Focus ROMI.HR

The First Public Dialogue Forum on Roma Integration was held in Ankara, Turkey, on September 13, 2017, bringing together around 45 participants, including representatives from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of EU Affairs, Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Family and Social Policy, the Union of Municipalities, and Roma NGOs. The Forum aimed to discuss the challenges faced by Roma communities in Turkey and explore solutions for better social and economic inclusion.

Roma communities in Turkey are estimated to number between 1.2 million and 2.3 million people, yet they face significant social and economic challenges. A recent study highlights that 65% of Roma households live in poverty, and 70% experience discrimination in key areas such as education, healthcare, employment, and housing. These statistics underline the persistent inequalities that Roma communities face in Turkey, setting the stage for the need for targeted policies and inclusive support systems.

The Forum was organized by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Roma Integration 2020 (RCC RI2020), an intergovernmental organization focused on fostering regional cooperation for Roma integration, and the Ministry of Family and Social Policy (MoFSP) of Turkey. The aim of the Forum was to encourage open discussions among all involved groups to support positive and inclusive change for Roma communities.

Objectives of the Forum

The First Public Dialogue Forum on Roma Integration in Turkey was organized to foster open discussions between government officials, international organizations, and civil society groups. Its main objective was to assess the current situation of Roma communities in Turkey and explore practical solutions for their social and economic inclusion.

One of the Forum’s key goals was to identify the major challenges Roma people face, particularly in education, employment, healthcare, housing, and legal rights. By addressing these issues, the discussions aimed to strengthen the implementation of existing policies and evaluate whether they were effectively improving Roma integration. Another crucial aspect of the Forum was to encourage cooperation between all involved groups, including government institutions, local authorities, NGOs, and international organizations. This collaborative approach was essential in ensuring that efforts to improve Roma inclusion were well-coordinated and impactful.

Additionally, The Forum aimed to provide a platform for civil society organizations that represent Roma communities to share their experiences, concerns, and suggestions with policymakers. The discussions also aligned with Turkey’s broader commitment to European Union and Regional Cooperation Council integration standards, reinforcing the country’s efforts to meet international expectations for minority inclusion. Ultimately, the Forum aimed to turn dialogue into concrete actions that would lead to long-term improvements in the lives of Roma communities across Turkey.

Recommendations

Based on the discussions at the Forum, several key recommendations emerged to strengthen efforts for Roma integration in Turkey. First, it was emphasized that the Action Plan (2019-2021) should be made more specific, with clear indicators and a proper budget to ensure measurable progress. Additionally, the Committee for Monitoring and Evaluating the National Strategy for Roma Citizens should meet more regularly, at least three times per year, to improve oversight and coordination of the strategy's implementation. The establishment of working groups focused on priority areas is also recommended, as this could address specific challenges faced by Roma communities more effectively.

Furthermore, it was suggested that focal points for Roma integration be established in relevant ministries, and potentially at the local level, to ensure better implementation and monitoring of policies. The reporting and monitoring template developed by RCC RI2020 should be integrated as an official annex to the National Strategy and Action Plan to provide consistency and track progress effectively. Moreover, the monitoring reports and templates from RCC RI2020 should be translated into Turkish to ensure accessibility and clearer understanding for all stakeholders.

It was also pointed out that the gender dimension must be considered when developing policies to address the unique challenges faced by Roma women and girls. The government should increase the visibility of its efforts to improve the situation of Roma communities, particularly by making the data produced through initiatives like SIROMA more widely accessible. Finally, NGOs should proactively engage with Roma communities, raising awareness about available public services and benefits, and work in cooperation with relevant governmental institutions to facilitate access to these services.

Conclusion

Even though the First Public Dialogue Forum on Roma Integration in Turkey was very long overdue, it was still a significant step toward addressing the challenges faced by Roma communities and fostering inclusive policies. It provided a space for discussion among government institutions, international organizations, and Roma NGOs, highlighting key areas that need improvement. However, the lack of ensuring Roma direct participation raises concerns about their involvement in decision-making processes. Additionally, while the recommendations outlined important issues, some remained too vague and lacked concrete action points, making implementation more challenging. Moving forward, ensuring direct Roma involvement and developing clearer, action-oriented strategies will be crucial for meaningful progress.

Even though organizing the First Public Dialogue Forum was a step in the right direction, it is important to emphasize that the challenges faced by the Roma community in Turkey are vast and require coordinated, long-term efforts from both the government and local authorities.