Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina

A Monthly Periodical of The Roma Inclusion Office The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina

no. 40, july 2014. ' Council in Zabalj

Photo of the month: Session of the First Municipal Parents The founder and the Publisher of the Periodical: The Roma Inclusion Office INTRODUCTION of the Government of AP Vojvodina Dear readers, Editor in Chief: Duško Jovanović Here is the July issue of our monthly magazine. This issue starts with the Education section and with the Managing Editor: story of a round table held on topic “Practical Policies Aleksandra Mićić for Roma Employment at the Local, Provincial and The Team: National Level- Challenges and Possibilities” as well as Dragana Rajić with the examples of good practice in the field of Roma Tijana Čubrilo employment. Jovana Davidović In the Human Rights section, we present you with the institution of Commissioner for Protection of Correspondents: Equality, as well as with the research study of the Ferenc Koso Provincial Ombudsman about the status of women in Roma Coordinators of APV National Councils of National Minorities. We also convey Ivana Koprivica to you an open letter written by Bajram Haliti, the Editor-in-Chief of the “Newspaper-Informative Roma Translation into Roma: Agency” intended for participants of a conference held Igor Dimić within the Decade of Roma in Montenegro. In the In Memoriam section, we said our last good- Translation into English: Ana Kozlovački byes to painter Slobodan Nenad Karadzic – Kanesl. In the section Roma in the World, we wrote about Technical Preparation and Printing: the famous mathematician of Roma origin. MONDO-GRAF, Novi Sad We inform you that from now on, thanks to the www.mondograf.co.rs Research and Education Center and the Preschool Teacher Training College “Mihailo Palov” in Vrsac, you Circulation: can read our magazine in electronic form, available at 1000 www.rec.org.rs/bilten/.

Address: Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 25, Your Editorial Board 21000 Novi Sad [email protected] www.inkluzijaroma.vojvodina.gov.rs Employment

ROUND TABLE ON ROMA EMPLOYMENT

Participants of the Round Table Photo: Office Archive

In June this year, there was a round table entitled “Practical policies for the Roma employment at the local, provincial and national level - the challenges and opportunities”, organized by the Roma Inclusion Office within the project “Improving the employability of Roma women in five municipalities in Vojvodina”, which is funded by the Norwegian Embassy. The idea was to make an offi- cial document that will be submitted to the relevant institutions in the Republic of Serbia in the field of employment by the end of these discussions and proposals.

The participants Service, Budislav Medurić, Director Srećkov, project manager at the of Educational Center, Miodrag European Affairs Fund and all staff The round table was attended Shrestha, a member of the project of the Roma Inclusion Office. by Miroslav Vasin, Provincial team, “We are here together - Secretary for Economy, Employment European support for the inclusion Results of the Office and Gender Equality, Slavica Denić, of Roma”, implemented by the the Assistant Secretary for Economy, OSCE Mission supported by the Director of the Roma Inclusion Employment and Gender Equality, European Union, Vesna Ackovic, Office, Duško Jovanović, welcomed in charge of the Sector for Improving adviser at the Ministry of Education all present and thanked them for the Position of Roma, Nebojsa in the Department of educational coming, and then emphasized: “The Kukić, director of the provincial Development and International coo- latest European Commission report branch of the National Employment peration in Education Dragan on Serbia’s progress towards the

2 e Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Employment

European Union, particularly com- tunity to complete their elementary Budislav Medurić, Director of the mends the employment in AP education for free, which is being Educational Center, said that educa- Vojvodina. Why wouldn’t we then financed from the funds of the tion is the first step towards the apply the principle of employment National Employment Service.”- employment. The Roma population is at the national level?” Jovanovic reminded Kukić. The incentives for one of the most difficult-to-employ pointed out the existence of three the employment of Roma will be groups, due to many reasons and one viewpoints on these topics: self- given on the part of NES through of them being the poor level of edu- employment of Roma, Roma branch offices. He also mentioned cation. The Educational Center is a employment in institutions and the potential engagement of media- way to acquire the knowledge and Roma employment in the business tors in the process of employment of skills in order for a person to be able sector. It is necessary to change Roma individuals, who would connect to secure their existence. It was something in the relationship of the the Roma children with the sector for noted that there is no perseverance institutions toward the Roma com- employment. in fully completing the trainings munity, as Roma are the most com- The Educational Center is an among Roma nationals. This is why it monly encountered with prejudice institution established by the Gover is necessary to create financial basis in the process of employment. nment of AP Vojvodina, and is inten- for them while in training, since no Romeo Mihajlović, from the ded for non-formal education. one will work for them, and while in Roma Inclusion Office has unveiled training, they wouldn’t have the what has been done in the area of “For the period since we opportunity to earn money for their Roma employment since 2007 have implemented the families, for travel costs. Assistance employment measures we had a onwards, and Gordana Tišma, pre- in overcoming this problem will be shift, although the shift is not sented the project “Improving the very visible because of the size part of the support of the employability of Roma women in of the problem, however, there Government, the Office and the five municipalities in Vojvodina”, is a move in a better direction. Educational Center in improving the whose she is coordinator. New ways should always be employability of Roma. thought of, and new ideas should be presented for solving this pro- General conclusions concerned Suggestions, ideas blem. Every idea should remain the necessity of the existence of sys- recorded, because no idea can temic measures, targets and long- Nebojša Kukić, director of the be initiated and implemented if term strategies to solve the unem it is not mentioned or without provincial branch office of the ployment problem of the Roma. It proof. You must try everything, National Employment Service pointed so when conditions are created, was pointed out that it is necessary out that the NES has an exceptional then to implement them.” to continue the implementation of cooperation with the Roma Inclusion Miroslav Vasin, the the measures, which have shown Office. “We must work on the educa- Provincial Secretary for good results in Vojvodina and extend Economy, Employment and tion of Roma, especially on the edu- them to the whole republic. Gender Equality cation of adults, who have the oppor- Tijana Čubrilo

Examples of good practice in the field of Roma Employment A seminar was organized on exam- The aim of the seminar was to A significant increase in the num- ples of good practice in the field of exchange success stories in the field of ber of registered Roma / activists with employment of Roma on behalf of the employment, in light of the establis- the National Employment Service - Social Inclusion and Poverty Reduction hment of partnerships in the implemen- from 7,500 in 2008 to 22,098 Roma / Team and with the Organization for tation of employment policies Roma as activists currently registered at the Security and Cooperation in Europe one of the priorities in the Action Plan National Employment Service. (OSCE). The seminar was held as part for Implementation of the Strategy for of the project for technical support for Improving the Position of Roma for the www.inkluzija.gov.rs the inclusion of Roma. period up to January 2015.

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Human rights

COMMISSIONER FOR PROTECTION OF EQUALITY

The jurisdiction of the of regulations for the implementa- Commissioner for tion and promotion of anti-discrimi- Protection of Equality nation and to give their opinion on the draft provisions of the laws and The Commissioner for the regulations pertaining to the prohi- Protection of Equality is authorized bition of discrimination and recom- to conduct proceedings on com- mend measures to achieve equality plaints in cases of discrimination to the public authorities and to the against persons or groups of persons others. connected by the same personal One part of the Commissioner’s characteristics. The Commissioner is jurisdiction is to monitor the situa- Commissioner for Protection of authorized to receive and consider tion in the field of equality, about Equality is an independent, autono- complaints of discrimination, pro- which the Commissioner shall sub- mous and specialized state body vide opinions and recommendations mit an annual report to the National established under the Law on in specific cases of discrimination Assembly. Prohibition of Discrimination in 2009. and the imposition of statutory mea- In their action, the The first Commissioner for Protection sures. Commissioner shall establish and of Equality, Nevena Petrušić PhD, In addition, the Commissioner maintain cooperation with the was elected in 2010, by a decision of shall provide the complainant with authorities responsible for the achie- the National Assembly of the information about their rights and vement of equality and the pro- Republic of Serbia. The normative the possibility of launching legal tection of human rights in the terri- framework of Commissioner for action or other proceedings for the tory of the autonomous province and Protection of Equality consists of the protection, including the process of local self-government. Constitution of the Republic of reconciliation, and to file for pro- Jurisdiction of the Commissioner Serbia, the relevant international tection from discrimination, with is regulated by the Law against documents and general and specific the consent of the person discrimi- Discrimination (“Off. Gazette of anti-discrimination laws of the nated against. RS”, no. 22/2009). Republic of Serbia. The aims of this The Commissioner is also autho- Commissioner: state body are to prevent all forms rized to misdemeanor charges for • receives and considers com- and shapes and of discrimination acts of discrimination of the incrimi- plaints of violations of the pro- cases, protection of equality of indi- nated by anti-discrimination legisla- visions of this law and issues viduals and legal entities in all areas tion. The Commissioner is authori- opinions and recommendations of social relations, supervision of the zed to warn the public of the most in specific cases and imposes implementation of regulations on common, typical and severe cases of measures in accordance with non-discrimination, as well as the discrimination, to monitor the imple- Article 40 of this Law; improvement of realization and pro- mentation of laws and regulations, • provides information to the tection of equality. initiate the adoption or amendment complainant about their rights and the possibility of launching legal action or other proceedings for the protection, i. e. recommends reconciliation; • submits the complaint under Article 43 of this Law, about the

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Human rights

Dear Citizens, human rights, labor unions and others. We are not “All human beings are born free and equal in authorized to punish discriminators if they do not dignity and their rights”- the Universal Declaration comply with our recommendations, but we can of Human Rights of the United Nations in 1948 starts assure you that we can do that with the authority with these words. Our Constitution and the consti- of the institutions we represent, by the force of tutions of almost all countries in the world, guaran- argument and with public pressure. If we find it teeing equality of men and prohibits discrimination necessary, we may, with your permission, file a on the basis of any personal characteristics. Anti- lawsuit against the discriminator for protection discrimination laws also prohibit discrimination and against discrimination, and if a particular behavior regulate the legal mechanisms for protection may be qualified as an offense provided for anti- against discrimination. discrimination legislation, we will file misdemeanor To protect against discrimination and to avoid charges. for themselves to potentially become discrimina- The fight against all forms and types of discri- tors, it is necessary, first of all, to know what discrimination is our mission and the purpose of our mination is and how it can be done. In short, discri- work. That’s why we want to make sure that each mination is the unequal treatment of equals and of your complaints will be carefully considered and the equal treatment of unequals. Keep in mind that that in any judicial proceedings instituted use all not every distinction is discrimination. It is someti- available means to succeed in it. mes permitted to make a difference. For example, it is allowed to take some special measures in order to lead a group on an equal footing with the others (action for employment of persons with disabilities, opening of shelters for women victims of domestic violence, involvement of Roma assistants, etc.) If you have been discriminated against, a complaint can be addressed to the Commissioner for

Equality, an independent state Internet Photo: authority responsible to act in cases Commissioner for Protection of Equality, Dr Nevena Petrusic of discrimination. During the process of your complaint proceeding, which is free, the Discrimination is not a condition that should be relevant facts and circumstances surrounding your tolerated. We should react and look for protection! case will be set forth. Based on that, an opinion on Every successfully completed case of discrimination whether the discrimination was made will be given, will be a valuable contribution to building a society and if so, the discriminator will be given recom- in which all its citizens have equal opportunities to mendations on what should be done in order to participate equally, actively and productively in all remedy a violation of the right to equality. aspects of social life. Complaints of discrimination could be addressed Commissioner for Protection of Equality from organizations dealing with the protection of Dr Nevena Petrušić

violation of this Law, in their discriminated against, if court started or completed; name and with the consent of proceedings on the same mat- • files misdemeanor charges for and on behalf of the person ter have not already been violations of this Law;

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Human rights

• submits an annual a n d s p e c i a l reports to Parli ament on the situation in the field of equality; • warns the public of the most common, typical and severe cases of discrimination; • monitors the implementation of laws and regulations, initiates the adoption or amendment of regulations for the implementation and promotion of anti- discrimination and gives their opinion on the Vision disabilities, are in an unequal posi- draft provisions of the laws and mission tion compared to people without and regulations pertaining to disabilities. Equal treatment of the prohibition of discrimina- The Republic of Serbia is (fair people with disabilities in tion; and open) a society of equal indivi- employment, provision of health • establishes and maintains coo- duals with equal opportunities services and similar would result in peration with the authorities which values and fosters diversity. marginalization of people with responsible for the achieve- disabilities in these areas. To pre- ment of equality and the pro- What is discrimination? vent this, the society and the state tection of human rights in the implemented the so-called “affir- territory of the autonomous Simply put, discrimination is mative actions” which achieve province and local self-govern- unequal treatment of a person or equal opportunities to persons with ment; a group on the basis of their perso- disabilities to work, learn, and • recommends public authorities nal characteristics, which results develop their talents and skills. and other measures to achieve in inequality in opportunities to This way, they become socially equality exercise constitutional and legal involved and equal, and the soci- rights. That is an unequal treat- ety has the opportunity to use their ment, exclusion, or bringing in a full potential for social develop- Our mission is the eradica- subordinate position of individuals ment. tion of all discrimination and or groups of people who are in the In other words, discrimination same, similar or comparable situa- is an unequal treatment of equals to contribute to building a tion. and the equal treatment of tolerant society where all Discrimination takes place unequals. enjoy equal rights and have when people are not treated Discrimination may be based equal opportunities. equally, treated the same (equal) on a variety of personal features, manner. For example, people with either real or only assumed to

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Human rights exist. Personal features are, for may be that someone did an act • In case of discrimination against example: race, color, nationality, of discrimination against another a group of persons, an organiza- national or ethnic origin, language, person or group of persons, and tion dedicated to the protection religious or political beliefs, gen- that they are not aware of it. of human rights may file a com- der, gender identity, sexual orien- We should not forget that one plaint in their own name, tation, disability, marital or family person might be discriminated without the consent of the per- status, age, membership in politi- against on several grounds in one son who is deemed to have suff- cal or other organizations and area (so-called “multiple discri- ered discrimination. others. mination”) or on one basis in a Complaints should be submi- Discrimination can manifest number of areas. tted in writing. It can also be sub- itself in various areas of social mitted by fax, e-mail with scan- life. ned submission and signature of Anyone can discriminate, We fight for Serbia the applicant in an electronic the teller in the city government, without discrimination! Join form with an electronic signature public authority, a judge, a doctor, us because together, we can of the applicant, as well as orally a teacher, a police officer. It can build a society of true equa- on the record, without payment happen anywhere - at work, at of fees or other fees. lity. school, college, hospital, stadium, The complaint should contain in the proceedings before the pub- information about: lic authority, the court, in public Complaints of discrimination • Who is being discriminated transport, in the street… against, Discrimination can happen Complaints of discrimination • By whom he was discrimi- to anyone: to individuals, groups may be filed by: nated against / a, of people, as well as legal enti- • Any individual or legal entity or • Description of the discrimina- ties. A person who discriminates in group of persons considered to tory act a social situation, may discrimi- have suffered discrimination, • Evidence of the discrimination nate in other circumstances be, i. • Organizations involved in the they suffered (documents, wit- e. to be the discriminator. protection of human rights on nesses, etc.). Discrimination can be direct behalf of and with the consent The complaint must be or indirect, intentional or of the person who claims to signed. committed out of ignorance. It have suffered discrimination, www.ravnopravnost.gov.rs

Serbian municipalities for the improvement of the social inclusion of Roma

The representatives of municipali- The present heads of the munici- The event was an analysis of Roma ties and cities held a meeting in pal/city governments, Roma coordina- settlements in 20 pilot municipalities, Arandjelovac in May 2014 within the pro- tors, planners and experts on Roma hou- with an emphasis on the development ject “We are here together - European sing, participates in discussions and in and identification of appropriate model Support for Roma Inclusion”, funded by the exchange of ideas about specific to improve Roma housing, and the the European Union and implemented aspects of the project that help Serbian results of the mapping of civil society by the OSCE Mission to Serbia. institutions to improve the living conditi- organizations in the pilot municipalities. The meeting brought together ons of Roma through the improved There is an initiative to create a forum more than 50 representatives of the pilot access to basic rights, citizen participa- for cooperation between the 20 pilot municipalities and cities participating in tion, labor market, education, health municipalities to facilitate the exchange of the project, as well as representatives of care, adequate housing, and through information and best practices. the EU Delegation in Serbia. creation of new jobs. Source: www.evropa.gov.rs

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Human rights

PEOPLE – AS BOOKS Photo: Office Archive

National training for the organizers of the Living Library was held in Sremski Karlovcki. Young people from all over the country came to a five-day training in order to, then organize the Living Library in their local self-governments. The last day was an opportunity to test their knowledge and skills, and to talk to the visitors as “books”. The Office of Human and Minority Rights supported the training, in partnership with the Council of Europe and the Office of the Commissioner for Equality.

The idea young people fom Europe went The energy through the program. The idea behind the Living The enthusiasm and Library was originated in Denmark What is the Living Library? pleasure visible on faces of in 2000, when a youth organization, young volunteers and “the This library functions as any other “Stop the Violence”, presented it at books” could be felt already ‘real’ library, where readers rent bor- the biggest music festival in the at the entrance of this unu- row books for a certain period. The country: Roskilde Festival. This sual and interesting Library. difference is that in the Living Library, organization focuses on the preven- They altogether explained to ‘the books’ are in fact people, who tion of violence among young peo- the visitors what their initia- belong to groups that are the target of ple. It has attracted the attention tive is, and they managed to prejudice and stereotype, and there- of the European Youth Centre in convince even those fore, socially marginalized. The ‘rea- Budimpešta (EYCB), and so, the first indecisive and skeptical ones. ders’ get to know the ‘book’ and their living library was organized already Whit the initial confusion on life, thoughts and problems through in 2001 at the Siget music festival in the part of visitors, and latter dialogue and interaction. This is all Budapest. In 2002, the idea of The interest, even the enthusiasm with the goal of reducing prejudice Living Library became the basic part after the ‘reading’, everyone and toward a better mutual unders- of the youth program of the Council had the opportunity to be a tanding. of Europe, and so, thousands of part of something big and

8 e Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Human rights humane. Among the readers, young ning for children of marginalized people prevailed, to whom this pro- groups. Support in learning is gram is intended for, although there required since it is first necessary were people of all ages. This testi- to have good grades and success fies to the fact that, in the area, in school, and only then can there is still interest for some new attend the other activities. They and positive initiatives, as well as hold workshops on nonviolent the desire for their implementation. communication, conflict resolu- thing Sadik talked about, which tion, creative workshops, perfor- C o m m i s s i o n e r f o r testifies to his high level of mances, visits to the puppet the- Protection of Equality has been awareness when it comes to edu- ater, workshops of street-art, included from the beginning as cation. Sadik is otherwise Roma, when they painted the commu- a support to this action, which but I mention this just now because nity center, and recorded a rap has been held for three year I wanted to briefly introduce him song. Sadik communicates with consecutively. Trainings for through his characteristics and parents, and points out that this organizers of the Living Library social outlooks, and not though his is very important, since without are organized yearly, where nationality. the full cooperation of all knowledge gets transferred to However, ethnicity largely factors, there could be no NGO representatives. We sup- determined Sadik’s scope of inte- results. port them to fight against discrimination in their commu- I am glad that you pic- nities. The greatest number of ked precisely me. I hope you interested are high school stu- managed to learn as much dents, which is very important about your compatriots, in a because it is the period when very special manner, and opinions are being formed. that I managed to destroy at Slobodan Milivojevic least one prejudice about Consultant at the adminis- the Roma. Let’s get to know trative service of the CPE each other, let’s erase the differences! Sadik The Living Book Photo: Office Archive Office Photo:

The author of these lines had rest and his work in his youth Why the Living Library? the opportunity to actually read organization - Group for Children one of the books. It was Sadik from and Youth “Indigo” and the Social Sadik applied for this training Nis, a senior geography student at Centre in Nis, which he coordina- for organizers, since he wants to the Faculty of Sciences in Nis. He tes. Because of the loss of his organize a similar activity in Nis. was very interested to share his life father, he was forced to start He thinks this is a way for people story with me. Through pleasant working to support his family to learn something new about the half an hour, I learned a lot about when he was a freshman at the people towards whom they are his life, family, faculty, friends, University. He started working prejudiced, and otherwise, actions implemented in his home- with children from Roma settle- wouldn’t be in contact with. town, and I concluded from all of ments in Nis, and then work out- We hope that the Living that, that he is a young man, full grew into a pleasure, putting Library will bloom across Serbia, of energy and desire to create financial benefit to second plan. and bring out everything we saw changes in society. The desire for The main activity of the Social at the training in Sremski Karlovci. education and training is the first Centre in Nis is support in lear- Tijana Čubrilo

e Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 9 Human rights

THE STATUS OF WOMEN IN NATIONAL COUNCILS OF NATIONAL MINORITIES IN SERBIA The Provincial Ombudsman conducted the first research a couple of years back on the representation of women in decision-making positions and on improving the position of women in national councils, ahead of preparations for the election for National Councils of National Minorities (NCNM). The research has shown that the participation of women in public and political life is general, and that the Councils do not address gender equality or women’s human rights.

The National Councils were processes improved after the ele- mendations on how to improve reminded of the duty to encou- ction of national councils in 2010, the status of women in NCNMs, as rage women to get involved in after the application of the so- well as how to include the gen- the activities of the Council, and called quota for the underrepre- der perspective into policies of not only to fulfill legal obligati- sented sex, it was decided to the Councils. ons, but for the essential need conduct a new study. The aim of The NCNMs do not recognize for a greater involvement of the study was not only to obtain gender equality as their mandate women, which will contribute to numerical data, but also to look and in most cases have no body improving the quality of the at the actual status and the role to deal with the promotion of Councils. of women in National Councils of gender equality, or initiate pro- Although the image of women National Minorities in the entire grams and activities that would participation in decision-making society and to formulate recom- deal with the gender equality.

The reccomendations after the research «The status of women in national councils»

• To organize a series of trainings with the goal of gen- • Connect the women engaged in NCs with mecha- der awareness, both for the elected women and for nisms for achieving gender equality. the men leaders of NCs. • Ensure women’s resources and the fact that women • To enhance political and leadership work for free at home as well as in NCs. skills of women elected to NCs. • To sistematize the affirmative action measu- • To present successful models of res that some NCs spontaneously adopted gender mainstreaming in the work and help in the exchange of experiences with of minority communities in other other NCs. countries in the region and the EU. • Develop indicators on which the NCs will be • To organize regular meetings of able to measure progress in promoting gender elected women from different equality within their work. NCs, to exchange experiences. • Encourage NCs to identify the person or the • To help and support regular mee- creation of a special body to deal with the intro- tings of elected women within duction of a gender perspective in the work of NCs, in order to make room for a NCs and make strategic document gender-sen- discussion and initiatives related to improving sitive. the status of women. • Work on increasing the visibility of women in national • To consider the possibility of holding trainings at regular councils and their contribution to the work of NCs meetings of NCs, run by some of the presidents of NCs. and make the results visible.

By introducing quotas for under- the number of women in councils professional bodies of National represented gender on candidate rose to 30%. However, the number of Councils still remains small. lists for elections for NCNM in 2010, women who manage department and www.ombudsmanapv.org

10 e Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Human rights

The first coordinative meeting of projects aimed at improving the position of Roma in the Republic of Serbia

The first coordinative meeting to implement projects should con- and Poverty Reduction Team coordi- of the project aimed at the imple- tribute to the transparency of pro- nates the preparation of the Report mentation of the Strategy for jects aimed at improving the posi- on the Implementation of Improvement of the Position of tion of Roma, efficient use of Operational conclusions of the semi- Roma in Serbia was held on June budget and donor funds, as well as nar dedicated to the inclusion of 16th 2014 and was organized by the better performance process of Roma in the Republic of Serbia, the Office of Human and Minority Rights, improving the position of Roma in Government of Serbia, organized in in cooperation with the Office for Serbia, through existing institutio- collaboration with the European European Integration and the Social nal mechanisms such as the Council Commission in June 2013. Inclusion and Poverty Reduction for the Improvement of the Position Office of Human and Minority Strategy of the Government of the of Roma, Strategy and the related Rights also implements the project Republic of Serbia. Action Plan as well as local coordi- “Technical Assistance for the imple- The aim of this initiative is to nation mechanisms. mentation of strategies for impro- establish a mechanism for regular Office of Human and Minority ving the position of Roma in Serbia”, exchange of information on all com- Rights, drafted a document Plan of in partnership with the OSCE Mission pleted and planned activities aimed Communication, with the support to Serbia, donations of Swedish at supporting the process of impro- of the European Commission IPA Agency for International ving the position of Roma in Serbia. 2011 project, “Implementation of Development. The exchange of information anti-discrimination policy”, and, between users, donors and teams together with the Social Inclusion www.ljudskaprava.gov.rs

Mobile teams for the inclusion of Roma participated in the first cycle of training

Members of nine mobile concept in the work with the cation and health services. During teams for the inclusion of Roma Roma population. the training, it was also discussed have participated in the training, Teams from Odžaci, Sombor, about the support of mobile teams which was organized from 9th to Novi Sad, Koceljeva, Palilula, in improving the housing conditi- 13th of June in Ruma. Within the Zvezdara, Kovina, Pančevo and ons and the cooperation of local project “We are here together - Smederevo participated in the institutions. A particularly impor- European Support for Roma group training, while training for tant issue is gender equality, the Inclusion”, funded by the the remaining teams will be orga- concept of an integrated approach European Union and implemented nized in July. Topics included the to the position of Roma women. by the OSCE Mission in Serbia, impact of cultural and social diffe- After the part of the training formed a mobile unit in 20 pilot rences in access to services provi- dedicated to the operational municipalities and cities. ded by the state institutions, the action plan, choosing priorities, Composed of health mediators, right to equal access to these ser- defining the activities, roles and teaching assistants, municipal vices, as well as the negative responsibilities, each mobile team RCs and representatives of the impact of stereotypes and prejudi- will prepare a draft of the operati- Centers for Social Work and the ces. Part of the training is dedi- onal action plan for the period National Employment Service, cated to obstacles in accessing the from August 1st to December 31st mobile teams represent a new employment, social security, edu- of 2014. www.evropa.gov.rs

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 11 Human rights Photo: Internet Photo: AN OPEN LETTER BY BAJRAM HALITI TO PARTICIPANTS OF THE “ROMA DECADE” CONFERENCE

The Editor in Chief of the Roma are excluded from the live are surprising. “We have to “Roma Newspaper Information mainstream society, said Haliti, fight for a better understanding of Agency”, Bajram Haliti, said in a and are both politically and eco- Roma by other members of the written statement ahead of the nomically marginalized. In order society and to work with Roma conference within the Roma to address the problems of Roma, leaders in order to realize their Decade, which is to be held in the World Bank should balance the aspirations. It is a community with Montenegro, that the integration three interrelated goals: increa- great opportunities and we all of Roma in the “new Europe” soci- sing employment, improving edu- have a responsibility to ensure ety needs the efforts of several cation and health, as well as the that people have the opportunity generations. The beginning of development of Roma communi- to realize their contribution to the Roma integration is something ties. European society.” that cannot be delayed and the Haliti personally expects from Haliti indicated to the atten- most important task for Europe is the International Steering dees at the international confe- that both government and non- Committee of the Decade to bring rence information that currently, governmental organizations have new hope that must be cultivated very small number of Roma chil- to be included in the process of and he added that the conditions dren completes primary school, realization of Roma integration. in which the majority of Roma now and many are mistakenly sent to

12 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Human rights schools for children with special higher than in the case of non- international agencies and NGOs needs. “Without better education, Roma population. Although count- continued to provide support, so Roma aspirations for equal oppor- ries such as Hungary, Slovakia and we can say that the situation is tunities and a better life cannot the Czech Republic made a great slightly shifted to a standstill. The be fulfilled. Breaking the cycle of progress during the 90s, the status most important thing is that the social exclusion and discrimination of Roma still remains one of the small, but growing core of experi- requires active support for educa- most critical issues on the path enced and dedicated young Roma tion as the best way out of the towards the EU. leaders are now ready to work deadlock in which Roma people And when it comes to the with the communities and govern- are currently at.” unemployment of Roma, Haliti ments to overcome poverty and Conversly, Haliti claims that indicated to the participants of discrimination. there is a strong socio-economic the international conference that The Member States of the disparity between the majority of the high unemployment rate, “Roma Decade Inclusion” are to the European population and the mostly among young people, pla- protect the ethnic, cultural, lin- Roma, most of whom live in ced Rome in the vicious circle of guistic and religious identity of the extreme poverty. If there is no poverty and asociality, which fur- Roma minority in their own terri- change, this constant poverty can ther leads to a lower standard of tories and create conditions for become a huge burden in the living for all, and many of them the promotion of that identity. future prosperity of Europe, which are left in the marginalized areas Additionally, the Member will be as big a tragedy as for the with no electricity or water. The States of the “Roma Decade” Roma, as well as for non-Roma. lack of education denies Roma the should note the efforts for the This is a situation where about possibility of getting a job and protection and to create conditi- twelve to fifteen million Roma limits their further opportunities. ons for the promotion of the eth- who live on this continent deserve More than 600 thousands of school nic, cultural, linguistic and religi- an urgent action by all govern- children who live in countries that ous identity of certain national ments to shape their policies have become members of the EU, minorities by establishing, as one toward the EU enlargement. Roma never even went to elementary of the possible ways to accomplish people are Europe’s most vulne- school, and even less than one these aims, the appropriate local rable minority who has the largest percent of Roma complete higher or autonomous administrative increase in population. Stimulating education. Many of these students bodies corresponding to the speci- their progress will be crucial for are often pushed to the poorest fic historical and territorial condi- the prosperity of the whole conti- classes. And many of them are tions of such minorities and in nent, and will require the imple- even wrongly placed in specialized accordance with the policies of mentation of special policies that schools for the mentally ill, mostly the state. will ensure that Roma enjoy the because they did not have the The Member States should benefits of post-transition. opportunity to attend pre-school protect and promote the rights of In fact, the Roma were among or because they do not know the persons belonging to national the biggest losers in the transition language of the majority popula- minorities in all effort, should fully period. At the beginning of the tion. respect their obligations under the 90s, they were among the first to In any case, there are reasons existing human rights conventions lose their jobs, and were con- for optimism, argued Haliti. Only and other relevant international stantly blocked to become part of in the last decade, the number of instruments and should consider the working force, mostly due to initiatives for the education of joining the relevant conventions, the lack of appropriate qualificati- Roma children increased, Roma if they have not already done so, ons. Even in some developed coun- employment is in the increase, as including one that provides the tries of the Central and Eastern well as the overcoming of discri- right to complaints by individuals, Europe, Roma poverty is very mination. In addition to these concluded Haliti. strong, and even up to ten times government initiatives, various www.niar.rs

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 13 Human rights

THE EUROPEAN ROMA RIGHTS CENTRE

The European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) is an international legal organization that fights anti- Romani racism and human rights abuse of Roma, and all this through strategic litigation, research and policy development, advocacy and education on human rights.

About the ERRC ons and governments. ERRC in Europe. They developed a juris- maintains the highest standards of prudence of the European Court of It is one of the leading NGOs in fiscal responsibility in accordance Human Rights, through a series of Europe, working on issues of Roma with the standards issued by the disputes about discrimination in rights, and was founded in 1996. International Foundation of access to education and the State ERRC has consultative status with Accountants. responses to racial discrimination. the Council of Europe, as well as They had an impact on human the Economic and Social Council of Major Achievements rights in EU membership candidate the United Nations. Since its foun- countries, by monitoring whether ding, the European Roma Rights As its biggest success so far, the candidate sets the status of Centre sought to ensure for the this organization emphasizes the Roma as a priority. They wrote a Roma, the equal access to justice, fact that they exposed and con- number of important policy docu- education, housing, health care and demned the systematic abuse of ments on behalf of the European other public services via tools the rights of Roma in Europe, but Commission (“Roma in an Enlarged necessary to combat discrimina- also focused the attention of the European Union”) and the Agency tion. European political scene to the for Fundamental Rights (“Roma A multinational Board of Roma priorities. They contributed Housing in the European Union” Directors consisting of Roma and to the development of a legal inte- and “The Status of Roma who are non-Roma lawyers, human rights rest in the region in the field of citizens of EU member states, but activists and businessmen manages Roma rights through litigation and settle in other EU countries”). this center. It is funded from multi- legal education. They provided safe Thus, the ERRC has become one of ple sources, including private foun- access to justice and redress for the leading advocates in the imple- dations, international organizati- violations of human rights of Roma mentation of anti-discrimination and human rights in Europe. In its efforts to improve the respect for Strategic Priorities human rights of the Roma, the ERRC has received numerous Thematic priorities of ERRC for the period from 2013 to 2017 awards and recognitions. include the following areas: Strategic litigation • The state’s response to violence and hate speech; • Access to education; ERRC has launched more than • Access to housing; 500 court cases in 15 countries • Freedom of movement and migration; working to bring to justice those involved in discrimination against • Personal documents; Roma, or have committed violence • Women and children rights; against them. That way, over two • Collection of scattered data. million euros in damages has been provided for Roma who suffered

14 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Human rights discrimination or violence. This in the exercise of social and eco- The report way, the ERRC wishes to reverse nomic rights. They want to assess “Over-representation the patterns of human rights vio- the impact of laws and policies lations and discrimination against applicable to contribute to better of Roma children Roma. Their goal is to empower development and awareness. in “special Roma by law and to strengthen Their current campaigns include schools” in Serbia the network of attorneys working support for: effective state on behalf of Roma. They support response to hate speech and vio- The European Roma Rights local attorneys in domestic legal lence, the implementation of a Centre European Roma Rights proceedings, both financially and comprehensive anti-discrimina- Center - ERRC published a professionally. Only if domestic tion law, the rights of Roma Statement of (re-) representation remedies would be exhausted, the women, housing rights. of Roma children in schools for ERRC then addresses the interna- ERRC provides an ongoing children with disabilities in April tional courts. support to Roma so that their 2014. The report is based on research on the results of four ERRC on Serbia years of implementation of the Law on the Foundations of In May this year, the ERRC submitted a report to the European Education from 2009, whose Commission on the progress of Serbia’s accession to the European adoption formed the basis for a Union. They discussed four areas: discrimination, education, hou- major change in the inclusive sing and forced evictions, violence against Roma. The report education of Roma. These data were collected in pointed out that Roma are still the most vulnerable minority in the 2011/12 and 2012/13 and contain country. The ERRC has been watching the education of Roma in data from 31 specialized instituti- Serbia for more than ten years, and the most important remark is ons for children with disabilities that Roma children most frequently attend «special schools», which in Serbia. According to the report, is still a big problem. A significant improvement since 2009 has been the number of Roma children mentioned. The Law on the Foundations of Education has been enrolled in the so-called “Special adopted. However, not a sufficient progress has been made in the schools” declines slowly, and their share in the total number of stu- field of Roma education. The part of the report on housing says dents in these institutions reaches about the adverse conditions of the Roma population when it comes up to 70%. to housing. From May 2013 until May 2014, the ERRC has recorded The survey is complemented nine attacks against members of the Roma minority (physical and by the survey conducted at ten verbal). They conclude that racially motivated violence in Serbia is locations across Serbia, in 128 a constant problem. households with Roma children in “special schools”. A team of 16 Roma researchers talked with Research and Advocacy situation in Europe could be Roma parents and caregivers improved (through financial, about the processes that led to An extensive research pro- legal, advisory, research the enrollment of their children gram by ERRC has provided relia- assistance). The existence of into “special schools”. ble data on the status of Roma such an institution gives hope and violation of their human for further progress in the rea- The report can be downloa- rights. Attention is paid to racially lization of the rights of Roma ded at: http://goo.gl/AAFprC. motivated discrimination and vio- and that is its great signifi- Contact: European Roma lence against Roma, as well as the cance and contribution. Rights Center, www.errc.org forms of systemic discrimination Tijana Čubrilo

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 15 Social protection

THE ESTABLISHMENT AND COMMENCEMENT OF WORK OF THE CENTER FOR FAMILY CARE AND ADOPTION

To strengthen the foster at the prevention of family AP Vojvodina for the establishment care system in the territory of separation; and commencement of work cen- AP Vojvodina, the establishment • Strengthening of the foster care ters for foster care and adoption of centers for foster care and system to provide adequate and build the professional capacity adoption is of utmost impor- alternative care, with emphasis of employees”, during the June tance. Therefore, the Regional on the development of emer- 2014, and within the framework of Institute of Social Welfare in gency foster care and foster the project activities within the collaboration with the Ministry care with intensive or additio- project “Development of the emer- of Labor, Employment, and nal support. gency foster care and preparation Social Issues defined the appro- Therefore, the first compo- of the social protection system for ach aimed at stopping the insti- nent of the project includes acti- the establishment and commence- tutionalization of children vities at the regional level and is ment of work of centers for foster under the age of three years focused on the preparation of the care and adoption in AP Vojvodina.” and reducing the number of social protection system for the The realization of this goal has children placed in institutions. establishment and sustainable begun by holding the three round This approach will be imple- commencement of work of cen- tables in regions where they will mented through three courses ters for foster care and adop- form centers for foster care and of action: tion. adoption in Vojvodina. The first round table was held in Novi Sad for the South Backa, Srem and C e n t r a l B a n a t Districts, the second one was held in Backa Topola for The West Backa, North Backa and North Banat, and the third one in Pancevo for the South B a n a t D i s t r i c t . Directors, executives and service professio- nals attended the round table from the centers for social work in the territory Photo: Provincial Institute for Social Protection Archive Protection Social for Institute Provincial Photo: of AP Vojvodina. The During the meeting interest in this topic • The support to the timely risk iden- The Regional Institute of Social was very great, as well as the active tification and referral of children; Welfare realized one of the goals of participation in the workshops. The • Piloting the new and strengthe- the project “Support to the social aim of these workshops was to ning the existing services aimed security system in the territory of review the necessary steps in the

16 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Social protection process of preparing centers for The realized activities for fos- ject. In order for support the the social work in the territory of AP tering the development of emer- establishment of centers for foster Vojvodina to take over the tasks of gency response, as well as the acti- care and adoption on behalf of the the newly formed Center for foster vities for the establishment and Provincial Institute of Social Welfare care and adoption. Also, the aim was commencement of the Centre for to be timely and comprehensive, Photo: Provincial Institute for Social Protection Archive Protection Social for Institute Provincial Photo: During the meeting also to monitor the possible difficul- foster care and adoption in Novi Sad the counselors for social protection ties and obstacles in this process, in were presented at the round table. have completed a training “Safe order to prevent and eliminate them The acting director of the Steps to fostering”. The training during the establishment of centers Center for foster care and adoption was very dynamic and stimulating for foster care and adoption. in Novi Sad, Ivana Koprivica, for all participants. During the trai- The Round table participants informed the participants of the ning, the counselors for Social clearly recognized potential diff- round table, which was held in Novi Protection have acquired know- iculties, and suggested how they Sad, about the implemented activi- ledge and skills, eliminated the could be prevented and removed. ties and the steps taken in setting existing dilemmas and shared their During the discussions, a positive up and preparing for the start of experiences in this field of work. attitude of present participants at the Center for foster care and adop- Satisfaction with the results, of all three roundtables could have tion in Novi Sad in 2014, which was both coaches at the training, as been seen, according to the need to adopted by the Government of well as of participating, was establish centers for foster care and Vojvodina. mutual. adoption, and the necessary sup- The professional empowerment port to the Center for social work in of counselors for social protection Tatijana Grnčarski, their establishment. is also one of the goals of this pro- Counselor for Social Protection

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 17 Roma Inclusion Ofﬁce

FOR A BETTER, MORE PROFESSIONAL AND EFFICIENT WORK

Coordinators with the representative of Commisioner for Protection of Equality Photo: Office Archive Office Photo:

In the organization of the Roma Inclusion Office, a three-day seminar for coordinators for Roma issues was held in late June. Roma coordinators from fourteen municipalities in Vojvodina had the opportunity to get acquainted with the work of the Provincial Ombudsman and the work of the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality.

18 e Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Roma Inclusion Office

for admission to secondary, higher of Equality familiarized the Roma schools and universities, as well as coordinators with the work, respon- part of the research on the subject. sibilities and tasks of the Commissioner for the Protection of Discrimination is not a condition that Equality. The work of this institution should be tolerated, but should be was brought closer to coordinators reacted against and seek for protection! by examples of good practice as well as with the opinions and recom- Eva Vukašinović, specialized mendations. They also presented Deputy Ombudsman for the the projects that are currently being Protection of National Minorities implemented, and the project “A has presented the work of the pro- Living Library” which is being imple- vincial ombudsman in recognition mented in cooperation with the of the work of the Ombudsman and Council of Europe Office in Belgrade, the possibility of addressing the aroused particular interest. same. The Deputy Ombudsman Roma coordinators have pointed to a significant number of expressed a desire to have this inte- applications which have been sub- resting and innovative approach in mitted to this institution on the the fight against stereotypes and basis of discrimination against chil- discrimination through a friendly dren in education. Roma coordina- conversation with those who are tors presented the problems they different than most, through discus- face in their daily work and are sion, and to be presented in their familiar with recourses to the municipalities as well. ombudsman in case they recognize This seminar is yet another irregularities in the administration. contribution to a better, more pro- The examples of good practice fessional and efficient work of as well as the opinions and recom- Roma coordinators in providing mendations of the ombudsman were help and support to the Roma com- also presented. munity. Contact with those institu- Education and implementation tions that fight against prejudice of affirmative action were of par- and discrimination, particularly ticular interest for coordinators. evident towards the Roma was also Slobodan Milivojevic, advisor to established. the Commissioner for the Protection Aleksandra Mićić

Slavica Denić, Master of Arts, the Assistant Secretary for Economy, Employment and Gender Equality and the vice president of the National Council of the Roma natio-

nal minority has presented the Archive Office Photo: implementation of affirmative action Coordinators with the representative of the Provincial Ombudsman

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 19 Roma Inclusion Office

EVERYWHERE AROUND THE GLOBE

The first editorial meeting for the magazine Decade of Roma in Vojvodina took place four years ago. A group of young people was eagerly awaiting their tasks. The meeting was organized and led by Dusko Jovanovic, Director of the Roma Inclusion Office, and a longtime journalist in the Roma Department of Radio Television of Vojvodina. With a twinkle in their eyes, the members of the editorial board listened to the stories of his journalistic life and imagined the next working day. Since then, the editorial board met every Monday, and although the number of people and the structure have changed, the optimism born that first day, remained a major feature, helping overcome all the obstacles and problems more easily and faster.

The publication “Decade of example for other communities in to the world, because the Roma are Roma in AP of Vojvodina” is an inter- addressing the same or similar not just offenders, beggars, and nal monthly publication of the Roma issues. Vojvodina serves as a model musicians. We wanted for Serbia Inclusion Office of AP Vojvodina. It in resolving the Roma issues, and for the world to meet Roma his- is printed in three languages: in because in Vojvodina precisely, tory and culture, as Roma are not Serbian, Romani and English. most had been done on the integra- people without history and culture. Given the fact that the results tion of the Roma ethnic community. In early June this year, the magazine of the Decade of Roma weren’t seen It is these models and the informa- joined through the Research and in the extent they were expected, tion we want to present to the pub- Education Center in Vrsac to the and that the Roma in the settle- lic, but also to keep track of eve- Google AD Grants for advertising ments very little or not at all rything that has been done or has the non-profit organizations. The informed about what is done in this not been done in the framework of advertisement was made to be seen field, the aim of the publication is the Decade of Roma. all over the world. On the first day, for all the institutions from the local The aim of the magazine is to the significant number of Google to the provincial level, internatio- depict the life of the Roma in a dif- users reacted to the advertisement nal institutions and non-governmen- ferent way than we are used to see (123 visitors in one day, and before tal organizations learn about the in the media, in addition to the the majority of the 13 visitors in activities carried out in the monitoring of the Decade of Roma one day). This has continued, so Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. in Vojvodina. We wanted to intro- now it has about 20 visitors daily. The experience in solving problems duce Roma artists, scientists, tea- This way, the voice of the in certain areas should serve as an chers and politicians to Serbia and magazine Decade of Roma in

20 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Roma Inclusion Office

Vojvodina is spreading around the globe. It is a sign that the optimism born in a small office on the Boulevard of Mihajlo Pupin was fruitful. The publication owes huge gratitude for this fact to its associa- tes, correspondents and readers.

The International Decade of Roma, officially declared in 2005 in Sofia, marks the biggest project at the international level, and aimed at Roma. The following countries joined this international initiative: Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, and later Spain. The goal of the Decade of Roma is to improve the position of the Roma community in the areas of education, employment, housing and health. To this end, they passed and adopted certain strategic documents and action plans, whose implementation would directly have the impact on improving the status of Roma. The Republic of Serbia has also accepted the Decade, adopted the Strategy for Integration of Roma and adopted an action plan for education, employment, housing and heal- thcare.

Jovana Davidovic

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 21 In memoriam

ETERNALLY AWAKE Photo: Mina Karadzic Mina Photo: His life story is movie-like. As he pointed out himself, he was a man without biological origin. He was left as a baby in a suitcase at the train station on the last day of January 1948. He was at the Children’s Hospital until May 31, when Todor and Bojana Karadzic adopted him. That same day, he was baptized at Nikolajevska church in Novi Sad and was baptized by the name of Slobodan Karadzic. In the hospital’s protocol book, he got noted as Nenad Putnik. Nenad - because he appea- red suddenly and Putnik - because he was left at the train station and also after the famous pediat- rician Milan Putnik, who cared of him. Hence, his administrative identity said Karadzic Nenad Slobodan.

22 e Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina In memoriam

of the family home. Words seemed to have been warm and comfortable in his artistic empire. It was my lon- gest interview. Without a pause or an unpleasant silence, surrounded by painted motifs, which a skillful eye of this artist found in the everyday life, Kanels and myself trave- led through his life for over two hours. After the formal part, two great lovers of art sat down in the garden in front of the studio. We talked about literature and painting with that passion only those who are true lovers of art have. It seemed like I was in another dimen- sion, as if time has stopped. The smell of paint in his studio, a small exhibition in the garden and quiet suburbs, gave a special touch to this conversation. I remember when we were saying goodbye; he said no one was so well prepared for for the talk with him. I just laughed and thought that I didn’t have a reason to be nervous prior to the interview. He built up his artistic identity from millions of prescripti- ons picked up in the workshops of great artists in Italy, Spain, France, Germany, England, and America. Belgrade and Novi Sad were too small for him, and were a cramped space. His paintings and drawings, as he called them bachelorettes and pupils, got married all over the world. Asians, Africans, Americans, We first met in August 2011. I just fell into place. Kanesl appea- Australians bought them. This have been preparing a long time for red at the door, smiling. His look is way, the footsteps of the great this interview. I read and listened nothing like the looks of passersby painters of the distant world are to his prior interviews. He was a we meet daily. There was something being kept. demanding interlocutor. I remem- deeper in them. It was the look of Our second meeting was on the ber that I was very nervous on the the artist. occasion of his exhibition of notes, way to his studio. I kept re-reading He introduced me to his studio, «Sketches from life» at the Club of the questions. And then everything which was located in the extension the Jewish Community in Novi Sad,

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 23 In memoriam on the occasion of International caly sublime at the same time. within you,» was his guiding prin- Roma Day. The conversation lasted Created as a result of his self-disci- ciple. As a symbiosis of internal shorter, but the encounter with his pline and continuous work, since music - self-control, continuous art was just as valuable for me. All inspiration doesn’t come so easily. work and inspiration, he created of the artist’s great loves found lace He used to get up at four in the works that continue their life in his paintings and drawings: hor- the morning. Already at five, he even after his death. His eyes are ses, nature, Roma traditions and sat down for an easel. A thought still awake in them. And it will everyday life, stumbling. is written on the easel: «Shut up, be forever. Eternally. Realistically presented, and artisti- sit down, work, it is music, music Jovana Davidovic Photo: Mina Karadzic Mina Photo:

24 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Photo-reportage Foto:Mina Karadžić Foto:Mina

e Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 25 Culture

ABOUT THE POEMS OF SLOBODAN BERBERSKI

Apart from the fact that Slobodan Berberski (1919-1989) was the first president of the World Roma Organization, was a fighter for Roma rights, recognition and emancipation of Roma people; he was also involved in literary work, which will be discussed in this article. His poetry has been translated into French, Russian, Hungarian, Romanian, Albanian, Slovenian, which testifies to its importance and value. The first poem was released in 1936. He published the following books of poetry: The rainbow will follow the rain (1950), Spring and eyes (1952), The rope (1955), The storm (1959), the Diary of War (1959), Slobodan Berberski A mild day (1964), Kote (1968), Going away of brother Jakalo (1976), Like deer without skin (1977), Just for the dream to come true for itself (1979), Međje (1982) Dub (1986).

Themes and motifs of the poet’s personal experience value if it were otherwise. He and deep experiencing these con- doesn’t write only about Roma, Slobodan Berberski is consi- flicts. Thus the reader is able to but about all people who experi- dered to be the founder of the understand and perceive the bit- enced rejection and difficult failu- modern poetry of Roma in the ter reality of the Roma people, res in life. People are shown in Former Yugoslavia. Poems in his their wanderings, hard work and everyday stumbling and decay, sor- poetry are frequently entitled with even harder life. The perspective rows, and joys. “While evoking the Romani words, which speak of his from which Berberski speaks allows Roma way of life and feelings of fascination by Roma traditions and the readers to fully familiarize the world, Berberski did not go for culture, but also of the everyday themselves with the Roma people, what is external, folklore, but for life. Roma lyrics give a special sen- although without any pathos, what is generally human, which sitivity and vibrancy because both exaggeration and slogans, without applies to all people who had diff- carry the ancient meaning, as well judgment and seeking the cul- icult times in life” – says Ali as immediacy. Thus, the poet con- prits. Krasniqi in the preface to the tributes for the centuries old Roma Roma are represented as selected poems of Slobodan traditions and culture become con- nomads in this poetry, although Berbersi. temporary and primarily for the not willingly, but under pressure However, despite all the gloom public to know that they exist, from the world around them that of Roma life, the poet expresses that the Roma people who have has always pursued them, and as the love of man and faith in a more something to offer to the world workers who are struggling to earn beautiful life, and that is the cultural heritage. a living. Optimism deeply interwoven into Through Berberski’s poetry, the core of Romani people. dramatic view of life prevails in Universality which all people come into con- The selected poems flict with the prejudices that exist It is particularly important to in society. Feelings of anxiety and emphasize the fact that the poetry The Selected Poems of drama dominate in these songs, of Slobodan Berberski has the Slobodan Berberski published by and brevity only adds to the fee- necessary note of universality, Roma Information Center in lings, which are partly the result since it wouldn’t have the artistic Kragujevac, prepared by Ali

26 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Culture

The first record

Spy in the city between the mansions, away from the river, from the bridge.

A simple word he said - freedom. A simple word he said - equality.

Spoke calmly – we are people. Spoke calmly – we are not killers.

Letters flew as a hot bird With letters tied in black knots. „Selected Poems of Slobodan Berberski“ edited by Ali Krasniqi

Phrala...

We’re writing from cardboard boxes of metal cubes.

Mud is coming to the door, trash rises to the window.

Nowhere near a sip of water to drink, machine to wash, kids to swim.

Bearable, when heat burns. But when the rain hits, you do not know what are you stepping into.

„Selected Poems of Slobodan Berberski“ edited by Ali Krasniqi

Krasniqi, came out on the occasion to a prominent Romani writer and he is considered as the founder of of the thirtieth anniversary of the “a pioneer of Roma action”, says shaping the awareness of Roma first World Congress of Roma on Krasniqi, who this way wanted to people as people with a rich cul- April 8 in 1971, in London, when contribute to the full circle of lite- ture and tradition. Today, a street Berberski just got elected for the rature from Slobodan Berberski. in Belgrade carries his name. first president. This book of Because of everything he did selected poems is a kind of tribute for the position of Roma in society, Tijana Čubrilo

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 27 Roma in the World

28 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Roma in the World

WOMAN, ROMANI, SCIENTIST

Sonja (Sofia) Krukowsky Kovalevsky (rus. Соня Круковски-Ковалевская) was a scientist with outstanding achievements in the field of mathematics. Her struggle to get an education helped for the women to be equally considered in the educational process and to gain a university degree, while she was also involved in literature - writing poems, short stories, novels, plays and literary and theatrical criti- cism. She was born in Moscow in 1850, and died in 1891 in Stockholm.

Childhood

Sofia was born into a family of noble descent. Her father was of Polish descent and served in the Imperial Russian Army, and her mother was in science, as well as her father. Sonja’s grandfather married a Romani woman, which is why the whole family lost the nobility status. She discovered mathematics at an early age. According to her own statements, her father’s notes from differen- tial and integral analysis have always been on the wall of her room, which she successfully sol- ved at the age of 11, while she taught herself trigonometry at 14. Her uncle Peter also contributed for Sofia to start dealing with mathematics because the two of them spent a lot of time talking about various mathematical con- cepts and problems.

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 29 Roma in the World

Education she turned to literature and jour- of the Russian Academy of nalism, so she wrote stories, the- Sciences that same year, and was The talent she possessed ater reviews and newspaper artic- granted an honorary title in required additional training and les. mathematics, she wasn’t offered education. Her neighbor, Professor a professorship. That is why she Tirtov, helped with that, since he University Career decided to return to Stockholm. persuaded her father to allow her It turned out that her environ- to continue her education in St. Sonya returned to mathema- ment wasn’t ready to accept a Petersburg, where she finished tics in 1880, when she partici- Romani woman as an equal mem- high school. However, the problem pated at a scientific conference ber of the community. occurred when she wanted to go with her paper on integrals. That to college since the closest one is when she decided to go to Literary work was in Switzerland, and unmarried Berlin to her Professor Weierstrass, women were not allowed to travel with whom she continued to be in Sofia Kovalevsky found tem- alone. Therefore, in 1868, she touch regularly. Not long after porary break from mathematical married Vladimir Kovalevsky, and her move to Berlin, her husband, problems in literature, and that then they went to Heidelberg with whom she welcomed a baby was her way to get occupied in together, a year later. In 1870, she daughter, committed suicide due life and fulfill it with other things decided to continue her education to work related failure. During beside mathematics. She said in Berlin, but she then faced that hard period, she turns to once that one cannot be a good obstacles one more time. In fact, science even more and works a mathematician unless one is a as a woman, she was not allowed lot. In 1883, she was invited to be good poet at heart. She wrote a to attend classes. Then, Professor a guest lecturer at the University novel A Russian Childhood in Karl Weierstrass, who saw her of Stockholm, and after five Russian, which was published in potential, decided to help her, and years, she got a permanent 1880. The she translated it into therefore taught her for four years tenure, and in time, became the Swedish in 1889 under the title in addition to other students. He Chair for Mechanics. That was a The Sisters Rajevsky. She is the had a huge impact on Sonja’s fur- precedent at the time, which author to two more novels, The ther mathematical development. marked a positive change in the Nihilist, The Woman Nihilist. treatment of women scientists. During her stay in Stockholm, she Temporary break from She was also the editor of a wrote a play together with her mathematics mathematical journal Acta friend Anne Leffler The Struggle Mathematica. At that time, for Happiness. In addition, she After these four years, she another man came into her life, wrote essays, poems, dramas. obtained her PhD title, therefore Maksim Kovalevsky, who just Her life ended prematurely in becoming the first woman in the came to Sweden to teach. After 1891 from the consequences of world with a PhD title from natu- Stockholm, Maksim went to Paris pneumonia. Professor Karl ral sciences, although this fact and asked Sonya to join him. Weirstrass said after her death: couldn’t help her get a job, so Nonetheless, as that meant she “People die, ideas remain. It she returns to Russia to her family, had to renounce her university would be enough for Sofia’s emi- together with her husband. work, she refused his offer, but nent personality to be remembe- However, she wasn’t able to get a continued to visit him frequently red by the subsequent generati- job even in Russia, so during her in Paris. ons for her mathematical genius home stay, she almost completely She desired to realize her and literary gift”. It should be neglected her scientific produ- professional career in her added that she encountered ction, since in the period from homeland, so she returns to numerous obstacles and forms of 1875-1880, she didn’t publish any Russia in 1889. Although she was denial, rejection, both as a scientific article. At that time, elected a corresponding member woman as well as a scientist.

30 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Roma in the World

However, that didn’t discourage her own knowledge and effort, her to fight for her rights and earn both in science and in fight for a well-deserved spot thanks to women rights. Tijana Čubrilo

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 31 DECADE OF ROMA INCLUSION 2005 - 2015

Rumunija 1. Jul 2005 - 30. Jun 2006, Bugarska 1. Jul 2006 - 30. Jun 2007, Ma|arska 1. Jul 2007 - 30. Jun 2008, Srbija 1. Jul 2008 - 30. Jun 2009, Slova~ka 1. Jul 2009 - 30. Jun 2010, ^e{ka 1. Jul 2010 - 30. jun 2011, Makedonija 1. Jul 2011 - 30. Jun 2012, Hrvatska 1. Jul 2012 - 30. Jun 2013, Crna Gora 1. Jul 2013 - 30. Jun 2014. BOSNA I HERCEGOVINA

Jul 2014. - Jun 2015.

MINISTARSTVO ZA LJUDSKA I MANJINSKA PRAVA, DR@AVNU UPRAVU I LOKALNU SAMOUPRAVU UPRAVA ZA LJUDSKA I MANJINSKA PRAVA

32 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina