Project Presentation: Mediation4Roma

2014-10-15 10.35.39The Vet 4 Roma international two-year mediation project, implemented in Serbia, Spain, Italy, Belgium and Romania and supported by the European Commission Lifelong Learning Programme, was presented today in the Parliament of the AP of Vojvodina.

In her opening address, Аnikо Мuškinjа Heinrich, the Provincial Ombudsman of Vojvodina, pointed out the institutional commitment of Provincial Protector of Citizens - Ombudsman (PPCO) to monitoring Roma rights exercise and protection by means of both offering legal protection and research activities. 'It was precisely the Roma Settlements in Vojvodina research that recommended our institution for partnership in this very significant project,' concluded the Provincial Ombudsman.

The project aims, expected results and methodology was presented by Pedro Aguilera Cortes, from the Spanish Esplai Foundation. He stressed that the most important project goal is creation of a certified curriculum for Roma mediators in all project partner countries and acknowledgement of mediation by, with and in the Roma communities as a certified profession.

The work of the Roma Coordinators in Vojvodina was presented by Deputy Ombudsman Eva Vukаšinоvić. She offered insight into the employment and legal status of the Roma Coordinators, the state of Roma rights as reflected in their work in Vojvodina, as well as into the process of enrollment of the Roma into the special voters' lists in the light of the forthcoming elections for the national minority councils in Serbia.

The Manager of the Roma Inclusion Office of Vojvodina, Duškо Јоvаnоvić, presented their work in the field of education focusing on the fact that it is due to poverty that many Roma children are not included into the education system. He also appealed to the local, national and international actors for support in finding and providing practical measures and activities for the Roma community.

After Barcelona and Rome, the Mediation for Roma project presentation is an introduction to the third partner coordination meeting held on 15-16 October in Novi Sad.