2023-03-15

National dialogue on social inclusion and economic empowerment of Roma men and women and other marginalized groups

"Inclusion of Roma and other marginalized groups in Serbia"

The National dialogue on social inclusion and economic empowerment of Roma men and women and other marginalized groups "Through cooperation and good practice to sustainable solutions" was held on March 15, 2023 in Belgrade.

The German Development Cooperation Program "Inclusion of Roma and Other Marginalized Groups in Serbia" (InR), implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in cooperation with the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue, as a political partner and the Ministry of Labor, employment, veterans and social issues as a key partner and the Center for Democracy Foundation organized the final National Dialogue in the form of a national conference that paid special attention to the status of Roma men and women on the labor market and to the normative framework for achieving full equality and protection, as well as their economic strengthening and inclusion.

The Conference was opened by: Tomislav Žigmanov, Minister, Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue; Zoran Rajović, State Secretary, Ministry of Labor, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs; Christian Schilling, Head of the Department for economic cooperation, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in the Republic of Serbia. Opening speech on social inclusion and economic empowerment of Roma men and women and other marginalized groups: Nataša Vučković, Secretary General, Center for Democracy Foundation.

The Conference was used to discuss the Recommendations developed in order to improve the existing practices and policies relevant to the social inclusion of Roma men and women. The Recommendations were compiled on the basis of experience in implementing the program, expertise of numerous experts, findings from special dialogue sessions held with the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue, the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration of the Republic of Serbia, the Republic Secretariat for Public Policies, the Permanent Conference of Cities and Municipalities and the National Convention on the EU. The remarks from the National Dialogue on Social Inclusion and Economic Empowerment of Roma and Returnees held in December 2021 were also taken into account.

The Recommendations should contribute to the effective implementation of the Strategy for the Social Inclusion of Roma and Roma Women in the Republic of Serbia for 2022-2030, referring to individual systemic solutions related to improving the position of members of this vulnerable group on the labor market.

Agenda Conference (PDF)