Describe the main features of the policy/measure:
The key objective of the strategy is to encourage and support the process for social and economic inclusion of the Roma minority though involvement and coordinated action by all bodies and organisations at each level of the Croatian society and, thus, ensure a better quality of life for the Roma and reduce disparities and gaps between their socio-economic status and that of the rest of the population.
Among ten strategic policies is the policy of “Inclusion in social and cultural life” aimed at, among other things, bringing the Roma culture and traditions closer to the rest of the community. The Action Plan has 6 measures to achieve this strategic goal out of which three are related to the cultural and media field specifically.
The strategic policy of “Inclusion in social and cultural life” is set in compliance with the observed cultural and social needs of the Roma community. The goals were formulated through a dialogue between state administrative bodies and representatives of the Roma community and NGOs. The Action plan has three measures with which this strategic goal is to be achieved. These are:
Financing of programmes dedicated to the original Roma culture, language, traditional customs and artistic creativity, as well as collecting and publishing Roma historical, literary and cultural material (in Roma languages and Croatian language);
Fostering and supporting programs for the preservation of the traditional culture of the Roma;
Organising seminars with media representatives and members of the Roma national minority on the affirmation of the Roma through media, and on ways of promoting positive aspects of and equal reporting on the Roma, and the rights and obligations in the field of combating discrimination, with particular emphasis on the position of Roma women.
Further support is provided through Operational Programs for National Minorities, in which a number of activities is related to minority cultures, including Roma.
Website of the policy/measure, if available:
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the policy/measure?:
The results of implementing measures are empowering members of the Roma national community to participate in social, cultural and public life in order to bridge the gap between the Roma and the rest of the population.
One of the most notable results is building of the Roma Memorial Centre in Uštica, site of the Roma camp within the Second World War Jasenovac concentration camp. Total amount provided by the Government Office for Human Rights and Rights of National Minorities is 1 million USD.
Commemoration the International Remembrance Day of the Roma Victims of the Holocaust (Samudaripen) on August 2 is annually organized by the roof Roma Organisation Kali Sara and the Roma MP, and every year it is attended by high level political delegations with a mainstream public broadcast coverage. Further support was also provided to Roma language, books (both publishing and buying Roma books for public libraries), media, drama, traditional dance and song amateur groups, international exchange and other activities. Support is also provided on the local and regional level.
Financial resources allocated to the policy/measure in USD:
In 2019 - 437.000,00 USD.
Partner(s) engaged in the implementation of the measure:
| Name of partner | Type of entity |
|---|---|
National Council for the National Minorities, Ministry of Culture and Media, Ministry of Science and Education, Roma NGOs, local and regional authorities.
| Public Sector
|
Has the implementation of the policy/measure been evaluated?:
YES
If yes, what are the main conclusions/recommendations?:
The evaluation of the National Roma Inclusion Strategy was conducted in 2015. Revision of the strategy area “Inclusion of the Romani National Minority in the Cultural and Social Life” should draw on positive examples from Serbia, Slovenia, and Spain, which treat Romani culture as dynamic and varied in their strategic documents for Roma. The occasion of revision should also be used in the other priority areas, in accordance with proposals from the Working Group.