Chisinau hosts international forum on Roma inclusion

The international forum - European cooperation for Roma inclusion: from policy to action is taking place today and tomorrow in Chișinău. The event brings together over 400 participants from the country and abroad, who are set to discuss the progress and challenges in implementing effective policies and concrete actions to support Roma inclusion in society.

Opening the event, Interethnic Relations Agency (ARI) director Veaceslav Reabcinschii said that the Roma represent the largest ethnic minority in Europe, with a rich history, remarkable culture and significant contribution to our shared diversity.


"In the Republic of Moldova, Roma make up 0.4% of the population. Currently, this community continues to face challenges: access to education, job market, health and social services, as well as discrimination or prejudice. Today, we are gathered here not just to discuss these challenges, but to identify concrete solutions and turn policies into tangible actions. ARI supports the implementation of several local initiatives: the creation of a Roma culture center in Soroca, the development of a Roma entrepreneurial hub in Edineț and the restoration of the tourist attractions Cuznea Romă in Ceadâr-Lunga and Mihăileni," Reabcinschii said.




The ARI leadership noted that close collaboration between the government, international organizations, civil society and Roma communities is needed to ensure equal opportunities and sustainable development for Roma citizens.


"Strategies and policies adopted at the European level must be complemented by local measures adapted to the realities of each community. It is imperative to strengthen access to quality education for Roma children, support entrepreneurship, employment of young people in the labor market, and create effective mechanisms to combat discrimination. In this regard, the government's commitment is strong: to move from statements to actions, from strategies to implementation, from intentions to visible results," Reabcinschii said.


President Maia Sandu also participated in the event. In her speech, the official emphasized that the discussions within the forum aim to build a fairer, more open, and more inclusive society, where Roma people, like anyone else, regardless of language, gender, or social status, have the chance to reach their potential.



 


"In the Republic of Moldova, we have a solid strategic and legal framework in the field of inclusion. We have well-thought-out policies, plans and initiatives. But the great challenge remains the implementation of these policies in each community – from Chișinău to the most remote villages where Roma citizens live. Only when these policies become local reality can they produce real and sustainable changes. These changes require Roma participation in decision-making. We have inspirational examples of Roma actively involved in public life, administration, education or social domains," Maia Sandu said.


The president said that more civic courage is needed, more solidarity, and a society that does not tolerate prejudice. One of the current problems remains the dropout rate among Roma children.


"We all know that education is the key to long-term change. Yet, the dropout rate among Roma children is still worrisomely high. We need solutions – mentoring, scholarships, counseling – inspired by the good practices of other countries. That is why it is even more encouraging that, in the current academic year, 94 Roma pupils and students benefit from merit scholarships. Government has decided to allocate additional resources for expanding the network of community mediators. For 2025, financial resources worth around 6 million lei have been approved for 58 community mediator units. Also, starting from 1 January 2025, a new salary class is applied for the position of community mediator. We know it is not enough, but it is a concrete step in supporting more effective dialogue between institutions and communities," Maia Sandu said.


The head of state also referred to the opportunities that will arise with the country's integration into the European Union. Maia Sandu reiterated that the EU motto - Unity in diversity is not just rhetoric but reflects care for preserving the culture, language and traditions of all ethnic or linguistic communities.


"The European Union - through the Charter of Fundamental Rights - prohibits any form of discrimination. By joining the EU, minorities are not only protected from discrimination, but also receive more support to make their voices heard and enjoy equal rights. The future of an inclusive society is not just written in policies and documents – but in every gesture, in every choice, in every conscience. Together, we can and must build a Moldova where diversity is a strength, not an obstacle. A Moldova where every child - be they Roma, Moldovan, Ukrainian or of another ethnicity - has the chance to dream and succeed," concluded Maia Sandu.


The event was organized in the context of International Roma Day, marked on 8 April. Thus, Roma Week will be held in Moldova on 1-8 April. During this period, various activities will be organized both in the municipality of Chișinău and across the country, in regions densely populated by Roma citizens. The actions include: exhibitions, conferences, round tables, cultural events, open lessons in classes, thematic exhibitions about Roma culture and traditions.

The main goal of the events is to unite the efforts of the entire society, the Roma community and the authorities to build an inclusive, solidary society based on mutual respect and cohesion.