AUTONOMISER LES COMMUNAUTÉS DES ROMS ET GENS DU VOYAGE EN BELGIQUE, PHASE 1

(EMPOWERING THE ROMA AND TRAVELLERS COMMUNITIES IN BELGIUM, PHASE 1)

This project was funded by the Belgian programme Fonds d’impulsion à la politique des immigrés (FIPI) during August 2011-July 2012. The project consists of the establishment of a Belgian Roma, Sinti and Travellers (RST) Council which will be an important tool and link between the various communities and the government.

The project aims to:

• ensure equal participation of RST in the Belgian society;
• empower RST communities in Belgium;
• ensure the basis for a constructive dialogue between RST and Belgian authorities;
• ensure an agreement and better cooperation between RST communities and Belgian local, regional and federal authorities.

Project outcomes:

• RST actively cooperate more with authorities and are motivated to support Roma related policies and structures,
• A greater number of RST in Belgium know, agree and support a Belgian RST Council,
• A greater knowledge of Belgian RST about the European Framework Strategy,
• Strong input by Belgian RST to the development of a Belgian Roma Strategy,
• Local and regional authorities more aware about and support the initiatives of a Belgian RST Council and a European Framework Strategy,
• Support of local and regional authorities for the development of a Belgian Roma Strategy in which design they will be involved,
• RST communities in Belgium feel more empowered and support integration activities,
• RST women and youth more active in the societal processes,
• Belgian society better informed about RST, their problems lifestyle and culture,
• Media actions: articles in the media, press releases,
• Publications,
• Prepared ground for the establishment of Belgian RST Council.