Deadline: 23 October 2013
Open to: Roma activists, academic experts on migration patterns, researchers, decision-makers, international and domestic experts from civil society and inter-governmental organisations
Venue: 27-29 November 2013, Belgrade (Serbia)
Description
The European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) is an international public interest law organisation working to combat anti-Romani racism and human rights abuse of Roma through strategic litigation, research and policy development, advocacy and human rights education.
The ERRC invites abstracts for participation in a workshop and publication of an article in a forthcoming issue of the Roma Rights Journal. The next issue of the Roma Rights Journal will focus on Roma migration from the Western Balkans to EU Member States and their (forced) return to Western Balkan countries. The contribution will focus on political, social, cultural and other elements of the Roma migration as well as the experience of migrants, officials in the countries of origin and host countries, EC officials, and migration experts.
Citizens of EU enlargement countries tend to migrate to the EU due to various reasons. These reasons may include simple economic calculations, professional development, or cultural experiences. There is, however, a significant population of migrants, who travel toward the West out of necessity as their prospects in their country of origin offer nothing more than poverty, social marginalization, and racial discrimination. Roma from Western Balkan countries are still affected by the repercussions of the wars in former Yugoslavia. Tens of thousands are still displaced within the region and cannot return to their place of origin. Despite this, Western European countries send refugees back, which often leads to a new displacement.
Eligibility
The workshop will count on the participation of circa 10 selected participants drawn from Roma activists, academic experts on migration patterns, researchers, decision-makers, international and domestic experts from civil society and inter-governmental organisations taking part.
Costs
Travel and accommodation costs are covered by the organization.
Application
Those interested in participating should submit a 500-word abstract no later than 23 October 2013 proposing a paper on the theme of migration and Roma migration patterns. Selected participants will be notified by 30 October 2013. Invited participants will be expected to provide a draft discussion paper of approximately 2,000 words, which will be circulated in advance of the workshop (to invited participants only).
Themes may include the complex issue of migration patterns and channels; the reaction of public authorities (national, regional, local), local residents, law enforcement authorities, and the EU bodies; the negotiations held between the countries of origin and the EU institutions (DG Home Affairs); and the EU Roma inclusion policies in light of this migration.
Abstracts and proposals should be sent to marek.szilvasi@errc.org and kieran.oreilly@errc.org.
For more information please visit the official website.