The Education Department of the Council of Europe hosted Romanian and Norwegian civil society and local authorities representatives on a study visit

  • 19/09/2023
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    • The Education Department of the Council of Europe hosted Romanian and Norwegian civil society and local authorities representatives on a study visit

    Between 12 and 14 September, a representative of HEKS/EPER Romania Foundation participated at a study visit organized by the Council of Europe’s Education Department for a group of representatives of the Romanian EEA/Norway Grants Programme “Local Development, Poverty Reduction and Enhanced Roma Inclusion Programme”. The Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS) was the co-organiser of this event and Donor Programme Partner in this Programme.

    Entitled “Roma Inclusion and Empowerment – Council of Europe Standards and Cooperation Activities”, the study visit included meetings with representatives of the Council of Europe bodies such as the European Court of Human Rights, the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance, the secretariat of the Education Department, the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and the Roma and Travelers Team.

    The meetings have allowed the representatives of the Romanian local authorities and non-governmental organisations to learn more about the Council of Europe standards, strategic documents and cooperation activities in the area of education as well as Roma inclusion and empowerment, in the context of the broader work of the organisation on human rights and anti-discrimination. The study visit was also an opportunity for the participants to share their experience and best practices in the area of Roma social inclusion. In this context, the importance of education in developing a culture of democracy and an inclusive and socially cohesive society has been highlighted.

    The EEA/Norway Grants Programme “Local Development, Poverty Reduction and Enhanced Roma Inclusion Programme” in Romania is implemented by the Romanian Social Development Fund. The Council of Europe acts as International Partner Organisation in this Programme and provides strategic advice, expertise and other support in such areas as social inclusion of vulnerable groups, inclusion in education, Roma inclusion, anti-discrimination and national implementation of the European Convention on Human Rights.