300 likes | 436 Views
Building up capacity for Roma inclusion at local level. Building political commitment and capacity for policy development based on a better understanding of Roma inclusion . ROMACT. ROMACT. A joint initiative of: Council of Europe European Commission
E N D
Building political commitment and capacity for policy development based on a better understanding of Roma inclusion ROMACT
ROMACT • A joint initiative of: • Council of Europe • European Commission • European Alliance of Cities and Regions for Roma Inclusion
ROMACT A response to the conclusions of the Summit of Mayors on Roma: BUILDING MUTUAL TRUST AT THE GRASSROOTS (Strasbourg, France, 22 September 2011)
ROMACT / ROMED2 countries and cities: 2013-2014 ROMACT countries: Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, Italy, ROMACT/ROMED2 cities in Slovakia: 6 municipalities
ROMACT • Building political commitment and capacity for policy development based on a better understanding of Roma inclusion
ROMACT target groups • Elected local officials • Executives from local authorities
Pressure on local authorities Daily needs and requests from the local community
ROMACT will: • Build capacity for implementation of policies and practices that improve Roma inclusion; • Support the establishment and enforcement of mechanisms and processes ensuring good governance standards; • Improve the efficiency, effectiveness, ownership and sustainability of local policies.
ROMACT enables local authorities • overcome the challenges and barriers; • provide concrete outputs relevant for Roma needs
ROMACT activities • Country workshop for elected decision-makers • Country workshop for local executives • Tailor-made thematic local workshops • Local processes • Web-platform • National meetings to reflect on progress • Transnational exchanges
ROMACT offers to local authorities • Information and awareness for elected officials • Training for staff of local authorities, including decision-making executives • A set of tools and practical resources • Tailor-made support for the elaboration and implementation of local policies for Roma inclusion • Support for local processes integrating Roma concerns into mainstream policies • Opportunities to exchange experiences and reflect on successes and failures
Democratic governance and community participation through mediation ROMED 2
Persistent challenges • Current situation is characterised in many locations by at least some of the following features: • Unequal and unfair distribution of community resources, disfavouring Roma • Lack of consultation mechanisms or, where such mechanisms exist, exclusion of Roma or tokenism • Paternalistic attitudes / dependency • Mutual mistrust and mutual blaming between Roma and public institutions
Need to change From • a vicious circle of blame and discouragement To • a virtuous circle of trust-building and cooperation From • Dependency and paternalism To • Empowerment and recognition • Stimulate respect for human rights and active citizenship
Building on ROMED (2011-2013) ROMED (1) • was a training programme for mediators working with Roma communities • developed competences of mediators • promoted a new approach to mediation, based on human rights and with the aim of generating empowerment of Roma and enhanced accountability on the side of public institutions
Lessons learned from ROMED (1) • The approach promoted was new for most mediators but appreciated ad useful and needed • Positive results have been obtained But…
Lessons learned from ROMED (1) • Envisaged involvement of representatives of public institutions in the training and in the cooperation with mediators was lower than expected • Mediators need more support to implement effectively the work cycle • Sustainability is also a matter of concern
Inclusive participatory democracy Public authorities Develop, implement and evaluate public policies Consult Contribute to all phases of public policy cycle. Influence public policies Vote All categories of citizens, including members of disadvantaged communities, minorities, etc.
Building capacity on both sides The new ROMED2 programme: • aims at supporting local partners (local administration and Roma communities) • to engage each other in a partnership that leads to a balance of powers, shared resources, and positive change in local decisions. The second phase of the ROMED programme will work simultaneously on both Roma citizens’ ability to participate and the authority’s ability to respond.
Community empowerment • Roma citizens are encouraged and supported to participate in a Community Action Group • The Community Action Group is supported to engage in a dialogue with authorities
Institutional capacity building • Training is provided to staff of the public institutions involved • Expected results: • Awareness of their responsibilities (principles of good governance) • Better understanding of Roma situation and needs • Recognition of the Community Action Group • Concrete measures decided together • A sustainable system ensuring participation of Roma
The mediator • Works with both parties and supports them to engage in effective dialogue • Additional support is provided by the National Programme Officer and the team of trainers
Expected outcomes • Competences and skills for participation • Motivation and trust that participation can have results • Community Action Group – a flexible structure recognised by authorities as a partner of dialogue • Mechanisms of consultation involving Roma • Concrete responses and co-responsibility
Expected outcomes • Competences and skills for participation • Motivation and trust that participation can have results • Community Action Group – a flexible structure recognised by authorities as a partner of dialogue • Mechanisms of consultation involving Roma • Concrete responses and co-responsibility
Expectations from Mayors/civil servants/local councillors • To promote Roma inclusion; • To seek the commitment of your Local Council; • To designate a person with decision-making authority; • To ensure effective dialogue with the local Roma community • To ensure the participation of relevant staff members to trainings; • To support the evaluation of impact and results.
Support provided by the Council of Europe • political endorsement, visibility and support; • expert visits and trainings • thematic events and study visits • expert support, international co-ordination and participation in international events; • linking with other related programmes; • communication and networking between participating cities. • overall co-ordination and administration of the programme