Training Opportunity for Organisations Supporting Roma and Travellers

25 August 2023

Council of Europe Mechanisms to Monitor Judgment Implementation and Advance Roma and Traveller Rights

We are excited to announce an open call for participation in an initiative aimed at strengthening the capacities of civil society organisations supporting Roma and Travellers to engage with Council of Europe mechanisms. We want to create a comprehensive support system that will enable organisations to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the standards set by the Council of Europe and the monitoring mechanisms in place for advancing and promoting the rights of Roma and Travellers, as well as their inclusion in society. The focus is on legal advocacy and providing evidence to ensure the execution of European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) judgments for Roma and Travellers.

Project Overview:

The project is designed to provide Roma and Traveller supporting civil society organisations with the expertise and skills necessary to engage more effectively with the standards and mechanisms established by the Council of Europe. 

Our project will train organisations in submitting evidence to Council of Europe bodies, taking part in a monitoring scheme focussing on implementation of ECtHR judgments, and utilising mechanisms such as ‘Rule 9’ applications in cases of non-implementation of judgments.  Our goal is to empower Romani and Traveller communities through civil society organisations, helping them navigate to the complex landscape of rights and legal protections. 

Why Participate?

Through this initiative, your organisation will be able to play a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the rights of Roma and Travellers. Working with other dedicated organisations, you will become part of a monitoring network committed to driving positive legal change at both the national and European levels. This collaboration will not only provide a platform for strategic partnerships but also open doors to joint projects, advocacy campaigns, and coordinated actions aimed at making a lasting impact.

Our training will provide participant organisations with:

• Knowledge & expertise on the Council of Europe standards and monitoring mechanisms relevant to Romani and Traveller inclusion.
• Technical assistance to effectively utilise Council of Europe standards and mechanisms, with an emphasis on the implementation of judgments.
  • Including ‘Rule 9’ submissions to the Committee of Ministers to provide evidence aiding in the supervision of the execution of judgments.
• An opportunity to collaborate and contribute to the capacity-building of other Roma and Traveller civil society organisations concerning Council of Europe standards and monitoring mechanisms.

More specifically, the project will include:

• Two collective online sessions for all partner organizations on 18th and 22nd September 2023, aimed at deepening the understanding of Council of Europe standards and mechanisms.
• Customized coaching sessions for each organization, involving a minimum of two online interactions throughout October 2023. These tailored sessions will encompass diverse aspects, including communication capabilities, organizational strategies, and the socio-political context in which these organizations operate.
• Individual meetings will address key objectives, such as knowledge enhancement, skill development, attitude shaping, and strengthening capabilities in areas like monitoring, research, data collection, and advocacy document drafting, all aligned with Council of Europe standards.
• Collaborative preparation and discussion of briefings by Roma and Traveller CSOs during the 16th Meeting of the Council of Europe Dialogue in Strasbourg, 14-15 November 2023. These briefings will address pressing human rights challenges faced by Roma communities, covering a wide array of pertinent issues.

As a valued participant in this initiative, each organization selected will receive an honorary participation fee to recognise their contribution to the project's success. Additionally, all travel expenses for the trip to Strasbourg will be covered. We are committed to facilitating your involvement and ensuring that your dedication to advancing Roma and Traveller rights is both acknowledged and supported.

All training will be facilitated by the ERRC. 

Who can apply?

Organisations focussed on protecting the rights of Romani and Traveller communities. We will prioritise organisations with experience in strategic litigation, monitoring and reporting on human rights situations, and a demonstrated motivation to engage in capacity-building and communication efforts.

Application Process:

If your organisation is interested in taking part, please send an email to george.ballas@errc.org by 23:59 on 10th September 2023 with the following information:

• Brief description of your organisation: its goals, activities, scope, and country or region.
• A statement (of no more than 500 words) explaining your interest in joining the initiative.

All applicants will receive a response, irrespective of the outcome. Final decisions will be made by the project's management and communicated to applicants.

For inquiries or additional information, please contact George Ballas at george.ballas@errc.org.

This project is funded by the Council of Europe.