The Committee of Ministers adopted the Strategic Action Plan for Roma and Traveller Inclusion 2020-2025 on 22 January 2020 to combat anti-Gypsyism and discrimination and to support equality. The plan will also foster democratic participation, promote public trust and accountability and support access to inclusive quality education and training.
"The work of the Congress in favour of the integration of Roma and Travellers and their protection against discrimination and violent attacks is fully in line with the Action Plan adopted by the Committee of Ministers," said John Warmisham, Congress rapporteur on Roma issues. "The Action Plan 2020-2025 highlights the need to strengthen the capacity of local and regional authorities, who are at the forefront of providing solutions on the ground, and this is what we will continue to do through our European Alliance of Cities and Regions for Roma Inclusion".
The Action Plan will be officially launched at the 1st meeting of the Steering Committee on Anti-Discrimination, Diversity and Inclusion (CDADI), which will take place at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France, from 6 to 8 April 2020.
Congress initiatives for Roma and Travellers inclusion:
- The European Alliance of Cities and Regions for Roma Inclusion aims to create national networks among mayors to exchange experiences and good practices.
- The Declaration against Anti-Gypsyism enables local and regional elected representatives from the 47 member states to take a stand against discrimination towards Roma.
- The Congress' Dosta! Prize is awarded every two years to three municipalities in Council of Europe member states that have implemented initiatives to ensure the long-term integration of Roma on their territory.
- The Human Rights Handbook for Local and Regional Authorities includes a chapter devoted to the rights of Roma.
