An event for young people entitled “The Voice of Young Roma – Change Begins with Us!” was held this week in Sarajevo. On this occasion, young Roma, along with representatives of institutions and international organizations, discussed the importance of youth participation in the policy development and implementation.

Young people from the Roma community contributed their recommendations for the draft Action Plan for the Social Inclusion of Roma in Bosnia and Herzegovina 2026-2030. They also designed initiatives that will be implemented in the coming period. In addition, young people gained new knowledge about Roma history and culture, as well as the importance of fighting anti-gypsyism.

The event, held from 14 to 16 May 2025, was organized by the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Otaharin Association, Caritas Switzerland, and the joint program of the Council of Europe and the European Union "Roma Integration III". This meeting was used as an opportunity to mark May 16, the Roma Resistance Day, and encourage the active participation of young people in public and civic life.

Through group work, the young people from the Roma community identified challenges and priorities that should be addressed through the Action Plan, and proposed initiatives that will contribute to the social inclusion of the Roma community. The realization of youth initiatives will be supported by Caritas Switzerland.

The importance of the fight against discrimination and anti-gypsyism was particularly highlighted at the meeting, along with examples of good practice for breaking prejudice and stereotypes by fostering a culture of remembrance, promoting the active participation of young people, and transforming the narratives about Roma with the help of new technologies and social networks.

The Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina presented an instruction on the activities of institutions aimed at preventing anti-gypsyism. The Association "Otaharin" presented the results of a survey on the position of Roma with a focus on discrimination. Support for the development of this research was provided by the joint Council of Europe and European Union programme "Roma Integration III".

In his introductory note, Assistant Minister for Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kemo Sarač, emphasized the importance of preserving the language, history and culture of the Roma as the largest national minority in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He noted that one of the key intentions of the new Action Plan is to improve cooperation and encourage the active participation of members of the Roma community, especially young Roma men and women.

Anna Goos, Director of Caritas Switzerland, reminded the participants that activism is any form of contribution to public and political life in a society. She pointed to the significant contribution of the Roma in resisting the Nazi occupation, as well as in the development of activism and social change in the second half of the 20^th century in Europe.

Dragan Joković from the Association “Otaharin” invited the participants to actively participate in the discussions and expressed hope that this gathering will be an opportunity to learn, express creativity and exchange experiences. Mr. Joković expressed hope that after this gathering, young people will stay in touch and continue to contribute to the Roma community. 

Dragana Jovanović Arijas, Coordinator of the Joint Programme of the Council of Europe and the European Union "Roma Integration III", stated that the organization of this event in Bosnia and Herzegovina also marks May 16 – the Day of Roma Resistance. She informed the attendees that the Council of Europe is currently preparing a new strategy for the inclusion of Roma and Travellers for the period 2026-2030, and that the participation of Roma, especially young people, is one of the key priorities in this strategic document.

This activity was supported by the Joint Programme "Roma Integration III", co-financed by the European Union and the Council of Europe, and implemented by the Council of Europe, and by Caritas Switzerland through the project “Integrated Approach to Social Inclusion”, funded by the governments of Switzerland and Liechtenstein.