The first regional forum of the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe program “Minority Communities as Democratic Forces: Local and Global Struggle and Power” was held in Kosovo in September.
Participants from Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus and Kosovo joined the event. In particular, the representatives of the Roma Women’s Foundation “Chirikli” – president of the organization Yulia Kondur and project assistant Taiya Avram – also joined.
The purpose of the forum was to draw attention to the contribution of various minorities – Roma, refugees, women from discriminated population groups, etc. – to the development of society and to analyze the barriers that prevent their full participation in the life of states.
The participants of the event emphasized the importance of the participation of national, ethnic and other communities in involvement in the political sphere at the local and national levels, working with human rights and non-discrimination, as well as supporting access to justice.
“Our work is united not only by a common intended impact, but also by values and working methods: all partners work with communities, not just for them. All partners seek to influence laws, policies and services provided to minorities, and do everything possible to do so “, the organizers noted.
“Chirikli” sincerely thanks the partners and organizers of the event for their activities and organization of such a forum. It became a friendly and comfortable platform where participants could share their successes and discuss problems and barriers that are still worth overcoming.
Our foundation plans to continue to cooperate with new colleagues from Kosovo and take over their post-war experience of Roma integration.
The event was supported by Diakonissalaitos.
Photo: JRS Kosovo
