From May 26 to May 28, 2026, representatives of Roma rights organizations from across Europe gathered in Paris for the Roma Rights Network Meeting. The Roma Women Fund “Chirikli” was represented by its Director of Strategic Development, Yulian Kondur.
The meeting brought together organizations working to protect the rights of Roma communities at a time when civil society across Europe faces growing political pressure, shrinking funding opportunities, and new challenges in the field of human rights advocacy.
New Challenges for the Roma Rights Movement
Organizers and participants, including representatives of the European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC), discussed ongoing changes in the political discourse surrounding Roma communities across Europe.
Particular attention was given to the growing tendency to replace a human rights-based approach with broader concepts such as “integration” and “participation.” Participants also examined how Roma-related issues are increasingly framed through the lens of security, creating new risks for equality and human rights protections.
Sustainability of Human Rights Organizations
A significant part of the meeting focused on the financial and organizational sustainability of Roma rights organizations. Participants exchanged experiences on responding to funding reductions, maintaining advocacy work, and adapting to changing political environments.
Discussions also covered collective responses to disinformation campaigns, crisis communication strategies, and mechanisms for mutual support among organizations within the network.
Building Shared Communication Infrastructure
Another important topic was the development of a shared communication infrastructure among Roma rights organizations. Participants explored ideas ranging from creating dedicated media platforms focused on Roma rights to strengthening human rights monitoring and improving rapid information-sharing mechanisms.
These tools are expected to improve coordination, increase visibility of human rights issues affecting Roma communities, and strengthen cooperation across borders.
Looking Beyond 2027
The network also discussed future cooperation models beyond 2027. Proposed directions included developing crowdfunding initiatives, building new donor partnerships, and preparing joint project proposals in an increasingly competitive funding environment.
For the Roma Women Fund “Chirikli,” participation in the Roma Rights Network Meeting is part of its ongoing engagement in international networks advocating for the rights of Roma women and communities, while contributing to shared strategies for addressing contemporary human rights challenges.
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