona—and her grandfather, Antonio González, known as El Pescaílla, a pioneer of Catalan Rumba. The artistry that flows through her veins is a testament to the strength and beauty of Romani culture.

Alba’s incredible performances, particularly her standout roles in La Casa de Papel (Money Heist) as Nairobi and in Vis a Vis (Locked Up), have captivated audiences worldwide. Her dedication to her craft, her resilience, and her deep-rooted connection to her Romani identity make her a shining beacon for Roma people everywhere.

Through her success, Alba is helping to break down stereotypes, challenge misconceptions, and bring greater visibility to the Romani community in the arts. She is a powerful role model, not only for Romani youth but for all who strive to stay true to their roots while achieving greatness. Her work reflects the values of courage, strength, and authenticity that are so deeply ingrained in Romani culture.

As she continues to inspire millions around the world, the World Roma Federation stands proudly beside her, celebrating her achievements and her profound impact on the representation of Romani people in the media. Her success is a victory for all of us, as she helps pave the way for future generations of Romani talent.

Congratulations, Alba Flores, from the entire Roma community and beyond. You are a symbol of pride, resilience, and cultural excellence, and we are excited to witness the continued success of your incredible journey!

With pride and admiration,
The World Roma Federation

16/10/2024

Roma Communities Now Require Sustainable Legal Representation

It is essential for the Roma communities to have effective legal representation to safeguard their fundamental rights. Recently, we have received concerning reports that indicate some local authorities are failing to respect the role of democratically elected Roma minority councils. This issue has been particularly evident in Siófok, where the local leadership has deemed the presence of the Roma council undesirable in municipal matters.

It is shocking that in a democratic country, election results are disregarded, leading to a significant erosion of the Roma’s democratic rights. Despite the existence of numerous Roma representation bodies, very few seem to speak out for the rights of Roma in Hungary. It begs the question: where are the key Roma representatives whose responsibility it is to stand up for the community on international platforms?

The World Roma Federation remains a strong voice in these matters, even as others who claim to represent the Roma community fall short in taking meaningful action. In response, we have decided to open our first Human Rights Office in Siófok this week, which will advocate for the fundamental and universal rights of Roma on both a regional and international level.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the United Nations for providing a platform for the World Roma Federation to ensure that the voice of the Roma is heard. We also express our gratitude to ECOSOC and the UN Secretary-General’s office, as well as everyone who has supported our work to date.

A romáknak mostantól életképes jogi képviseletre van szükségük

A roma közösségek számára elengedhetetlen a megfelelő jogi képviselet biztosítása, amely garantálja alapvető jogaik védelmét. Az utóbbi időben több aggasztó jelzés érkezett, amelyek azt mutatják, hogy bizonyos helyi hatóságok nem tartják tiszteletben a demokratikusan megválasztott roma nemzetiségi önkormányzatok szerepét. Különösen Siófokon tapasztalható ez a helyzet, ahol a városi vezetés úgy döntött, hogy nem kívánatosnak tekinti a roma önkormányzat jelenlétét a helyi ügyekben.

Megdöbbentő, hogy egy demokratikus országban a választások eredményeit figyelmen kívül hagyják, ami a romák demokratikus jogainak súlyos csorbulásához vezet. Bár látszólag számos roma képviselet működik, nagyon kevesen szólalnak fel a Magyarországon élő romák jogaiért. Különösen kérdéses, hol vannak ilyenkor azok a vezető roma megbízottak, akiknek feladata lenne a nemzetközi fórumokon képviselni a közösséget.

A World Roma Federation hangja hallható marad ezekben az ügyekben, miközben mások, akik magukat a roma közösség szószólóinak tekintik, elmaradnak a tényleges cselekvéstől. Ennek fényében úgy döntöttünk, hogy ezen a héten Siófokon megnyitjuk az első Human Rights Office irodát, amely regionálisan és nemzetközi szinten is képviseli a romák alapvető és egyetemes jogait.

Ezúton szeretnénk köszönetet mondani az ENSZ-nek, hogy platformot biztosított a World Roma Federation számára, hogy a romák hangja hallható legyen. Köszönjük továbbá az ECOSOC-nak és az ENSZ főtitkári kabinetjének, valamint mindazoknak, akik munkánkat támogatták.

15/10/2024

Statement from the International Human Rights Organization: Defending Democratic Rights and the Roma Community

Dear Mayor Róbert Lengyel,
Dear Roma Community of Hungary,
Dear International Community,

World Roma Federation, founded and chaired by János Sztojka, expresses its deep concern over the recent events involving the Mayor of Siófok, Róbert Lengyel, and the local Roma National Self-Government. We are particularly outraged by Mayor Lengyel's statement that he does not wish to cooperate with the democratically elected Roma National Self-Government and its president, Zsolt Németh.

Such statements severely undermine the democratic rights of the Roma community and contribute to further marginalization of minority groups. Hungary, as a member of the European Union and the United Nations, has committed itself to upholding human rights and promoting social inclusion, especially in protecting the rights and democratic participation of minorities.

1. Respect for Democratic Elections

We would like to remind you that the representatives of the Roma National Self-Government were elected through legal, democratic processes. Disregarding or dismissing the election results of minority groups violates the fundamental democratic principles enshrined in both Hungary's Constitution and international law, as well as the rights of minorities. Mayor Lengyel's statement that he refuses to work with the Roma community contradicts these principles and sets a dangerous precedent for the political representation of minorities.

2. The Importance of Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Principles

The universality and inviolability of human rights must be respected by all state bodies, including local governments. Hungary is a signatory to numerous international human rights treaties, including the European Convention on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which mandate non-discrimination and the protection of minority rights.

Mayor Lengyel's statement – that he will not work with the Roma National Self-Government – can be interpreted as racially motivated discrimination, which not only violates human rights but also contradicts the core principles of the European Union. Such an attitude risks increasing tensions and undermining social cohesion.

3. The Need for Cooperation and Social Inclusion

Roma communities, like any other national minority, are entitled to participate in local decision-making processes. Their representation on the Human and Sports Committee is essential to ensuring that the interests of the Roma community are properly addressed. The Mayor's office and the local government must ensure that Roma representatives have full access to participate in local governance.

4. A Call to the International Community

We urge the Hungarian government to investigate the matter and ensure that the democratic representation of Roma communities is respected. Furthermore, we recommend that Mayor Lengyel and the local government immediately engage in constructive dialogue with the Roma National Self-Government to ensure that all communities have the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes.

5. Possible Consequences and Actions

World Roma Federation strongly states that if the situation does not change and the Roma National Self-Government continues to face discriminatory treatment, we will bring this issue to the attention of international bodies such as the United Nations and the European Union. Suppressing minorities and disregarding their right to representation will have serious implications for Hungary's international reputation and its adherence to the rule of law.

Conclusion

International human rights organizations are committed to ensuring that all minority communities are afforded the right to democratic participation, especially in countries like Hungary, where the protection of the rule of law and human rights is of paramount importance. We call on Mayor Róbert Lengyel to immediately retract his racially motivated statements and begin a dialogue with the Roma National Self-Government to promote cooperation between communities.

Respectfully,
Janos Sztojka
Founder and president

14/10/2024

14/10/2024

Participation in the USCShoah Foundation 1994-2024 Ambassadors For Humanity Gala

It was an honor for me to represent the World Roma Federation at the USCShoah Foundation's "Ambassadors For Humanity" Gala, founded by Steven Spielberg in 1994 in memory of the Holocaust victims and survivors. This prestigious event marked the 30th anniversary of the Shoah Foundation and paid special attention to the history and suffering of the Roma community. The international representation of the Roma community at this gala held special significance, as it provided an opportunity to draw the world's attention to our community’s past, present, and future.

The event was graced by prominent personalities such as Meryl Streep, who in her opening speech praised Steven Spielberg and the tireless work of the Shoah Foundation in preserving the memory of the Holocaust. Other celebrities, including Bruce Springsteen, were also in attendance to show their support for the event's goals.

For me, the gala was especially enlightening, as it highlighted the many challenges that the Roma community still faces, which we can only overcome through unity. One of our most pressing issues is the internal division within the Roma community, which hinders the international recognition of Roma nationality. The governments of various countries and the European Union have not yet officially recognized Roma as a nationality, partly due to this internal division.

This situation is deeply concerning, as the Roma continue to live in a minority status and remain vulnerable to the "divide et impera" – divide and rule – strategy. Securing official recognition of our nationality should be one of our foremost goals, especially in light of the Holocaust, which sought the total annihilation of the Roma people. We must not treat the Roma Holocaust merely as a historical tragedy but as a national heritage, a cornerstone of our community’s identity.

Global Message to the Roma Community

I call upon my Roma brothers and sisters around the world to raise our collective voice for the official recognition of the Roma Holocaust and our history. Let this be our legacy, not just as a painful reminder, but as a force that unites our community. We, the Roma, must understand that our strength lies in our unity. Only by acting together can we achieve recognition, not just as a minority, but as a nation deserving of international acknowledgment and full exercise of our rights.

As a nation, we have the right to have our heritage recognized and not exist merely as a minority. Even without our own country, we are entitled to the same universal rights as any other nationality. The Roma community has the right to its own heritage, and it is time for us to embrace this and open a new chapter in our history.

Brothers and sisters, remember this: To be a strong and recognized nation, we do not need our own country. Our unity and shared identity give us our strength, and it is this that will ensure our place among the world’s nations in the future.

09/10/2024

A Roma Közösségek Marginalizációja a Munkaerőpiacon: Kormányzati Támogatás Hiánya és a Mindennapi Túlélés Kihívásai

A roma közösségek évszázadok óta küzdenek az előítéletekkel és a kirekesztéssel Európa-szerte. Azonban a mai helyzet különösen aggasztó: a romák nagy része kiszorul a munkaerőpiacról, miközben a kormányok látszólag keveset tesznek azért, hogy támogassák integrációjukat. Míg sokszor beszélnek a társadalmi felzárkózás fontosságáról, a konkrét cselekvési programok és befektetések nagyrészt hiányoznak, ami még inkább ellehetetleníti a roma közösségek mindennapi életét.

Nincs Kiút a Szegénységből: Kormányzati Programok Hiánya

Az egyik legnagyobb probléma, hogy a kormányok nem fektetnek elegendő erőforrást a romák munkaerőpiaci esélyeinek javításába. Hiányoznak azok a konkrét programok és kezdeményezések, amelyek a romákat segítenék abban, hogy fenntartható és tisztességes munkát találjanak. Ezek a programok létfontosságúak lennének, hiszen a munka nem csupán megélhetést biztosít, hanem társadalmi elismerést és integrációt is.

A támogatások hiánya miatt a roma családok gyakran szembesülnek napi túlélési kihívásokkal, ahol a megélhetés mindennapos küzdelem. A szegénységből való kiemelkedés lehetőségének hiánya azt jelenti, hogy a hátrányok generációról generációra öröklődnek, és a reménytelenség érzése egyre mélyebben gyökerezik meg a közösségekben.

Politikai Érdekek és Valós Támogatás Hiánya

A kormányok és a politika sajnos sokszor nem a romák valós szükségleteire fókuszálnak, hanem inkább politikai érdekeiket tartják szem előtt. A roma közösségek gyakran csak szavazóbázisként jelennek meg, de valódi segítséget, támogató programokat ritkán kapnak. Ez azt eredményezi, hogy a társadalmi egyenlőtlenségek csak tovább mélyülnek, és a romák a politikai játszmák áldozataivá válnak.

A Roma Kontakt Pontok Szerepe és Korlátai

A roma közösségek hangját a különböző régiókban úgynevezett "roma kontakt pontok" képviselik. Ezeknek a képviselőknek az lenne a feladata, hogy a közösség érdekeit képviseljék és elősegítsék a roma integrációt. Azonban a valóság sokszor eltér ettől. A tapasztalatok azt mutatják, hogy a roma kontakt pontok gyakran önös érdekeket képviselnek, és nem mindig állnak ki a közösség mellett. Ennek következtében a roma közösség még nagyobb hátrányba kerül, és a problémák csak halmozódnak.

Globális Programok Hiánya: A Romák Kizárása a Nemzetközi Kezdeményezésekből

A globalizáció és a nemzetközi programok korában különösen szembetűnő, hogy a romák mennyire kimaradnak a világot átfogó kezdeményezésekből. Bár a világ számos területén elindultak programok az emberi jogok és a társadalmi egyenlőség előmozdítására, a romák ezekből gyakran kimaradnak. Ez a kirekesztés tovább fokozza a társadalmi egyenlőtlenségeket és azt az érzést, hogy a romák nem számítanak egyenlő félnek a globális társadalomban.

A valódi változáshoz szükség lenne olyan cselekvési programokra, amelyek kifejezetten a romákra fókuszálnak, és a közösség valós szükségleteire reagálnak. Az oktatási és szakképzési programok, a munkahelyteremtés, és a helyi közösségek megerősítése mind olyan lépések, amelyek hosszú távon segíthetnének a romák helyzetén.

Összegzés: A Társadalmi Összefogás Szükségessége

A roma közösségek helyzetének javítása nem csupán a kormányok feladata, hanem mindannyiunk felelőssége. Fontos, hogy társadalmi szinten is felismerjük a romák munkaerőpiaci kirekesztésének problémáját, és támogassuk azokat az erőfeszítéseket, amelyek valódi változást hozhatnak. Csak így lehet elérni, hogy a roma közösségek ne csupán túléljenek, hanem teljes jogú és megbecsült tagjaivá váljanak a társadalomnak.

09/10/2024

The Marginalization of Roma Communities in the Labor Market: Lack of Government Support and the Challenges of Daily Survival

Roma communities have struggled with prejudice and exclusion across Europe for centuries. However, the current situation is particularly concerning: a large portion of Roma people are excluded from the labor market, while governments appear to be doing little to support their integration. Although the importance of social inclusion is often emphasized, concrete action plans and investments are largely absent, making the everyday life of Roma communities even more difficult.

No Way Out of Poverty: Lack of Government Programs

One of the biggest issues is that governments are not investing enough resources in improving the employment prospects of Roma people. The specific programs and initiatives that could help Roma individuals find sustainable and decent jobs are missing. Such programs would be essential, as work not only provides a livelihood but also social recognition and integration.

Due to the lack of support, Roma families often face daily survival challenges, where making ends meet is a constant struggle. The absence of opportunities to break free from poverty means that disadvantages are passed down from generation to generation, and a sense of hopelessness takes deeper root within the communities.

Political Interests and the Lack of Real Support

Governments and politics often focus not on the real needs of Roma people but rather on their own political interests. Roma communities are often seen merely as a voting base, yet they rarely receive genuine help or supportive programs. This results in a deepening of social inequalities, turning Roma people into victims of political maneuvers.

The Role and Limitations of Roma Contact Points

In various regions, the voices of Roma communities are represented by so-called "Roma contact points." These representatives are supposed to advocate for the interests of the community and promote Roma integration. However, reality often differs. Experiences show that these contact points frequently represent self-serving interests and do not always stand up for the community. As a result, the Roma community becomes even more disadvantaged, and the problems only continue to pile up.

Lack of Global Programs: The Exclusion of Roma from International Initiatives

In an era of globalization and international programs, it is particularly striking how much Roma people are excluded from global initiatives. Although numerous programs have been launched worldwide to promote human rights and social equality, Roma people are often left out of these. This exclusion further intensifies social inequalities and reinforces the perception that Roma people are not considered equal members of the global society.

Real change would require action plans specifically focused on Roma people and addressing the actual needs of the community. Educational and vocational training programs, job creation, and strengthening local communities are all steps that could help improve the situation of Roma people in the long run.

Conclusion: The Need for Social Solidarity

Improving the situation of Roma communities is not only the responsibility of governments but of all of us. It is important to recognize, on a societal level, the issue of Roma exclusion from the labor market and to support efforts that can bring real change. This is the only way to ensure that Roma communities not only survive but become full and respected members of society.

04/10/2024

The Instinctive Unity of Roma Tribes!

We must awaken and stand together to protect our culture, heritage, and rights. For centuries, our tribes have shaped our unique identity, customs, language, and community values. Millions of Roma around the world share a common past and present, forming a strong and unified nationality—but this is now in danger.

Political interests and power struggles have long restricted the true rights of Roma self-determination. We see that other minority groups have been granted recognition as nationalities, allowing them to exercise their own rights, but for the Roma, this possibility remains a taboo. Why is there fear that the Roma, as a nation, might cling to their independence and make decisions about their own future? Why are we not allowed to take control of our future and make decisions on community matters without others putting obstacles in our way?

The right to self-determination, already granted to many minority groups in the European Union, is still far out of reach for us. Why do we continue to struggle while others enjoy these rights? Why are we still relegated to the margins of society, humiliated, even though we live in one of the most advanced periods in history?

We cannot forget the darkest periods of history—the harshest forms of discrimination and oppression that the Roma endured during the Holocaust and afterward. Even today, we are governed with tools reminiscent of pre-civilized times. Instead of rights, we are met with restrictions and exclusion. The time has come for us to wake up and stand united for the Roma people, for our community.

The instinctive unity of Roma tribes is now crucial. Preserving our culture, protecting our traditions, and shaping our future is only possible if we come together, if we stand up for our rights collectively. The world has changed, but we must change too—actively, decisively, and in unity.

Our future is in our hands, and we are the ones who can shape it. Let’s not allow others to decide for us or dictate the direction we should take. Let’s be the ones who shape the future of the Roma community, the future of our nationality.

01/10/2024

🎉 Official Announcement 🎉

We are pleased to announce that Enes Bolzano has officially been appointed as the representative of the World Roma Federation in Italy, entrusted with an important role in Roma affairs. His mission is not only to promote the integration of Roma communities but also to facilitate comprehensive reforms that can bring real change in terms of social equality and economic integration.

Enes Bolzano aims to implement global inclusion and economic development goals for the Roma minority living in Italy, as well as for communities in the Balkan region. A key focus of his role is fostering effective cooperation with governmental bodies to ensure that the necessary measures for the Roma communities receive proper support. Through collaboration with the Italian government, he seeks to improve access to education, employment, and housing opportunities for the Roma.

Under the framework of the World Roma Federation SDG 17 program, Enes Bolzano is dedicated to establishing long-term strategic partnerships at local, regional, and international levels to ensure sustainable and effective integration of Roma communities. This includes a strong focus on combating deep poverty, ensuring equal access to education, and expanding economic opportunities.

Additionally, one of Enes Bolzano's key objectives is to fight discrimination and dismantle prejudices against the Roma communities. This effort requires strengthening legal frameworks and advocating for social and political reforms benefiting Roma people at both local and international levels.

We congratulate Enes Bolzano on his appointment! The World Roma Federation will provide all possible support to ensure that his work is both effective and successful. We highly appreciate his commitment to reform and wish him great success in advancing the integration of Roma communities in Italy and the Balkans! Wishing him much success, perseverance, and good health in his work! 💪✨

01/10/2024

To continue the theme of "Roma up to the present day," the following aspects should be considered to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Roma situation, both in the past and present.

The history of the Roma dates back to the land of India, from where they embarked on their migration due to unfavorable social and economic conditions. The caste system in India, along with religious and cultural differences, created a situation where a dignified and sustainable life was impossible for them. Therefore, they decided to leave their homeland in search of a better life. During their journey, they stayed in various countries, learning different trades, which became the foundation of their self-sufficiency.

This ability to survive continues to define Roma communities to this day. Throughout history, they were often persecuted and even forced into slavery, which compelled them to create livelihoods that allowed them to endure. As a result of these survival strategies, many Roma families still rely on self-sufficiency and internal support from their communities.

This is one of the key factors that explains why it is challenging to integrate Roma into mainstream society. They often struggle to adapt to the structures demanded by the market economy, as their lives are still focused on ensuring daily survival. This is especially true for Roma communities affected by poverty, where there are no adequate government or EU programs to provide real employment opportunities for them.

The lack of economic programs and investments that could utilize Roma labor further widens the gap between Roma communities and the majority society. It should be the task of the EU and national governments to support initiatives that provide opportunities for Roma families to connect with the market economy. For instance, if there were "greenfield investments" where Roma labor could be utilized, it could save thousands of Roma families from poverty.

However, the ongoing deprivation forces many Roma families into illegal means of survival. The preservation of traditional crafts, which once was the key to the Roma's survival, is now slowly disappearing. Nevertheless, these ancient crafts could serve as the foundation for economic sustainability once again.

The EU and its member states need to understand that Roma integration is not just about catch-up programs, but also about providing fundamental economic opportunities that allow them to achieve daily sustenance and long-term self-sufficiency. This would enable Roma communities not only to survive but also to become active participants in social and economic life.

A "Rómák napjainkig" témájának kibontása érdekében a következő szempontokat érdemes figyelembe venni, hogy érthető és átfogó képet adjunk a romák helyzetéről a múltban és a jelenben.

A romák története India földjére vezet vissza, ahonnan a kedvezőtlen társadalmi és gazdasági körülmények hatására indultak el vándorútjukra. Az indiai kasztrendszer és a vallási, kulturális különbségek olyan élethelyzetet teremt***ek számukra, amely lehetetlenné t***e a megbecsült, fenntartható életet. Ezért döntöttek úgy, hogy új, jobb élet reményében elhagyják szülőföldjüket, és vándorolni kezdtek. Útjuk során különböző országokban tartózkodtak, ahol számos mesterséget sajátítottak el, ami az önfenntarthatóságuk alapjává vált.

Ez a túlélési képesség a mai napig meghatározza a roma közösségeket. Mivel a történelem során gyakran üldözték őket, sőt, rabszolgasorba is taszították, a romák kénytelenek voltak olyan megélhetési formákat kialakítani, amelyek lehetővé tették számukra a fennmaradást. Ennek a túlélési stratégiának az eredménye, hogy sok roma család ma is az önfenntartásra, saját közösségük belső támogatására alapozza életét.

Ez az egyik kulcstényező, amely magyarázza, miért nehéz a romák integrációja a társadalomba. Sokszor nem tudnak alkalmazkodni a piacgazdaság által megkövetelt struktúrákhoz, mivel az életük alapját továbbra is az önfenntartás és a mindennapi túlélés biztosítása jelenti. Ez különösen igaz a szegénységgel sújtott roma közösségekre, ahol nincs megfelelő kormányzati vagy EU-s program, amely valódi munkaerőpiaci lehetőségeket biztosítana számukra.

A gazdasági programok és beruházások hiánya, amelyek a roma munkaerőt hasznosíthatnák, tovább növeli a szakadékot a roma közösségek és a többségi társadalom között. Az EU és a nemzeti kormányok feladata lenne, hogy olyan kezdeményezéseket támogassanak, amelyek lehetőséget biztosítanak a roma családoknak a piacgazdaságba való bekapcsolódásra. Például, ha léteznének olyan "zöldmezős beruházások", ahol a roma munkaerőt bevonhatnák, az számos roma családot menthetne meg a szegénységtől.

A folyamatos nélkülözés azonban sok roma családot kényszerít arra, hogy törvénytelen eszközökkel próbáljanak megélhetést biztosítani. A régi mesterségek ápolása, amely egykor a romák fennmaradásának kulcsa volt, ma már egyre inkább kiveszőben van, azonban ezek az ősi mesterségek jelenthetnék az alapot egy újraéledő gazdasági fenntarthatóság számára.

Az EU-nak és a tagállamoknak meg kell érteniük, hogy a romák integrációja nem csupán felzárkóztatási programok kérdése, hanem olyan alapvető gazdasági lehetőségek biztosítása, amelyek lehetővé teszik számukra a mindennapi megélhetést és a hosszú távú önfenntarthatóságot. Ezáltal a roma közösségek nemcsak túlélhetnének, hanem aktív szereplőivé válhatnának a társadalmi és gazdasági életnek is.