Press release

Skopje and Budapest, 29 September 2008 – Macedonia could be leading the way as a model for the inclusion of Roma, with its commitment to multi-ethnic democracy. Yet when it comes to education, there is so little information available about Roma participation and performance that there is no way to ascertain any show results, whether good or bad. In fact, the data that are available suggest that Roma children are far less likely to complete school, and that those who that do finish , may not have gained the skills they need to find a job after graduation. As a member of the “Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005- 2015” Macedonia has joined international efforts to address the problems facing the Roma community, and the work of civil society groups has focused on bringing Roma communities closer to schools. With real commitment on all sides, Macedonia still has a the chance to show real progress in education for Roma. Keep reading…

Briefing Paper for Expert Consultation on Issues Related to Minorities and the Denial or Deprivation of Citizenship, 6-7 December 2007, Convened by the UN Independent Expert on Minority Issues

Claude Cahn and Sebihana Skenderovska

I. Introduction

A number of large forces in Europe have in recent years weakened the power of the nation-state in Europe and/or given rise to competing trans-national authorities, particularly the European Union. Although extensive efforts have been made to link these practices to fundamental human rights or to the rights of European citizens – and indeed many hundreds of thousands of Europeans have benefited from these developments –, in practice a number of persons with genuine effective links to one or more European states are precluded from full and effective citizenship in Keep reading…

On the plenary session of the European Roma and Travelers Forum in Strasbourg in November 2007, Dony White performed a Roma song for unity of Roma.

Download Empowering romany woman, empowering Roma community in 640×480 .mpg format.

Historical movie serioes about the “Gypsies”

The series gives an overview the history of the Roma from the beginnings in Asia to our present days. The presentation takes place on several different layers:

• Roma in 16th – 17th century
• Roma in 18th century
• Roma in 19th century
• Roma in the first half of the 20th century and the Pharrajimos
• Roma in the second half of 20th century

If you are interested to view the whole movie, please contact:
Romedia Foundation
Agnes Daroci H-1011 Budapest, Corvin ter 8. Hungary
e -mail: daroczia % mmi.hu

Concluding Observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

1. The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights considered the initial report of The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (E/C.12/MKD/1) at its 42nd, 43rd and 44th meetings, held on 13 and 14 November 2006 (E/C.12/2006/SR.42-44), and adopted, at its 56th meeting held on 22 November 2006, the following concluding observations. Keep reading…

19 September 2006

WRITTEN COMMENTS OF THE EUROPEAN RIGHTS CENTRE AND THE NATIONAL ROMA CENTRUM CONCERNING THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE UNITED NATIONS COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS AT ITS 37TH SESSION

1. OVERVIEW
   1. The European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) and the National Roma Centrum (NRC) respectfully submit written comments concerning the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (hereafter “Macedonia”) for consideration by the United National Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (the “Committee”) at its 37th Session to be held 6-24 November 2006 in Geneva. This report is submitted as additional information for the Committee in its review of Macedonia’s Initial Report (hereafter “State Report”), submitted under Articles 16 and 17 of the Covenant in July 2005. Keep reading…

Roma Rights Organisations Provide Input to UN Treaty Body Review on Concerns in Macedonia

Budapest, Kumanovo, Geneva, 13 November 2006. The United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights today reviews Macedonia’s compliance with the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). In advance of today’s hearing, the European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) and the National Roma Centrum (NRC) submitted written comments highlighting Roma rights concerns in Macedonia in areas of relevance to the Covenant. The ERRC/NRC report highlighted concerns in the following areas: Keep reading…