This article presents the contribution of Amrita OBK, the Hungarian partner of the ACADE-ME – Accelerating Capabilities against Anti-Gypsyism and Discriminations in Education project.
The association recently took part in an important European meeting on minority rights, inclusion, and anti-discrimination, bringing the voice of Roma communities to the heart of the European political debate.
A Meeting for Inclusion in Brussels
Within the framework of the MARIÓ project, representatives of Amrita OBK Association participated in a major advocacy meeting in Brussels, which gathered European institutions, networks, and organisations committed to protecting minority rights and promoting social inclusion throughout the European Union.
The event served as a valuable platform for dialogue and cooperation among actors influencing EU policies on equality and human rights.
Participants included representatives from the Federal Union of European Nationalities (FUEN), the European Civic Forum (ECF), the European Women’s Lobby (EWL), the Documentation Centre for Indigenous Peoples (DoCIP), and the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO).
Also in attendance were key units of the European Commission, such as DG JUST (Anti-Racism and Roma Inclusion Unit) and DG Employment, as well as the European Parliament’s Anti-Racism and Diversity Intergroup (ARDI) and the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA).
Giving Voice to Amrita
During the sessions, Orsós Anikó, Director of Amrita OBK, presented the association’s activities in promoting Roma rights, educational equality, and women’s empowerment in Hungary and beyond.
She highlighted the importance of community-based education, intercultural dialogue, and local capacity-building as key elements for genuine and sustainable inclusion.
“Being able to present Amrita’s work and experience to European institutions and international networks is a great honour,” said Orsós Anikó.
“Our goal is to ensure that the voices of Roma people are heard in European policy dialogues and that our concrete experience in education and empowerment can contribute to long-term structural change.”
Cooperation and Shared Goals
The meeting underlined the need for stronger collaboration between national and European actors to address the challenges faced by Roma and other minorities — from structural discrimination and antigypsyism to limited access to education, employment, and civic participation.
Special attention was given to Amrita’s activities within the ACADE-ME project, a European initiative co-funded by the EU.
The project develops training modules and open educational resources (OER) to promote awareness of Roma culture, history, and inclusion in educational settings.
Through the training of teachers, social workers, and young Roma, ACADE-ME aims to challenge stereotypes, reduce early school leaving, and promote inclusion through knowledge and empathy.
A Step Towards a More Inclusive Europe
Through the MARIÓ project and participation in high-level initiatives such as this, Amrita OBK continues to promote a vision of Europe based on equality, dignity, and social justice for all communities.
Strengthening cooperation with institutions such as the Council of Europe’s Roma and Travellers Division, the European Commission, and civil society networks is essential to build inclusive policies grounded in the real experiences of Roma people.
Amrita OBK remains fully committed to its local and international work, ensuring that community experiences can contribute to European decision-making processes and that Roma voices are represented in shaping a shared future based on equality and mutual respect.
