Inclusion of Roma and other marginalized groups in Serbia

Donor: German Cooperation Office (GIZ GmbH)
Partners: Association of Roma Coordinators
Realization period: September 2020 – August 2021

The overall objective of the Project is to reduce the vulnerability of the most vulnerable Roma families living in substandard (Roma) settlements and other marginalized groups in Serbia, during and after the Corona crisis, by providing adequate and efficient support.

The specific objectives of the project are:

INFORMATION, PREVENTION AND RECOVERY WORK:

1. To improve the access of Roma population and other marginalized groups to information, prevention and recovery measures in relation to COVID-19 pandemic.
2. To strengthen capacities of 18 local municipalities and their local structures (Local Crisis Teams) in timely and adequately responding to the needs of local communities in crisis situations.

 INCOME GENERATION/LIVELIHOOD:

1. To advance economic empowerment of Roma and other marginalized groups through Public works carried out in 6 local municipalities.
2. To contribute to the improvement of policy framework related to Public works and other active employment and labour measures for Roma and other marginalized groups on the national and local level.

Project outcomes per specific objectives are:

INFORMATION, PREVENTION AND RECOVERY WORK:

• Roma population and other marginalized groups in 18 local municipalities are better informed about prevention and recovery measures in relation to COVID-19 pandemic.
• Members of the Local Crisis Teams from 18 local self-governments are trained in risk/crisis management, contingency planning and providing support to Roma and other marginalized groups in crises.

 INCOME GENERATION/LIVELIHOOD:

• Employability of Roma population and other marginalized groups is increased through tailored training provision and engagement in Public works.
• Recommendations for improvement of active labour measures (different forms of the Public works, inclusion of Roma representatives in Local Employment Councils and other) on the national and local level are developed and presented to the national stakeholders (National Employment Service, the Ministry of Work, Employment and Social Services, SIPRU, etc.) and local stakeholders.
• Multi-stakeholder dialogue about the access of Roma population and other marginalized groups to basic public infrastructure and public services (access to water, sewage, electricity, etc.) is enhanced through activities bringing together different local and national stakeholders who are presented with specific recommendations.