Summary 

In this episode, Alex Otieno speaks with Jonathan Lee from the European Roma Rights Centre about the historical and contemporary issues faced by Romani people in Europe. They discuss the systemic discrimination, human rights violations, and the ongoing fight for justice and recognition of Romani rights. Jonathan shares insights into the advocacy work being done, the importance of local community engagement, and the challenges posed by rising far-right politics in Europe. The conversation also touches on the recognition of the Romani Holocaust and whether digital activism has any potential to empower Romani communities.

Takeaways 

• The Romani people are the largest ethnic minority group in Europe.
• Historical discrimination against Roma has persisted for over 500 years.
• Poverty among Romani communities is a direct result of systemic racism.
• The European Union has made some progress in legal protections for Roma, but challenges remain.
• Local community engagement is crucial for effective advocacy.
• Recognition of the Romani Holocaust is still lacking in many parts of Europe.
• Digital activism has emerged as a powerful tool for Romani advocacy.
• Strategic litigation can interrupt human rights abuses against Roma.
• The rise of far-right politics poses significant threats to Romani rights.
•  Solidarity among marginalized groups is essential in the fight against fascism.

The Steinbrucker Conversations - Shifting Perspectives: Imagining Europe from the Margins is made possible by the generous support of Frank and Evelyn Steinbrucker and Arcadia University. This podcast is produced by Jonathan Church and is a Confabulated Communities Production.