Simurgh - European Roma Network

Info

SIMURGH is a highly qualified platform of European Roma civil society organizations jointly working on Leadership, Employment, Antigypsyism and Migration

Geschiedenis

Following number of self initiated discussions among representatives of couple of organisations and activists working on Antigypsism, Roma rights and Roma inclusion since August 2014,
Following number of coordination meetings and informal actions on social networks during 2015,
Following a side event on “Roma Rights and Roma Networking” organized by the Civil Rights Defenders within the Defenders Days on April 10, 2015 in Stockholm, Sweden,

A group of eight Roma activists, representing seven non-governmental organizations from the UK, Macedonia, Turkey, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania and Slovenia decided to implant the cornerstones of a new initiative for a Europe wide approach to challenges that Roma face in their everyday life.

The informal group agreed to build a joint strategy based on joint understanding of National and Europe wide challenges and act in a coordinated manner against the strong waves of Antigypsyism whenever and wherever it presents danger to the human rights, dignity and prosperity of the Roma communities.

The final agreement from 25th of August 2015 was:
"The informal group should act in a form of a European Network of civil society organizations following a jointly agreed strategy, principles and action plan.

The mission of the network is to be the voice of Roma people in Europe as a society where Roma are equal citizens, have equal access to opportunities, and they are empowered to achieve their fullest potential as global citizens.

The vision of the network is to become an independent, democratic and highly qualified platform that successfully empowers Roma civil society organizations and initiates transition in the leadership practices within the Roma communities, advocates for increased employment opportunities, combats Antigypsyism and openly discuss Roma migrations.