YOUTH FRIENDLY VERSION OF THE “REFERENCE PAPER ON ANTIGYPSYISM”
Deadline for expression of interest: 15 February 2020.
ROMA YOUTH VOICES PROJECT
The general aim of the project is to develop the capacities of Roma youth organisations at the local and national level through participation at international and European processes, mobilisation and participation of Roma youth at relevant policy related process, as well as through strengthening the role of young people and organisations in the context of National Roma Integration Strategies.
The project, among other, aims to raise awareness about antigypsyism and develop specific actions, such as campaigning and local activities, in order to challenge the harmful manifestations of this specific form of racism against Roma communities. Antigypsyism has negative impact to Roma children and youth’s development. Access of Roma young people to social rights, and in particularly to education and labour markets is hindered by the widespread antigypsyism all across European societies. Moreover, their advocacy capacity and level of political participation are largely suppressed due to the deeply rooted systemic racism and structural discrimination they are confronted with.
The Roma Youth Voices project is a multi-year project carried out by Phiren Amenca International Network, ternYpe International Roma Youth Network and RGDTS in cooperation with national partner organisations from France, Spain, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary and Romania. The project is supported under the Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme of the DG Justice, European Commission.
BACKGROUND
In 2016 the Alliance against Antigypsyism has been founded and published the ‘Reference Paper on Antigypsyism’ with the aim to advance a better understanding of the phenomenon of antigypsyism. Antigypsyism – as the specific form of racism against anyone stigmatized as ‘gypsy’ – is the most widespread and most socially accepted form of racism across Europe, with a high number of hate crimes and hate speech and a high level of institutional discrimination.
The document “Antigypsyism – a reference paper” proposes a working definition of antigypsyism, which reflects a broad but systemic understanding of the phenomenon. Although the term is finding increasing institutional recognition, there is as yet no common understanding of its nature and implications. Antigypsyism is often used in a narrow sense to indicate anti-Roma attitudes or the expression of negative stereotypes in the public sphere or hate speech. However, antigypsyism gives rise to a much wider spectrum of discriminatory expressions and practices, including many implicit or hidden manifestations. Antigypsyism is not only about what is being said, but also about what is being done and what is not being done. To recognize its full impact, a more precise understanding is crucial.
The Alliance against Antigypsyism here proposes a working definition that reflects a systematic conception of antigypsyism. This paper sketches its key characteristics, the connections between its different aspects, and its myriad manifestations, which require specific approaches. It wants to encourage policy and decision makers to put into action a coherent, but diverse, set of measures to combat antigypsyism. The Alliance against Antigypsyism is an occasional coalition of organizations that promote equality of rights for Roma. The Reference Paper has had a very positive feedback and acceptance by a variety of stakeholders as it provided a focused
While there is an increased recognition and understanding of antigypsyism and its manifestation, the concept seems to be still somewhat difficult and complex to be fully understood by larger society, policy makers and in particular by young people.
In 2018, the European Roma Grassroots Organisations (ERGO) Network and ternYpe with the support of the Youth Department of the Council of Europe organised a study session with the aim of developing young people’s understanding about antigypsyism and formulating counter strategies, activities and case studies that will foster the understanding of antygypsyism, in particular among young people. The study session built upon and complemented the work already done during the educational activities for young people by Phiren Amenca, ternYpe and the Youth Department through the Roma Youth Action Plan project. The results of process are available at the following link: https://rm.coe.int/2018-ergo-ternype-study-session-report/1680949238
The currently initiated processes should take into consideration the previous experiences, results, recommendations, case studies and consolidate them into a tool that will be accessible to young people in learning about antigypsyism.
ANTIGYPSYISM – YOUTH FRIENDLY EDUCATIONAL TOOL
The general aim of the assignment of the consultant is to prepare a youth friendly version (paper) of the “Reference Paper on Antigypsyism”. The main purpose of the tool is to support the definition and understanding of antigypsyism among young people.
The main content of the paper should incorporate, but not limited to the following chapters:
- Youth friendly definition of the concept of antigypsyism (8-10 pages);
- Presentation of activities, resources and projects that are in support of addressing antigypsyism through human rights, human rights education, youth work, volunteering or any other form of youth engagement and participation (8 to 10 examples);
COMPOSITION AND ROLE OF THE PREPARATORY GROUP
The preparatory group will support the process of developing the youth friendly version (paper) of the “Reference paper on Antigypsyism”. It is envisaged at least one preparatory meeting of the group to meet and jointly work on developing the structure and content of the paper on the basis of members experiences, know-how, expert knowledge, etc. The group will also serve to provide feedback and reflect on the “usability” of the content and activities proposed. The preparatory group will also help to identify, propose and jointly select the compendium of activities and resources to be included as part of the paper.
The member of the preparatory group will compose representatives of the following organisations and institutions:
- Phiren Amenca International Network
- ternYpe International Roma Youth Network
- European Roma Grassroots Organisations Network
- Alliance Against Antigypsyism
- Youth Department of the Council of Europe
The preparatory team meeting is scheduled to take place in early March.
THE TASK OF THE CONSULTANT
The consultant will be responsible but not limited to the following tasks:
- Analyse relevant materials and resources related to the definition and manifestations of antgypsyism as a specific form of anti-Roma racism;
- Analyse the previous work, recommendations and attempts by youth networks and institutions in relation to defining and presenting antigypsyism to/with young Roma people;
- Develop a “youth friendly” version of the “Reference Paper on Antigypsyism” aimed for educators, trainers, youth workers and young people;
- Compile a compendium of good examples of activities/resources/projects and other forms of youth engagement initiatives that aim to further develop the understanding and countering antigypsyism. The preparatory team should be supportive in collecting ideas and relevant experiences;
- Attend the preparatory team meeting
- Coordinate with the preparatory team of representatives of Roma youth organisations, institutions and the Alliance against Antigypsyism;
- Finalize the paper on the basis of the working process, feedback and reflections gathered.
Competences required by the consultant:
- Previous experience in drafting (writing) educational and informational resources on human rights, racism and intercultural issues;
- Experience in youth work, non-formal education and the field of Roma inclusion
- Excellent understanding of the concepts of racism, discrimination, human rights, youth and minority rights
- Understanding of antigypsyism and its manifestations
- Excellent writing and editing skills,
- Excellent command of written English,
- Ability to work autonomously and respect tight deadlines.
TIMEFRAME OF THE TASK
The working processes for the development of the tool is envisaged to take place during 2020:
| Selection of the consultant | Mid-February |
| Meeting of the drafting/preparatory team | early March |
| Identification of good practices of understanding and countering antigypsyism | March-April |
| First draft of the youth friendly version of the “Reference paper on Antigypsyism” | April |
| Draft list of practices identified | |
| Feedback on the draft versions | May |
| Final submission of the paper including the “youth friendly version” together with the list of practices | June |
ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL CONDITIONS
All interested candidates must submit their CV and a letter of interest, summarizing their relevant professional experience and motivation for the assignment.
All applications should be sent at [email protected] by 15 February, 2020. The financial compensation for the competition of the assignment is set to 2500 Euros.