BACKGROUND
Roma are the most vulnerable and disadvantaged ethnic community in North Macedonia. Surveys reveal other groups view them as the least trusted community in the country due to the deeply rooted societal stereotypes. Roma experience numerous challenges in their daily lives due to prejudice, discrimination, and racism, which raise barriers to their social inclusion, empowerment, employment, participation in policy-making processes and structures at the national and local level. USAID contributes to this country’s efforts to promote inclusivity, improve economic security and growth, engage youth in social and economic opportunities, and increase government transparency.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The aim of the Roma Inclusion Activity is to empower Roma community members and civil society organizations (CSOs) to take leadership roles in the development and implementation of national strategies and policies pertaining to Roma inclusion, and to hold government institutions accountable for addressing Roma issues and needs. Through this partnership with the Institute of Research and Policy Analysis Romalitico, we are working to promote actions to address the human rights issues that Roma communities, themselves, have identified as priorities. We will support public education activities that empower Roma to use mechanisms for protection and addressing violations of their human rights. Through this activity we will empower the community to participate in local decision-making processes and include their priorities in the local agenda. Through this partnership, we aim to diminish stereotypes and prejudices against Roma people by reducing their vulnerability to economic destitution and lessening their dependence on public assistance. We will support activities to increase the general public’s awareness of Roma needs and the Roma community’s potential to contribute to society. We will further partner with Roma communities from 20 municipalities, CSOs, relevant government institutions, and other local counterparts. Guided by the local ownership principle, we will fully rely on local capacities to carry out project activities.
EXPECTED RESULTS AND IMPACT
- Roma community leaders and Roma CSOs will have increased capacity to actively engage in the implementation of the National Strategy “One Society for All” and the Roma Strategy.
- Roma leaders, CSOs and their coalitions will effectively advocate for political support and financial resources to address Roma issues.
- Roma community leaders and CSOs will partner with government institutions to develop and implement policies, action plans and initiatives that improve the inclusion of Roma in the public and private sector.
- Roma communities will have increased knowledge of their constitutional and human rights as well as the available mechanisms to address rights violations.
- The wider public will have more positive perceptions of the Roma and increased awareness of Roma needs and issues.
- Roma communities will identify their priority human rights issues through an inclusive and participatory process, and these will be addressed through tailor-made interventions.
- Community Hubs in 20 municipalities will ensure Roma participation in policy decisions at the local level, and will provide legal, health, psychosocial, employment and other types of counselling and assistance to the Roma population.
USAID North Macedonia