On 29-30 April 2021, the Council of Europe held its 11th Dialogue Meeting with Roma and Traveller civil society, focusing on the topic of combating antigypsyism.

Almost 50 participants took stock of current issues regarding racism and discrimination against Roma and Travellers in Europe. On behalf of the Committee of Experts on Roma and Traveller Issues (ADI-ROM), Dr Iulius Rostas presented his forthcoming report on the causes, prevalence, and consequences of antigypsyism. Recent responses to antigypsyism by the Council of Europe, its member States’ governments, and civil society organisations were presented and discussed. Representatives of the Registry of the European Court of Human Rights and Council of Europe monitoring bodies presented relevant case law and findings. Roma and Travellers civil society representatives reviewed measures to combat antigypsyism, racism and discrimination against Roma and Travellers, paying particular attention to gender equality, multiple discrimination and intersectionality.

Based on the analysis of existing initiatives, recommendations were made on how to step up national and international efforts to tackle antigyspsyism, including through Joint Programmes with the European Commission.

The conclusions and recommendations emanating from this Dialogue meeting, currently being finalised by the General Rapporteur, will be presented at the 4th meeting of the Committee of Experts on Roma and Taveller Issues (ADI-ROM) in October 2021 for follow-up.

The 12th meeting of the Council of Europe Dialogue with Roma and Traveller civil society, scheduled to take place in Autumn 2021, will focus on teaching the history of Roma and Travellers. Calls for expressions of interest in participating in that Dialogue meeting will be published on this web site in due course.