The Roma community in Moldova continuously faces challenges related to access to education, medical and social services. The authorities' effort is ineffective as long as the Roma are the target of stereotypes, discrimination and hate speech. Although there are policies and initiatives regarding inclusion in Moldova, the implementation of these policies in every community, from Chisinau to the most remote villages where Roma citizens live, remains the big challenge. The opinions were formulated at an international forum on regional cooperation for Roma inclusion held in Chisinau, IPN reports.
Director general of the Interethnic Relations Agency Vyacheslav Ryabchinski said that this forum is organized not only to discuss the challenges faced by the Roma community, but also to identify concrete solutions and turn policies into actions. The strategies and policies adopted at European level must be complemented with local measures, adapted to the realities of each community.
"It is imperative to strengthen access to quality education for Roma children, to support entrepreneurship and the employment of young people in the labor market, to create effective mechanisms to combat discrimination," said Vyacheslav Ryabchinski. He noted that "only through open cooperation, active involvement and political will" is it possible to ensure a fair future for the Roma community and for society as a whole.
Attending the forum, President Maia Sandu underlined the importance of this event that brought together hundreds of participants with a shared goal, that of "building a more open and inclusive society, in which Roma people, like anyone, regardless of language, gender or social status, have the chance to reach their potential".
The head of the state stressed that inclusion means partnership, autonomy, mutual trust, and highlighted the role of Roma mediators, local leaders and organizations. The Government decided to allocate additional resources for the expansion of the network of community mediators and, this year, 6 million lei is allocated for 58 mediators.
State secretary of the Ministry of Education and Research Valentina Olaru said that the Roma should not be seen exclusively as beneficiaries of public policies, but also as active partners in the community development process. "In Moldova, the contribution made by representatives of the Roma ethnicity in culture, education and art is a benchmark in our diversity and common heritage," noted the official.
In Valentina Olaru's opinion, the forum is a platform for dialogue, an essential opportunity to transform political commitments into concrete actions aimed at supporting the rights and active participation of the Roma in social, educational and cultural life.
"This historic event marks a turning point in our efforts to turn policies into concrete practices, creating a more inclusive and equitable society," said the head of the "Voice of the Roma" Coalition, Vasile Drangoi.
The head of the European Union Delegation in Chisinau Jānis Mažeiks, said that Moldova, with its ethnolinguistic mosaic, is an example of European diversity and integration. During his visits, he had the opportunity to admire a variety of languages, cultures and traditions that make Moldova a unique place: "The Moldovans, Roma, Ukrainians, Bulgarians, Russians, Gagauz and Jews - all contribute to the cultural vivacity of this extraordinary country."
The international forum entitled "Regional Cooperation for Roma Inclusion: From Policy to Action" will last two days, April 2 and 3. The event involves almost 400 participants from Moldova and other countries, including representatives of the Roma community.
