© Romano Kher

The Romano Kher - Roma House Project, in collaboration with the Council of Europe’s Alliance of Cities and Regions for Roma Inclusion, would like to invite you to the International Conference on Roma Housing in Europe, that will take place in Murska Sobota, Slovenia, on 20th September 2013.

Many Roma continue to live under conditions that do not comply with the minimum standards for adequate housing. The issue of Roma housing touches upon numerous aspects, such as affordability, habitability, security of tenure, location, infrastructure, cultural adequacy, and discrimination. Substandard living conditions have consequences for other key areas of life, such as health, education and employment. In order to overcome discrimination and secure Roma effective access to full social rights, further political efforts on local and regional levels are necessary.

This international conference aims to bring together different European cities and regions in order to promote the exchange of their experiences and to engage in the discussion on living conditions of Roma in Europe. The focus lies on local and regional projects that have been implemented successfully in order to improve the living conditions of Roma.
The conference programme will include two expert panel discussions and a subsequent field visit to Roma settlements in Kamenci and Beltinci.

Participation
The conference is open for all individuals and organizations interested in the issue.

Eligibility for financial support
The participation is open to local and regional authorities from Council of Europe member states, who have run projects regarding Roma , be they nationals or more recent migrants.

The European Alliance of Cities and Regions of the Council of Europe is looking for the cities and regions which have experience and/or are interested in local and/or regional projects regarding the housing situation of Roma.

When and how to apply?
The Council of Europe is pleased to cover the travel and accommodation expenses of selected participants.
Applications for this support must be submitted using the official application form, available for downloading through our website (http://www.roma-alliance.org/uploads/bloc139/Application%20form%20standard.docl) as of 21st August 2013.

Applications should be accompanied by a description of the project/initiative (characteristics, objectives, resources, partners, results).

Applications can be sent to: alliance@coe.int until 21st August 2013.

The Taskforce of the Alliance is at your disposal should you require any further information:
Web: www.roma-alliance.org
Mail: alliance@coe.int

Note: The conference will take place on 20 September instead of 19 September (as was previously communicated).