World Roma Federation
Acronym: WRF
General Information
Identification Code: 939911851728-26
Website: [object Object]
Entity Form: AISBL
Registration Category: Non-governmental organisations, platforms and networks and similar
Registration Date: 10/26/2023
EP Accredited Number: 0
Mission & Interests
Goals: The Brussels-based World Roma Federation (WRF) focuses on positively influencing Roma communities globally, by amplifying their voices and tackling daily concerns. We prioritize social inclusion via initiatives, collaborations, and the ROM-ESCO platform. Key targets involve collaborating with local and national governments to create Roma Mentorship and Integration Centers, offering comprehensive support like legal aid, housing, healthcare access, and social work. Furthermore, we aim to secure educational opportunities, employment options, and government backing for our members.
Proudly holding special consultative status within the United Nations system affirms our commitment to uphold UN Charter values. Specifically, we respect sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in states' internal matters while emphasizing human rights protection and self-determination advocacy for all individuals.
Interests Represented: Does not represent commercial interests
Interests:
- Culture
- Culture and media
- Digital economy and society
- Economy, finance and the euro
- Education and training
- Employment and social affairs
- Humanitarian aid and civil protection
- International co-operation and development
- Justice and fundamental rights
- Migration and asylum
- Public health
- Research and innovation
- Youth
Levels of Interest:
- global
- european
Activities
Main EU Legislative Proposals: Main EU Legislative Proposals or Policies Targeted by the World Roma Federation:
EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020: Our focus is on advocating for the effective implementation of this framework by EU Member States. We aim to influence policy revisions and funding allocations, ensuring they meet the unique needs of the Roma communities, especially in areas of education, employment, healthcare, and housing.
European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF): We actively lobby for a significant allocation of ESIF towards projects that facilitate the social inclusion of Roma communities. Our efforts are directed towards influencing the operational programs under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF), advocating for inclusive strategies that address the socio-economic challenges faced by the Roma.
EU Anti-Racism Action Plan 2020-2025: We target this action plan to advocate for specific measures that combat anti-Roma racism. Our goal is to influence EU institutions to implement policies that ensure better enforcement of anti-discrimination laws and promote equality for Roma individuals.
European Pillar of Social Rights: Our efforts include influencing the application of the Pillar's principles, specifically those related to equal opportunities and access to the labor market, fair working conditions, and social protection and inclusion for the Roma population.
Child Guarantee: We focus on ensuring that the implementation of the EU Child Guarantee adequately addresses the needs of Roma children, who are among the most vulnerable in Europe. Our aim is to influence the Member States’ action plans and funding priorities under this initiative to include specific measures for Roma children’s access to healthcare, education, childcare, and housing.
Directive 2000/43/EC on Racial Equality: We are actively involved in influencing the implementation and enforcement of this directive, focusing on its application to the Roma community to prevent discrimination in employment, education, and access to goods and services.
Horizon Europe Framework Programme: We target this program to influence research and innovation initiatives related to social inclusion, aiming to secure funding and support for projects that directly benefit the Roma community and contribute to their social and economic integration.
Digital Europe Programme: Our focus is on influencing this program to ensure that digital transformation policies consider the digital inclusion of the Roma community, bridging the digital divide and promoting access to digital skills and technologies.
Communication Activities: The World Roma Federation has been actively involved in communication activities related to EU policies to promote the rights and well-being of the Roma community. Specifically, in relation to non-discrimination, anti-racism, and Roma coordination, the federation has organized events, campaigns, and publications intended to raise awareness and influence decision-making at the European level. Several notable meetings and collaborations have taken place as part of these efforts.
In November of 2023, the WRF met with ADI-ROM and subsequently applied for observer status at the Council of Europe's Roma and Travellers imitative.
On 14 September 2023, representatives of the World Roma Federation engaged in a productive meeting with key figures from DG Employment under the directive of Non-Discrimination: Anti-Racism and Roma Coordination (JUST.D.2). The discussions held during this meeting were geared towards addressing key issues concerning the Roma community, while exchanging valuable insights on employment policies affecting them.
In another instance, the World Roma Federation met with a representative of the European Parliament's Anti-Racism and Diversity Intergroup (ARDI). This meeting was an important platform for dialogue on combating racism against the Roma and promoting inclusion on political as well as social levels.
Moreover, the federation put in significant efforts towards forging connections with National Roma Contact Points from various EU member states. They established relationships with representatives from Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, and the Netherlands. These discussions sought to identify common challenges faced by the Roma across these different countries while also creating avenues for collaboration on policies tailored to address their unique needs.
Recognizing that engagement must extend beyond EU member states, the World Roma Federation also met with Candidate Country Contact Points in Serbia and Moldova. By including these regions into their communication activities, they ensured that effective strategies are implemented not only within existing EU territories but also in potential future members where substantial numbers of Roma reside.
Through numerous events, campaigns, publications, and meetings with relevant stakeholders within the European Union's policymaking sphere, the World Roma Federation demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive and non-discriminatory environment for the Roma community. The numerous encounters described above represent only a fraction of their continuous efforts. It is evident that the World Roma Federation is dedicated to promoting the welfare of Roma communities and will continue to work diligently to advance their rights and prospects in the years to come.
Inter-institutional or Unofficial Groupings: N/A
Head Office
Address: Boulevard du Régent 54Suite 517
Post Code: 1000
City: Brusells
Country: BELGIUM
Phone: [object Object]
EU Office
Address: Boulevard du Régent 54Suite 517
Post Code: 1000
City: Brusells
Country: BELGIUM
Phone: [object Object]
Financial Data
New Organisation: false
Closed Year: [object Object]
Current Year: [object Object]
Complementary Information: In short, the World Roma Federation serves not as a direct source of funding but rather as an all-encompassing platform to develop, advocate, and promote initiatives for Roma communities. While the organization relies solely on volunteer efforts and contributions to implement its programs, it remains hopeful for potential future financial assistance or external support. Until then, the WRF will continue striving for positive change by working with available resources, fostering open communication among stakeholders, and pushing forward with its ambitious goals of economic independence, education, healthcare access, and community development on behalf of Europe's Roma populations.
Membership Information
Members10 Percent: 0
Members25 Percent: 0
Members50 Percent: 2
Members75 Percent: 2
Members: 5
Members F T E: 3.5
Structure
Structure Type: Structure
Is Member Of: International Assembly of Roma
International Peace Ambassadors
International Human Rights Commission
State of the African Diaspora (SOAD)
UNASDG - Netherlands
Organisation Members: NGO Committee on Social Development
European Bauhaus
UN ECOSOC - Special Consultative Status - Special Stakeholders Group.