Our world has witnessed many historical injustices against the Roma: from the tragic Romani Holocaust through restricted rights, to the absence of Roma representation in the arts, or the non-existent teaching of Romani history. Thanks to the principles of transitional justice, the international Jekhipe project revisits painful moments in Roma history, to name them and restore Roma people their dignity. In addition, it focuses on addressing systemic barriers that Roma constantly face in everyday life.
- "Reclaiming our Past, Rebuilding ourFuture: New Approaches to Combating Antigypsyism" is the official name ofthe Jekhipe project.
- The project involves the international Roma organizations ERGO and ERIAC, the CEPS Centre, and 8 national Roma and pro-Roma NGOs, including Slovo 21 from the Czech Republic.
- The project runs from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2026
Systemic barriers
Together with an international team, we want to explore key systemic barriers that prevent Roma from achieving equality and justice. To identify them, we will undertake research and advocacy work such as lobbying and awareness-raising activities. The Slovo 21's expert team will propose policy measures, aimed at addressing the issue of antigypsyism,including its institutional form, and promote the inclusion of the Roma community into mainstream society. The project also aims to empower Roma communities and NGOs to combat antigypsyism more actively and defend Roma rights in society.
Historical injustices
In order to strengthen Roma identity and restore their dignity, we will address the lack of recognition of historical injustices against Roma. We will examine the wrongs that occurred in our history through the lens of the so-called transitional justice. It is the process that focuses on coming to terms with the past by seeking truth,reconciliation, and reparation for the victims. It includes steps such as documenting and investigating past events, advocating for victims' rights, and making sure that similar injustices won't happen again. Through this approach,we can restore the dignity and rights of those who have been affected.
In addition, we will focus on promoting Roma history and culture as a means to prevent and combat anti-Gypsyism. On the occasion of important days of Roma history, such as International Roma Language Day or Roma Holocaust Memorial Day, we will launch information campaigns on social media, to bring Roma history to the attention of the general public.
Who exactly is involved in the project?
The main coordinators of Jekhipe are ERGO network (European Roma Grassroot Organisations Network) which currently brings together more than 30organizations from all over Europe, and ERIAC, the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture. The project also involves the independent European think tank CEPS, which will conduct research and produce publications. Slovo 21 is acting as a project partner at the national level.
Jekhipe is a continuation of the successful project "Chachipen - Path to Truth and Reconciliation for Addressing Antigypsyism in Europe" and is funded by the European Commission under the Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values Programme (CERV).
Funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the funding body can be held responsible for them.
