Latvian Roma Platform V

ended

Main objective of the project is to develop and reinforce the Latvian Roma platform as a mechanism for coordination and implementation of the set of policy measures on Roma integration at the national, regional and local level as well as at the transnational level by fostering mutual cooperation and exchange of experience between key stakeholders, and also supporting the involvement of Roma, especially Roma youth and women, in the development of Roma civil society and intercultural dialogue. With this project Latvian National Roma Contact Point plan to 1) ensure cooperation and dialogue between Roma representatives, including disadvantaged Roma families, representatives of local municipalities and governmental sector, as well as social partners, improving the equal access of Roma to mainstream services and opportunities; 2) develop cooperation and exchange of best practices between Baltic countries – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania on Roma integration and social inclusion in key areas at the local and regional level, focusing on Roma youth and women participation and involvement into the implementation of the National set of Roma integration policy measures, in order to strengthen community building between Roma and non-Roma; 3) facilitate the capacity building, empowerment and effective involvement of the representatives of Roma community, especially Roma youth and women, into the implementation of the set of Roma integration policy measures; 4) foster cooperation and dialogue between Roma representatives, state’s governmental institutions and European institutions which work on Roma issues, for example European Roma Institution for Art and Culture (ERIAC) and Fundamental Right Agency; 5) raise the awareness of the mainstream society, especially the main stakeholders about Latvian Roma culture, history and social situation, and to popularize success stories of the Roma within the majority society.