New project "Equality for Roma through combating discrimination"

On 1 October 2022 ILC started implementing the project "Equality for Roma through combating
discrimination" which will last 15 months. The contact person is the ILC project manager, Natasa
Kovacevic, and the project partner is DKolectiv from Osijek. The project is financed from the Program
of the Fund for Active Citizens in Croatia (through the financial mechanisms of the EEA).
The main problem: 1.178 Roma live in Brod-Posavina County. The estimated number of Roma is
significantly higher because Roma often declare themselves as Croats or Serbs due to fear of
discrimination. They are spatially, economically and politically marginalized and are insufficiently
represented in public life. Prejudice against the Roma community and stereotypes are deeply rooted
in the consciousness of the local community due to their insufficient knowledge of Roma culture.

Main project goal: To promote and protect the rights of Roma victims of human rights violations and
discrimination through raising the awareness of society and stakeholders, strengthening the
implementation of non-discrimination legislation and empowering Roma to seek legal protection.
Specific goals:
1. Strengthen the capacity of Roma mediators to recognize and report discrimination, participate in
decision-making processes, advocate and mediate in conflicts.
2. Promote better protection and access to justice for Roma victims of discrimination.
3. To establish intersectoral cooperation for better integration of Roma into the local community, to
increase public awareness of the practical steps of Roma integration, and to promote intercultural
dialogue.
Key activities:
Education for Roma mediators; legal assistance to Roma victims of discrimination; representing
victims of discrimination before the Ombudswoman; research on the implementation of the
Constitutional Law on the Rights of National Minorities and the Anti-Discrimination Law;
establishment of the Local Platform for Roma Inclusion; Photovoice exhibition; media campaign
"Equal opportunities for all"; raising the capacity of ILC in the process of evaluating and measuring
the impact of our activities and in public and strategic communication about ILC's social contribution.
The multiplier effect will be achieved by empowering Roma to seek legal protection in Osijek-
Baranja County.