Roma youth voices on a better future

Youth are a crucial pool of talent, ideas and energy. More importantly, the future belongs to the youth. They can have the potential to change the future course of society.

Youth activists from Roma and Sinti communities across the OSCE region are increasingly pushing for change that challenges the position of Roma as one of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged minorities in Europe.

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) brought together 40 youth Roma activists in Belgrade on 8 and 9 December 2014 to discuss how to mobilize and empower their communities, and stimulate their participation in politics and decision-making processes.

“As young Roma, we have to serve the community so that the next generation can look forward to better opportunities,” Atanas Stoyanov, a young Councillor from Bulgaria’s Municipality of Strazhitsa.

Read more about the perspectives of Roma youth below.