Our Local Roma Policy Monitoring Programme
In 2009, the GORD Roma grassroots network from Bulgaria held a quick scan in 21 municipalities in Bulgaria. The aim of this research was to overview the implementation of Roma integration policy at the local level. The results from this quick scan were alarming as it became clear there are very few, isolated and often non-coordinated actions taken for Roma inclusion at local levels in Bulgaria. In most cases, local authorities lack long-term visions and plans to overcome Roma exclusion. These authorities also often lack understanding and acceptance of the national programmes for Roma inclusion.
During a national round table organised by GORD and ERGO member Integro, members of Roma grassroots networks from Bulgaria, Macedonia, Turkey and Albania expressed their concern about the lack of mechanisms for engaging local authorities in Roma inclusion policies.
Through its LRPMP programme, ERGO wants to change this situation. One of the main elements of the programme will be capacity building in order to increase citizenship awareness and monitoring skills of local Roma activists. This includes trainings, consultations by experts on the spot and exchanges and peer-learning among the activists.
ERGO also wants to increase the involvement of local authorities, for example through exchanges between local authorities from different countries and by organising workshops in cooperation with Roma activists. ERGO plans to monitor local policies, programmes and projects focused on Roma.
If you want to know more about the LRPMP programme, please take a look here.
